No. 2383 contracting the boundaries of the West Washington-Chapin Development Area

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citizens, feel "stuck" because they cannot obtain a reasonable price for their houses if they can sell them. With regard to the historic district designation, responses were mixed: some of those interviewed saw it as an overall benefit, but acknowledged that the benefits have not accrued to the low income residents, while several others expressed concern that displacement gentrification could result. Most expressed no opinion about expansion of the district. 2. What is the overall role and function of the Near Westside relative to the City as a whole? Most respondents noted that the Near Westside is the oldest South Bend neighborhood, and that it plays an important role in its history. Several indicated that the area represents the center of the Black community of South Bend, and formerly, the Polish community. Others suggested that the area is not important to the City, which has other priorities. 3. What role could the Near Westside play? Respondents were very optimistic about the future role of the area, suggesting that it could serve as a model of racial and economic integration, and as a model of urban revival. Several offered specific suggestions, such as: public institutions should be located on Washington Street; the area should provide a mixture of housing, industry and neighborhood commercial land uses; and, that downtown could expand westward. 4. a. How do you believe others perceive the Near Westside? Those interviewed unanimously believe that non-residents perceive the Near Westside negatively, primarily as a high crime, poor, Black area. To that list others added that the area is perceived as being a bad investment, that it is the "dumping ground" for the City's social ills, and that the news media help perpetuate the negative image. b. Do you think the South Bend area has enough people who would want to live in a neighborhood like the Near Westside if something positive happens? The second part of the question triggered a range of responses from mildly pessimistic to mildly optimistic, but all agreed on the need to change the image of the area, and on the need for a commitment of resources. Several respondents indicated that middle and upper income people would not choose the area as long as land is generally available in South Bend, while others expressed concern about displacement of the poor. S. Is there a sense of pride among residents of the Near Westside? The majority of those interviewed responded with an unqualified, "yes." However, several thought that neighborhood pride is limited to a small number of long-time or especially dedicated residents. 6. What are the Near Westside's primary assets and advantages? The neighborhood's proximity to downtown was the asset most frequently cited, followed by the historic district or houses available for rehabilitation, the area's institutions, and its sense of community. 7. What are its problems or liabilities?