An excellent article explaining the dynamics of weak markets in neighborhoods, how they occur and how they can be changed.

Notes on Structural Changes: Redefining the problem of weak markets

by Charles Buki and Elizabeth Humphrey Schilling

Read and share your thoughts on how we can restore confidence of existing residents and instill confidence of potential residents.

It was announced this week $6.7M would be invested in the S. Ellen Jones and East Spring neighborhoods to rehab and build new homes. The funding is via the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP), which was established to stabilize communities that have suffered from foreclosure and abandonment. Read more about the program here. Read the Tribune article announcing the funding at this link.

Obviously, this is amazing news. The ripple effect of this investment will be felt throughout all of our neighborhoods, not just East Spring and S. Ellen Jones.

The administration held several meetings with residents during the application process late last year and early this year. We can expect continued open communication and participation with this project. However, as I'm sure all can understand, this is going to be a complex project and it may take some time before we get briefed on the details.

In the meantime, we can continue to focus on existing projects, including the image/re-branding project which will be essential to attracting new homeowners to our neighborhoods and the Ritter park enhancement action plan which recently got unanimous support from the Parks Board.

Click here to view engagement opportunities in the neighborhood.

Area residents recently returned from Milwaukee, WI after attending the NeighWorks America Community Leadership Institute.  It was an amazing trip.  Read more about it at Ted's blog. 

Action Planning is underway to utilize the $2,000 grant we received at the conclusion of the conference.  Soccer at Ritter Park anyone?  Please contact Ted at fulmore_runner@msn.com to participate in planning the project.

Instances of Graffiti in the area have increased recently.  Timely removal or covering is critical to fighting graffiti. 

Please report instances of graffiti on your property by completing the "Graffiti Report Form" viewable by selecting the "more" button below. 

If requested, a volunteer will be made available to assist in removing the graffiti. 

A must read essay exploring how important the link is between schools and revitalization.

"Schools and Neighborhood Revitalization: An Invitation to New Thinking"
By Michael Schubert (mfscds@aol.com)

This is a must read for those interested in a long-term strategy for revitalizing neighborhoods.  This example is from Battle Creek, Michigan.  These techniques were successful there and could be applied in New Albany. 

Leveraging Home-Ownership Promotion as a Tool for Neighborhood Revitalization, By David Boehlke*

*This article was reproduced with approval of the author and NeighborWorks America®