Revitalizing neighborhoods

I was excited to see a couple of stories in the local paper this morning about people in Jamestown who are stepping up to improve things in their neighborhoods. One group is starting a new Neighborhood Watch (joining a coalition of other watch groups that work in cooperation with the Jamestown Police Dept. to prevent crime in their neighborhoods).   


Another story related the efforts of one guy taking it upon himself (and friends) to clean up several blocks of his own street--literally. He walks the neighborhood picking up trash, reporting code violations and suspicious activity, all in the name of "reclaiming" the neighborhood (which also has an existing watch group) of which he has been a lifelong resident. 


These are the kinds of grassroots efforts which need to be repeated all over the city to help bring about the kind of neighborhood revitalization envisioned in the report of the czb consultant team that performed a detailed study of Jamestown neighborhoods and reported their findings and recommendations earlier this year.


I read the report with great interest and found it immensely encouraging. Although the population and jobs in Jamestown have been declining for many years,  property values are flat, and pockets of blight have infected some areas, the consultants concluded that

In a nutshell, Jamestown is a place that ought to be valued and loved more. It is a place that deserves attention and investment.

...

The residents of Jamestown in 2010 benefit from many important strengths. Surely, Jamestown is one of the most beautiful towns in the United States. Second, the setting - Chautauqua County - is one of the most idyllic, as well. Third, the homes, spacious yards, rich civic life, good schools, and historic architecture, all make Jamestown a great place to raise a family. Dollar for dollar Jamestown may offer among the highest quality of life options found anywhere in America.

The consultants suggested that residents need to develop confidence in the strengths of their community in order to feel free to make the investments in their properties (mostly little fixes) that will make Jamestown's neighborhoods shine again.


While it is possible for government to provide incentives to promote the desired actions, the real momentum is going to have to happen in the neighborhoods themselves. And that is why it is vital for neighborhood leaders to emerge and initiate the kinds of conversations and activities that will rekindle the sense of community that has to a large degree been lost in our neighborhoods as changing times have brought about changing lifestyles. 


Earlier in the year I became aware of a city neighborhood that had formed a grassroots organization called Northside Pride. Not only did these neighbors get to know each other, they formed partnerships with the city and several local organizations, and applied for grant money which led to substantial improvements. New curbs and sidewalks were constructed. More than 100 trees were planted. A vacant lot was cleaned up and landscaped. Vacant homes were purchased by the Chautauqua Home Rehabilitation and Improvement Corp. and renovated for resale to owner-occupants.

This is a great illustration of the Margaret Mead quote:  Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.


More like this, please.