10-28-13 Common Council Agenda & Packet

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Opportunities and Challenges One of the questions asked during the one -on -one interviews in the neighborhood was what the opportunities were in the near northwest neighborhood. The comments made during the interviews were grouped and summarized into themes that communicate similar comments. The themes identified were: • Near northwest residents and stakeholders believe many opportunities exist to beautify, green and reinvent the neighborhood. The neighbors believe there are opportunities in existing vacant lots, as well as the ones that will be created when vacant and abandoned homes are removed. Residents look forward to creating green space for community gardens, side lots for homeowners, play areas for children and opportunities for housing development There is an additional desire to see rails to trails expanded through the abandoned railroad tracks and a connection to Riverside Trail established. • Near northwest residents want to participate in an array of community events, from block parties, to events that draw community wide participation into the neighborhood. At the heart of the opportunities discussed, is social interaction and sharing in common interest and relationship with neighbors. • Near northwest residents feel there are opportunities to cultivate interest in the neighborhood by marketing its many amenities. Some of the opportunities include promotion through local employers, such as Memorial Hospital and the South Bend Medical Foundation, the better use of social media, exposing more professors, faculty and staff at local universities to the neighborhood, and even the use of neighbors to write testimonials to market a personal perspective of the area. • Near northwest residents see many opportunities to create vibrant business districts. Residents believe the following locations present opportunities, the Martin's plaza, the vacant lot in the 800 block of Portage, the commercial enterprises near Portage and Elwood, as well as Lincoln Way West commercial corridor. Residents see an opportunity to create a walkable, friendly commercial node that could provide a friendly shopping experience and gathering spots in coffee houses or restaurants. • Near northwest residents and stakeholders would like to see neighborhood youth involved in a variety of positive activities. They feel opportunities exist to use the Kroc Center, to mentor youth, to engage the elderly to interact with youth, and create a recreation center at Pinhook park. • The Mayor's Vacant and Abandoned Property Initiative brings an opportunity to focus on the issue of vacant and abandoned properties that are impacting the neighborhoods stability. Neighbors also value the opportunity and want to continue to create venues to meet city officials and department heads. Neighbors believe an opportunity exists to coordinate efforts with the county to purchase tax delinquent properties. • Near northwest residents and stakeholders feel there is an abundance of opportunities to partner with a variety of local organizations. Residents believe there is an opportunity for neighborhood employers such as Memorial Hospital, South Bend Medical Foundation and Notre Dame to work with the NNN, Inc. to influence the city to revitalize the area. Additionally, residents feel the neighborhood has allies