The Williamsburg community group El Puente is helping to spearhead the creation of a so-called "Green Light District" in the neighborhood’s Southside section, which has changed dramatically in recent years due to an influx of development and transplants.

The 10-year initiative in the traditionally Latino area will focus on community development in areas like arts and culture, energy production, health and education.

On Friday, Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez presented El Puente with a $500,000 check to help kick off the project.

"It is incredible, the positive energy that is so much needed among Americans to be able to come here and to see that community-based organizations are taking their futures into their own hands,” said Velazquez.

Organizers say the project will begin with door-to-door canvassing of residents to get their input on a variety of issues.