Greetings! THANK you all for our participation  in our survey that we conducted a few months ago.
The survey was for the purpose of seeing how strong  a "sense of community" exists on your block. Fifty  percent or twelve (12) of you participated in the survey. 
So to find out what you and your neighbors think about
living on Allen Street, PLEASE READ ON…
 
 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

1996

Yes, people on Allen Street think highly of
the block. There were consistent positive statements that all of you used to express how you like living on Allen Street. You mentioned that a community spirit and a sense of belonging exist among you on the block. You consistently mentioned PEOPLE as the TOP BEST thing about living on the block. You also used the terms sense of home, spirit of togetherness, relaxing neighborhood to characterize how much you like living on Allen. Additionally, you indicated that Allen:

• is a relatively quiet neighborhood
• has good housing with affordable rental rates
• is clean has residents who are committed to the block's future.

There is certainly a high level of connection among you on Allen! Eighty-three percent (83%) of you indicated that you know each other, that you participate in social activities, and that you talk to each other fairly often. All of you (100%) believe that residents on the block get involved in social and other community activities. In fact, you have consistently mentioned the P.L.A.C.E., your neighborhood organization, and how residents actively support and participate in many community activities. You also indicated that you are able to get information about your block through your neighbors and your community newsletter. Because of these, almost all of you (82%) DO NOT feel isolated on Allen Street, at all. This is a tremendously positive attribute that your block has and certainly something to be proud of.
 
 

NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS

This is definitely true to Allen residents!!! You indicated:

• People on the block help each other out when one of them has a problem (91%)
• People on this block watch out for each other (91%)
• People on this block would give rides to each other if needed (83%)

Although two-thirds of you agreed that Allen is a fairly safe place to live, most of you indicated concern over the increasing gang activities and other crime occurring on the block. Some of you mentioned cases of vandalism, noise and/or disturbances that occur on the block from time to time. You metioned the need to increase the feeling of safety on the block as one of your major areas to address.
 

Despite these issues and concerns, almost all of you are OPTIMISTIC that as a community you will be able to address the needs and improve the conditions on Allen. In fact, 92% of you believe that you can reduce the amount of crime on the block. On top of this, you indicated a high level of interest (83%) in assuming a LEADERSHIP POSITION on the block. These are great aspects of your community that will promote improvement on the block.
 

Overall, we were left with the impression that although Allen has some serious concerns like any other place, it is still a good place to live, and MOST of you said so.
 
 
 

If you want more information about this survey, please do not hesitate to call John Schweitzer at 353-9145, Urban Affairs Programs at Michigan State University.