Mayor Glenda Hood and City Commissioner Daisy Lynum made a field trip to Charlotte, N.C., last week to inspect and praise that city's black removal efforts and gentrification of a formerly crime-plagued neighborhood.
Marvelling at luxurious, empty apartment buildings in Charlotte's First Ward, Lynum told Sentinel reporter Dan Tracy the effort could be used as a model for Orlando's Parramore neighborhood. The Charlotte neighborhood was cleared by the city with help from NationsBank. Although NationsBank Central Florida President John Lord would not commit to a similar program here, Tracy reported he was "willing to consider proposals."
But according to Gainesville lawyer Gabe Kaimowitz, NationsBank did commit to investing $10 million in the Parramore to fulfill its Community Reinvestment Act obligations. Although there is no evidence of any significant investment in the area, the Federal Reserve review of NationsBank gave it a good rating in preparation for this week's merger with fellow giant BankAmerica, and rejected Kaimowitz's request for reconsideration.
