After two consecutive years of economic decline, redevelopment agency officials are projecting an increase in property taxes, which will enable them to continue their revitalization of neighborhood improvements, part of the Strong Neighborhood Initiative programs.

"It's good news for our neighborhoods," Harry Mavrogenes, redevelopment agency executive director, said.

The initiative programs will receive $41 million in funding over the next two years, according to a recent redevelopment agency study session with the San Jose City Council on Aug. 22. The agency also plans to infuse the neighborhood business districts with $20 million in funding.

Funding will cover constructing a 2,400 square-foot community center in the Hoffman/Via Monte neighborhood in Almaden Valley and providing partial grants for exterior improvements to apartment buildings. In Burbank/Del Monte, the funds will go toward studying and developing more parks, while in the Greater Gardner community in North Willow Glen, funds will be used for the construction of Fuller Park--which broke ground on Aug. 20--streets and streetscape improvements.

San Jose District 3 Councilwoman Cindy Chavez noted other improvements in Greater Gardner are also being addressed.

The "worst" streets in San Jose are in the process of being repaired. These streets include Delmas, Minor and Spencer avenues. W. Virginia Street and Delmas Avenue also received new streetscapes and lighting. The Gardner Community Center, a beneficiary of redevelopment funding, went through a major renovation last year. It now boasts state-of-the-art amenities that include a fitness room and a restaurant-style kitchen.

Chavez said the city still needs to do its part to support neighborhood programs and push as much money into the communities as possible, even though the upturn in the economy has made funding more available.

San Jose Mayor Ron Gonzales will present his budget for the redevelopment agency at the city council meeting scheduled for Sept. 13.