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Southeast Quality of Life <br />Strategic Neighborhood Action Plan <br />contribute to a strong neighborhood core. However, interviewees stated that <br />core is being threatened with the infusion of drugs and crime, deteriorating and <br />boarded up housing, an increasing proportion of rental properties, vacant lots, <br />decaying infrastructure, and the increasing numbers of large institutional users <br />into the neighborhood. "If we don't do something soon, there won't be a <br />Southeast Side neighborhood." <br />Interviewees suggested that the neighborhood has a history of joining together <br />to work toward a common goal such as the Bowman Creek United Neighbors <br />and following the Coleman shooting groups rallied together to oppose violence <br />within the neighborhood. However, interviewees repeatedly stated that a lack <br />of resident participation supporting SEQL and in this planning process has been <br />a frustrating obstacle to overcome. Determining ways to increase resident <br />participation should be considered to be a key objective. Further, youth and <br />adult leadership training was also consistently identified as a key program to <br />implement to ensure that the neighborhood will have a constant supply of <br />active, vocal leadership from the community in the future. Interviewees <br />supplied numerous names of persons who have actively supported <br />neighborhood activities in the past and could be helpful in the strategic action <br />planning process. <br />The housing issue was of great concern to all interviewees. Homes are being <br />acquired, boarded, demolished, and either not replaced or institutional users are <br />taking them over. They implied that a critical mass of single family housing <br />must exist to preserve the neighborhood. Interviewees would like to see a <br />stabilization within the neighborhood. They further identified the relocation <br />program as a.great benefit to the community. Homes are acquired by the HDA, <br />relocated, rehabilitated, and residents are placed. An important portion of this <br />program that should be expanded, according to interviewees, is a "homeowner <br />maintenance" program. New homeowners need continued support and <br />education on the basics of homeownership, budgeting, property maintenance, <br />etc. Further, there are several other funding sources through city programs to <br />assist with home rehabilitation and infrastructure improvements. Further, banks <br />should work closer with the neighborhood residents in presenting options for <br />homeownership financial support including demonstrating their own compliance <br />with the federally mandated Community Reinvestment Act. <br />Other housing issues revolve around the increasing proportion of rental <br />119 <br />