Near-Northwest-Neighborhood-Plan-Final-Strategic-Plan-2019

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10 Neighborhood Energy There are a variety of activities happening within the neighborhood, each working to build a stronger Near Northwest. These efforts represent some of the positive momentum within the neighborhood; they should be acknowledged and built upon. The Near Northwest Neighborhood, Inc. (NNN, Inc.) is an established community development corporation which works to provide safe, decent, affordable hous- ing to low-moderate income households through rehabilitation, new construction and offering some rental units. The NNN, Inc. also organizes community events such as Arts Café and the Annual Chili Supper, has a community space which can be used by neigh- bors to organize activities and events of interest to them and the broader community, and brings the community together around issues that impact the neighborhood. Cross Community, Inc. is a new non-profit organiza- tion that has a goal of building houses in the neigh- borhood. Although the organization is new it was established by individuals that are invested in the neighborhood. The Near Northwest Neighborhood is full of engaged neighbors who care about the quality of life within their neighborhood. Their level of engagement falls within a wide spectrum, including being involved in public process and conversations on issues that impact the community to higher level of investments of time and resources to improve the neighborhood. There are a number of different neighbor-driven ef- forts that help make the Near Northwest unique. The Local Cup (TLC) is a pay-it-forward coffee shop that was imagined and created by near northwest neighbors. The pay-it-forward model allows all neigh- bors, no matter their income, to enjoy a coffee drink and be a part of the larger community. TLC has be- come a gathering place, bringing people together to build stronger relationships between neighbors. South Bend Bike Garage is a community cooperative where people can work on bikes together. Developed by Near Northwest neighbors, it is a place those with a bike can learn how to make repairs as well as offering used bikes to those that need one – either by buying it or earning it through volunteering time. Neighbors have also taken on place making efforts. A neighbor recently started the Sherman Avenue Com- munity Garden. Buying two tax delinquent vacant lots and creating a space where neighborhood youth help with gardening. This past summer, the neighbor orga- nized a summer concert series in the garden – inviting neighbors to come listen to local musicians while enjoying the garden surroundings. In another effort, a neighbor acquired a large-scale, almost 12 foot tall red Adirondack chair and installed it in a high-profile location along Portage Avenue. Neighbors are invited to climb into the chair to take pictures – it is not un- common to see kids and families enjoying the unique opportunity. Some neighbors have gone even further with their investment in the neighborhood and become small- scale developers. In 2007, a small group of neighbors created Chapin Park, Inc. with the goal of showing that quality historic preservation can be a model for improvement and sustainability in Chapin Park and the broader neighborhood. They have bought and restored a number of properties in Chapin Park. Thrive Michiana, LLC was founded by a neighbor and is currently working on establishing a triple-bot- tom-line demonstration urban infill project in the neighborhood. The focus area of its efforts is located around the area of California Avenue, Portage Av- enue, and Cushing Street. To date, it has partnered with Habitat for Humanity and New Energy Homes to build five net-zero houses and it has rehabilitated a few buildings – both residential and mixed use. They own additional properties, including the space used by South Bend Bike Garage, with plans for additional development and rehabilitation of buildings within its focus area. Engaged neighbors are involved in the Chapin Park Neighborhood Association (CPNA), which focuses its efforts in the historic Chapin Park. CPNA brings to- gether neighbors and organizes activities such as the annual Halloween Party and Christmas event. The Urban Garden Farmers Market is a weekly farm- er’s market that occurs from spring through fall in the NNN, Inc. parking lot and community space. It pro- vides a place for neighbors to buy fresh local produce and goods directly from the producers. All of these efforts help to make the Near Northwest Neighborhoods a vibrant and active neighborhood that neighbors enjoy calling home.