SoutheastNeighborhoodStrategicActionPlan_January1995_Current

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Southeast Quality of Life Strategic Neighborhood Action Plan issues of highest priority to neighborhood residents. The forum also initiated the creation of a framework in which the neighborhood residents could themselves create a plan of action. The forum drew over 60 people representing various interests within the neighborhood, including residents, landlords, police, elected officials, and institutions. The discussion at the forum indicated that people feel very positive about most of their neighbors and the neighborhood. Forum participants viewed the area as a diverse neighborhood comprised of long-time, residents who are hard working and concerned about the quality of life in the neighborhood. Residents valued safety and peace, especially for the children, in the neighborhood. Participants identified many assets within the neighborhood that could be built upon to achieve their vision of the future. The neighborhood's key assets included area residents, the existing housing stock, the existing institutions, and the multiple generations of strong families within the neighborhood. The first, and most important, asset exists in area residents. Participants felt that many enthusiastic and talented neighbors were key assets to be built upon. "We have many of those people who are ready, willing, and able to commit their time to improving the neighborhood." Carpenters, computer experts, singers, leaders all are key opportunities to build upon in the planning process. Participants hoped that this wealth of internal assets could be built upon for area residents' future: "We want to see jobs for everyone that wants one and area youth taking active roles in leadership positions." Another key opportunity is the existing housing stock in the neighborhood. Homes in the neighborhood are affordable and many are in excellent condition; others simply need some rehabilitation work. The existing institutions within the neighborhood have a stabilizing effect on the neighborhood and contribute positively to the mix within the neighborhood. Institutions such as Riley High School, the Boys and Girls Club, and the wealth of churches are assets extremely valuable to the neighborhood. Also contributing positively to the stability of the neighborhood are the multiple generations of strong families who continue to live in the neighborhood. Participants at the public forum perceived crime levels to be a critical issue to be addressed in the neighborhood. In 5 to 25 years, participants would like to feel that security increased in the neighborhood. One resident stated, "In the future, we want to be free from the fear of drug dealers and illegal crimes in our neighborhood." Many voices at the neighborhood forum consistently stated that drug trafficking and prostitution are real problems, are of key concern for the neighborhood, and should be addressed in the planning process. 3