This newsletter is brought to you
by the staff of the Sense of Community Project
at Michigan State University
Ninety percent of you reported that you either like or love living on your block, and 50% of you said you socialize with each other a few times a year. Ninety two percent (92%) of you said that people on this block would be willing to give rides to neighbors if needed, and 75% of you agreed that people on this block help each other out and comfort each other in times of need. This is a great block where many of the you (60%) stated that neighbors share the same values. Also, 100% of you indicated that you feel your sense of community is "just about right!"
Connection
Sixty percent (60%) of you said that people on this block know each other and feel connected with each other. Eighty four percent (84%) of you said that people on this block trust and like each other. You also indicated that aside from socializing with each other and having some fun, you also discuss problems on the block. None of you reported that residents here feel isolated from each other. These are encouraging characteristics for neighbors to have!
Very few of you mentioned that crime is an issue on Westchester. In fact, 75% of you feel that there is less crime on Westchester than other blocks in Lansing. Ninety two percent (92%) of you said that it is not only safe to live on Westchester, but it is even safe to walk on this block at night. All (100%) of you said that people on this block watch out for each other, and are either aware of or involved in the local neighborhood watch. Another plus is that 33% of you indicated being home during the day. Those of you who are home at this time have the important role of watching out for the others on this block.
Although two-thirds of you mentioned problems on your block, a few suggestions were made about how to improve conditions on Westchester. They are:
Empowered Residents!!
Westchester residents are empowered to improve conditions on the block. Seventy five percent of you (75%) feel that people on your block have a voice regarding important community issues. In addition, the majority of you (60%) are interested in working with your neighbors! This is a very positive aspect that every community should have. Any one of you who is interested in starting a community project should find lots of help!
The main point that we’d like to leave you with is that Westchester is a quiet block with very friendly residents. There seems to be a strong support network on Westchester. Neighbors are willing to help each other in times of need. Everyone we talked to looked forward to making Westchester an even better place to live.