March 1996
Lansing, MI
The Granger Gazette
Greetings Granger residents! Thank you very much for
your participation in our survey that we conducted a few months ago. The
purpose of the survey was to see how strong a "sense of community" exists
on your block. We had a very good response rate from your block (67%).
We greatly appreciate your participation! Here is what 10 of your neighbors
said about Granger Drive...
We asked you questions about issues such as safety,
neighborhood participation, sense of connection with one another; and neighborhood
support. Most of you told us that there was not much participation, connection,
and support among the residents on Granger. However, 60% of you said that
you would be interested in assuming a leadership role on your block; and
100% of you said that you would be interested in working with your neighbors
to improve conditions on Granger. These are impressive responses compared
with the responses of the residents we interviewed on other blocks.
Strong Sense Of Safety
One area where you felt confident about was the issue
of safety on Granger. You mentioned:
-
Granger has less criminal activity than other blocks
in Lansing (67% agreed).
-
People on Granger feel that it is a safe place to live
(70% agreed).
-
Residents feel that it is safe to walk on Granger at
night (80% agreed).
-
Residents feel that they can reduce the amount of crime
on Granger (90% agreed).
Connection and Support
As mentioned, many of you indicated to us that there
was not a high level of support and connection on Granger. Here is some
of what you reported:
-
No one (0%) agreed that people on Granger know each
other.
-
10% of you agreed that people on this block comfort
each other in times of need.
-
20% of you agreed that people on this block would give
rides to each other if needed.
-
20% of you agreed that people on this block feel connected
to each other.
-
30% of you agreed that people on this block feel comfortable
lending and borrowing from each other.
Overall Sense of Community
Overall, you indicated that there is little sense
of community on Granger because people do not know each other and seem
to prefer to be by themselves. However, all of you said that you want to
work together to improve relationships and the general conditions on the
block. This is very promising and exciting. And, definitely, something
that can be explored by all residents on Granger.
Granger Scores a Bulls-Eye on Recycling
Although you told us that people on this block do
not participate in some community activities, 90% of you said that Granger
residents participate in the curbside recycling program. Congratulations!
Thank you again for participating
in our survey. If you have any questions,
please feel free to contact John
Schweitzer at 353-9144, Urban Affairs, Michigan State University.