If you’re in the area around Oakridge Drive in Port St. Lucie, it’s easy to see a community.
There are remnants of Fourth of July celebrations, and kids riding their bikes down the street.
But where is this exactly?
“The neighborhood in front of Southbend," is how one woman described it.
It’s that type of response that gave city leaders an idea. Carmen Capezzuto, the Port St. Lucie Neighborhood stood in front of a multi-colored map to explain the city’s new NICE program. NICE stands for "Neighborhood Improvement and Community Engagement."
“We want to give all of our neighborhoods a sense of identity, a sense of distinction," said Capezzuto.
Oakridge Drive is at the heart of the first effort. Homeowners in the area are being asked to vote on their favorite name. There are 12 finalists. Four have some form of Oakridge in the name since it's the main road in the area.
But Gina Lewis likes Canal Pointe, since the C-24 canal forms the neighborhood's southern border.
“It should be, bring the neighbors closer together. My neighborhood is awesome, all of our neighbors look out for each other," said Lewis.
The city says it could be easier to look at capital projects by neighborhood, and names may help Realtors.
“When they’re selling homes, they can say, ‘Hey, maybe you should look at these parts of the community’,' "said Capezzuto.
If you live in the area and haven't filled out your ballot yet, you can bring it to a community meeting July 11th at 6:30 p.m. at Port St. Lucie City Hall. The goal is to have new neighborhood names created throughout the city over the next year.
@CityPortStLucie Do you have a NICE neighborhood? Stop by our NICE booth at Freedom Fest, July 4, Civic Center. #Neighborhood Services Dept pic.twitter.com/w6u8Av7nL6
— Carmen A. Capezzuto (@czzuto) June 30, 2017
