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Southeast Quality of Life <br />Strategic Neighborhood Action Plan <br />Since much of the use of neighborhood property is for housing, there is <br />substantial overlap between the strategies of the Land Use and Physical <br />Environment and the Housing Task Forces. It is worthy of re -emphasis to state <br />that the physical characteristics of housing strongly influence the character and <br />attractiveness of the physical environment of the neighborhood. This Task <br />Force suggests actions which continue the existing density/intensity of the <br />single-family dwelling areas as they have existed prior to neighborhood decay, <br />including infiil or relocation of homes to properties where homes have been lost. <br />The Task Force also underscores the need to maintain both the structural <br />integrity of homes as well as their appearance through active maintenance, <br />housing rehabilitation and code enforcement programs. <br />The neighborhood is made of neighbors more than of homes. The Task Force <br />calls attention to the relationship between homeownership, pride and attention <br />to property maintenance, and the level of participation in neighborhood <br />activities. With some exceptions, neither landlords nor their tenants have <br />shown a desire to participate in activities which support the neighborhood nor <br />have they adequately maintained their homes. The Task Force's strategy to <br />maintain the core of the residential neighborhood includes actions which will <br />make homes more available to buyers who will live in them, maintain them, and <br />become active members of the neighborhood. This may include active <br />intervention to assure that homes are attractive to homebuyers, that they are <br />marketed to homebuyers, and that attractive financing is available to <br />homebuyers. <br />Street improvements, separation of commercial zoning from residential, and <br />interim use of land designated for ivy Tech and parkland also play essential roles <br />in the stabilization of the neighborhood. Street improvements not only enhance <br />the overall appearance of the neighborhood, but also can create a more <br />pedestrian friendly atmosphere and enhanced atmosphere for children and <br />family recreation. Identifying interim uses for large expanses of open spaces <br />also ensures not only an enhanced appearance but also can satisfy the <br />recreational demands of the community. Finally, by separating commercial <br />zoning from residential zoning, the community protects its single-family <br />character and establishes a level of defensibility for that single family character <br />in land use decisions. <br />52 <br />