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Activist Bringing Neighbors Together

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By JOSE PATINO GIRONA

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 10, 2008

RIVERSIDE HEIGHTS - Dianne McNeilly's vision is to unify communities.

The new president of the Riverside Heights Civic Association said one of her initiatives will be to work with other neighborhoods to build consensus on issues facing the urban core as it grows and changes.
McNeilly plans to meet with representatives from the Tampa Heights Civic Association and Seminole Heights' neighborhood groups, and hopes the organizations can form a network that meets once or twice a year.

Many projects, such as the city's Riverwalk, The Heights development in Tampa Heights and expansion of Interstate 275, affect life in the city's center and these communities, she said.

"We have to pull together to make sure the neighborhoods stay the way they are," said McNeilly, 43.

As the leader of an emerging neighborhood, McNeilly's challenge is to draw attention to the area without hurting its ambience.

She said the area has maintained its feel because it is a secret to many people. Riverside Heights is bordered by Columbus Drive, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, North Boulevard and the Hillsborough River.

McNeilly, a Medicare specialist for United Healthcare in Tampa, arrived in Riverside Heights 17 years ago when she bought a 1947-built house on Ohio Street. The tranquil neighborhood and central location have kept her there.

"It is definitely a neighborhood that needs to keep its preservation," she said. "That is the charm of the neighborhood - the history, the friendliness."

She had never served on the association board but decided to run for president after recognizing the talents board members brought to the group.

She plans to continue the biannual newsletter and an annual Easter egg hunt. She also wants to improve communication by promoting the neighborhood's Web site, visiting residents and creating a network to host backyard parties.

She also would like to start a youth baseball league at the neighborhood's Duran Park.

There are 1,400 homes in the neighborhood and the association has 167 household and business members. Annual dues are $12 for residences and $25 for businesses.
McNeilly said about 20 people attend the association's meetings. She would like to see more participation but understands that people have their plates full. She hopes residents will attend meetings and lend support when there is a big issue.

"I'll be your voice," McNeilly said. "But when I need you and your voice, I need you to come to the meeting."

Kathy Evans, the association's vice president, said McNeilly has the energy for the volunteer, two-year post.

"She has the ambition to do it," said Evans, an 11-year resident. "She wants to do it."

McNeilly, who has a bachelor's in business administration from Eckerd College, said the experience might serve as training to run for city council.

"I want to make a difference," she said. "This is like school for me. This is my learning tool."

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Riverside Heights Civic Association meeting

WHEN: 7 p.m. Oct. 28

WHERE: Franciscan Center, 3010 N. Perry Ave.

CONTACT: www.riverside heights.org or riversidehca @aol.com

Reporter Jose Patino Girona can be reached at (813) 259-7659 or jpatino@tampatrib.com.

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