THRIVING NEIGHBORHOODS

"These neighborhoods are also places where children can walk to school and play in parks without fear. Seniors can enjoy what is supposed to be the best years of their life."

The City of Detroit's greatest strength is our people. Quite often, residents are not properly informed of critical decisions, problems, and opportunities facing our city. This has a direct effect on the cohesiveness of our neighborhoods. If supported by the city and properly organized, neighborhood organizations could effectively address many of the challenges within our community.

Residents need to first renew their neighborly bonds. There are residents on every block in the city who have never met the people who live next door, across the street, or to the rear of them. It is important to know your neighbor because they are your extra "eyes and ears". Once this neighborly bond has been created, there is a sense of fellowship that solidifies a team concept within the neighborhood. Each neighbor looks out for one another. It is not uncommon for an organized neighborhood to experience a reduction in crime as well as improved police/community relationships. These neighborhoods are also places where children can walk to school and play in parks without fear. Seniors can enjoy what is supposed to be the best years of their life.

"Safe, clean, and organized neighborhoods help retain residents."

Clean neighborhoods are also important. With the local economy in a downturn, there are some services that the city once provided and has not been able to supply as efficiently as in the past. City leaders need to be creative in developing partnerships that boost services which have a direct impact on improving the quality of life for its residents. Year-long partnerships should be crafted with businesses, civic organizations, and neighborhood associations with a sole focus of restoring and improving the appearance of our neighborhoods. Areas most in need of attention should be prioritized for assistance.

City officials should explore the practicality of a residential recycling program that rewards participating homeowners with a monetary reimbursement or tax abatement. This could reduce the amount of debris on the streets by placing a value on litter that was previously overlooked or tossed aside.

"Review and overhaul of the demolition process for dangerous abandoned/vacant structures."

The city of Detroit has around 44,000 vacant abandoned homes and this has an absolute effect on the property value of residents who share neighborhoods with these structures. These vacant abandoned homes often serve as a magnet for several types of unlawful activity ranging from arson to illegal dumping to prostitution to narcotic sales. Additionally, curious children are dangerously drawn to them during their play. It can take many years dollars to begin the demolition process of one of these structures. There has to be an immediate review and overhaul of the demolition process for dangerous abandoned/vacant structures in our city that expedites the procedure.

Safe, clean, and organized neighborhoods help retain residents. By retaining residents or attracting new ones to the city, additional tax revenue is secured which supplements the overall local economy. Children of Detroit should be allowed to grow up safely and remain here as adults to make Detroit the home for their children.