River Park East — Naples’ only historically Black neighborhood — continues to grapple with what residents describe as long-standing neglect, decades after its formation in the 1960’s.
The community, tucked near the Gordon River off Goodlette-Frank Road, has deep historical roots as a neighborhood where Black families lived during the era of segregation. As Naples grew wealthier over the years, neighbors say their needs have been consistently overlooked by city leadership.
WATCH RIVERPARK EAST NEIGHBORS EXPRESS THEIR CONCERNS AT THE NAPLES CRA MEETING:
Residents of historic Black neighborhood urge Naples to address long-standing problems
“Our community is – and I hate to believe that this is the case, because I’m not one that throws the race card out there – but it seems though there is systemic racism going on as it pertains to the funding,” said James Whitaker, president of the River Park East Homeowners Association…