We would like to thank you for your participation in the survey that we conducted few months ago. Just to refresh your memory, we came to your neighborhood to ask you what it is like living in Hill Street, specifically, how everyone perceives the "sense of community" that exists among the residents. 

To express our appreciation for your participation and hospitality, we have designed this newsletter specifically for your block to share with you the result of our study. It is also our desire to work with you in identifying community development projects that will develop or strengthen the sense of community on your block. We hope to be back in your neighborhood to meet with you and the rest of your neighbors in the very near future.

So, without much ado, let’s take a look at what 16 of your neighbors said about Hill Street.

Who lives on Hill Street?

One special thing about the block, according to most of you, is the presence of a wide range of pre-school and school age children. Half of those we interviewed indicated that they have children who are under 5 years old; two-thirds of them have kids between five and twelve, but very few of them have teenagers in the family.

"People are very supportive, want to help, any time you need someone," according to almost all of your neighbors. About 81% of the residents we interviewed affirmed that people take care of each other plants, pets, kids, and even a neighbor’s yard for free. 

"It’s kind of quiet here and nobody bothers you," according to one who has just moved in. In general most of your neighbors feel good about being able to know and connect with each other in a special way.
 
 

Most of the problems mentioned were about people not taking care of their properties; that is, poorly kept yards and houses. Also, several of the residents mentioned the possibility of drug dealing occurring in the neighborhood as well as occasional problems with cars traveling too fast. Some of you expressed that it gets to be stressful at times when children are very noisy in the street.

Does a feeling of "sense of community" exist in this block?

Absolutely yes! However, most of you think there is too little of it, believe it or not. But, consider this exciting news. Most of your neighbors believe that there are several ways that you can improve it and the general condition of the block. Not only that, almost everyone agrees that residents on your block have the capability to plan and take part in the community building process. In fact, six of your neighbors are strongly interested in assuming a leadership role, and about half of your neighbors expressed willingness to work with you in any community development activities on the block.
 

Let’s examine some of the needs and activities your neighbors have suggested.

• block parties

• need to organize

• community clean-up

• programs for the children

• a leader or leaders in the block

• increase socialization in the neighborhood

Yes, where shall we start. With the hope of establishing a good start, several students from Michigan State University, including the staff of the Sense of Community project would like to come and visit you again. We are also planning to organize a neighborhood meeting which we encourage everyone to attend. The date and place will be announced very soon.

All residents on Hill Street are cordially invited to a Halloween Partyto be held October 28, 1996, Saturday, at the Network Center. You don’t want to miss the fun, come bring the whole family and meet your neighbors.

This party is sponsored by the CARS organization. For more information, contact the Network Center at 483-7663.

We want to hear from you. If you have any questions, suggestions, or comments, please do not hesitate to call our contact persons John Schweitzer and Annalie Campos, at 353-9145 or leave us a message at 353-1944.