[ Data Book ]
Any effective revitalization effort must take a comprehensive approach to addressing physical, social, and economic issues. The interview results demand this type of approach. The 132 resident and community/business leader interviews provide direct input into the development of prioritized programs and policy recommendations.
Housing improvement could best be achieved through both rehabilitation and new housing development. Typical resident sentiment in this area involved the desire to, "Fix up what we have and build some more." All the residents interviewed expressed a desire for new housing construction in Emerson Park. The desired number of units is 200 to 450. Institutional leaders called for the rehabilitation of existing housing stock. They see the quality of historic housing in Emerson Park as a major community resource to expand.
Both residents and leaders identified cleaning up the neighborhood as a top priority. Residents voiced strong feelings about the need to remove trash and demolish derelict and abandoned buildings in the neighborhood. One woman exclaimed that, "Once it’s clean…then the rest of the city won’t bring their trash here!" For community leaders, the physical appearance of Emerson Park is regarded as a deterrent to investment in the neighborhood. Revitalization efforts need to include plans for addressing these issues through zoning and code enforcement and through improved municipal service delivery.
The need to further reduce crime in the neighborhood was identified by residents and leaders alike. For residents, drug dealing and prostitution are seen as major problems. One resident stated, "We need to get rid of the drug dealers and the prostitution." Theft is another concern. Residents see improved police visibility and faster response time as the solution. One resident stated, "The police should take care of people hanging around Lessie Bates Davis House. I wouldn’t trust being out there at night." Institutional leader saw crime as a probable deterrent to the revitalization efforts.
An increased number of youth services is desired by residents, leaders and youth program providers. Children are a primary concern in the neighborhood and residents call for the plan to, "Work on something for the kids - kids should come first." Youth services offered at the Lessie Bates Neighborhood House were rated high, but expanded services are needed. Younger children, those under 5 years of age, and older youth, those over age 13, were identified as needing expanded recreational, educational, and vocational programs. Institutional leader identified quality schools and child care as essential elements for community redevelopment. In the words of one leader, "The first thing you will have to do is address the issue of the schools - without good schools, no one will want to move to the area."
Virtually all of the residents, 92%, stated they will use Metro-Link for transportation once the Emerson Park station is completed. The station itself is seen as an opportunity for new local economic development. Increased access to jobs through Metro-Link transportation provides another economic opportunity. Institutional leaders identified the need for revitalization efforts to capitalize on the location of the neighborhood and on the new Metro Link Station, but stressed that economic development, even at the rail station, would be more feasible after physical infrastructure problems had been addressed.
Document author(s) : Cathy Klump