02-27-96 Residential Neighborhoods

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Committee Report Residential Neighborhoods February 27, 1996 Page 3 She also noted that by having two Centers two and one half blocks apart also caused many problems. She stated that another need for all Centers should be that they should be handicapped accessible. She also recommended that when selecting buildings that they should be aware of the surrounding neighborhoods since often times there will be up to 30 children or more doing outside activities and a substantial number of cars which will impact the area.They decided to move in with the other Center which is working out okay. She stated that she believes a residential unit is better than a commercial structure overall. Pat Borham who grew up in the Southeast area is a coordinator of the Southeast Partnership Center and described their activities. She stated that the Center opened in 1993 and that she has a least 15 calls by the time she gets there at 9:00 A.M.each day. She stated that they have similar programs as the other Neighborhood Centers with regard to activities. The Police Department is very active in the Center and they have crime prevention programs every Tuesday from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. They also use a parish nurse who goes to the homes. They also received a YMCA grant to target various youth programs. They try to provide a positive place and often have approximately 15 children after school each day. In response to further recommendations requested by Council Member Pfeifer,it was noted that the City should be aware that one of the very positive programs at all Partnership Centers are the one-to-one specific problem solving that goes on both in person and by telephone. Problems such as problems with electrical bills to information about a drug house are some of the various items discussed. It was also recommended that when new centers are opened that often times there is a perception problem. When one center is moved a few blocks, often times there is a misunderstanding as to why the move is taking place. Council President Kelly stated that we must be sensitive to such items and overall he believes the Partnership Centers have been highly successful. In response to question raised by Council Member Pfeifer, it was noted that the Community Health Coverage program provides insurance coverage at no cost for up to 200 individuals which has been in existence for almost 2 years but there are still openings for such a program. Council Member Pfeifer thanked all individuals for coming and for providing information on each of their centers. There being no further business to come before the Committee,the meeting was adjourned at 5:40 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Charlotte Pfeifer,Chairperson Residential Neighborhoods Committee