Assessment & Visioning Process for The Red River and Brandon Hills Neighborhoods, Clarksville, TN

NASHVILLE CIVIC DESIGN CENTER AN ASSESSMENT AND VISIONING PROCESS FOR THE RED RIVER AND BRANDON HILLS NEIGHBORHOODS CLARKSVILLE, TENNESSEE FINAL REPORT

This report was produced by T. K. Davis, Design Director at the Nashville Civic Design Center and Associate Professor at the University of Tennessee College of Architecture + Design with the assistance of Stephanie McCullough, Design Assistant

TABLE OF CONTENTS General Recommendations

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Schedule of Meetings

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Selected Photos from Meetings

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Summary of Neighborhood Assessment 10 Summary of Neighborhood Visioning 15 Selected Drawings from Neighborhood Assessment and Visioning 17 List of Participants 20 Appendix I. II. III. IV. V. VI.

Develop and Follow Comprehensive Plans 22 How to Organize an Neighborhood 23 Assessment Notes Listed by Table 29 Assessment Notes Listed by Affinity Cluster and Rank 36 Visioning Notes Listed by Table 44 Handout from Visioning Meeting 49

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE NASHVILLE CIVIC DESIGN CENTER The Red River and Brandon Hills Assessment and Visioning Workshops and Summary Report are initial, and essential, steps in establishing a framework for involving these neighborhoods in the Clarksville Center Redevelopment Plan.

Tax Increment Financing (TIF), as proposed in the Clarksville Center Redevelopment Plan, can be a valuable tool in urban revitalization, when utilized with discretion and effective follow-up.

As we learned from the presentation on the Knoxville South Waterfront Redevelopment Plan, a neighborhood designated as a “blighted area” may be considered an area with “dilapidation,” meaning (in Tennessee State Law) “extreme deterioration and decay due to lack of repairs to and care of the area.” This is recognition by community leadership that both additional attention and investment are required in an area.

With designation as a “blighted” neighborhood (prerequisite for TIF), it should be assumed that with this designation comes the expectation that urban revitalization will benefit the neighborhood generally, and that each property owner in the neighborhood will have an equal opportunity to potentially benefit from specific improvements through TIF. The Red River neighborhood is very vulnerable, even though APSU is on record as stating that it will not seek to acquire additional land through eminent domain, but rather through voluntary purchase agreements. The Proposed Land Acquisition Plan drawing in the APSU Campus Master Plan (February 2007) designates the two blocks bounded by College Avenue, Eighth and Ninth Streets and Marion Street for “campus expansion.” (IV. F. Figure 2) Lincoln Homes, one of the first Federal housing projects in America, and the nucleus of the Red River neighborhood, is designated for “opportunistic acquisition” by APSU, i.e. “not seek (it) out for purchase, (but) which could be purchased only if they were to become available.” (IV.F. Figure 2 and accompanying text) The Proposed Land Acquisition drawing indicates Edith Pettus Park, and part or all of fifteen blocks of the Red River neighborhood are designated for “long term expansion.” The “Future Land Acquisition” text accompanying this drawing, however, states that “Long term, as the University continues to grow, it may be conceivable and advisable for the campus to envelope the entire area between North 2nd Street (west side), Kraft Street (north side), North 9th Street (east side), and College Street (south side)… The University should also consider several areas surrounding the campus as ‘opportunistic’ acquisitions, i.e. not seek them out for purchase; those which could be purchased only if they were to become available. These areas include… Edith Pettus Park to the north, and residential land to the north and east. Currently these areas are serving as another use and appear to be highly valued by the community. There are no planned or immediate desires for acquiring such areas” (IV.F. Figure 2). This statement not withstanding, the Physical Master Plan document cover drawing indicates Edith Pettus Park as within the boundaries of the APSU campus, and having three new intramural softball fields and a new intramural multipurpose field.

The mixed signals in the report between whether Edith Pettus Park, and the residential land to the north and east are, in fact, designated for “opportunistic acquisition” or “long term expansion,” should be definitively clarified for the Red River neighborhood by APSU.

The APSU Campus is presently characterized by extensive surface parking lots in or near the core of the campus. The APSU Campus Master Plan (February 2007) calls for a denser campus in the future, with two major surface parking lots converted to structured parking decks. The Nashville Civic Design Center endorses this proposal in principle.

On many campuses, multi-level parking structures are lined by classrooms, faculty offices, dormitories, and other uses to provide attractive facades and conceal concentrated parking. If liner buildings are not utilized to conceal the potentially negative appearance of these parking structures, then precedent research into best national practices in cladding campus parking structures with high quality materials and well-designed “facades” should inform the development of these future structures.

In order to have an effective voice in its future, both neighborhoods need to organize, with strong neighborhood leadership constituting Advisory Boards. The Nashville Neighborhood Alliance, or other successful neighborhood organizations, can provide guidance and mentoring as to how to get this accomplished.

Both the City of Clarksville and APSU need to address the two neighborhoods’ perceived lack of communication on issues that directly affect them. The neighborhoods, at the same time, need to realize that without a Neighborhood Advisory Board or other similar organization, communication is inherently difficult.

Traditional, livable neighborhoods (around the nation) from the historic period of the Red River and Brandon Hills neighborhoods have a continuous network of sidewalks, in good repair, lining their streets. Sidewalks, wherever possible, are set back from the street, and are planted with trees for shade and appearance, and have continuous lighting.

Livable neighborhoods from this era are expected to have streets with proper drainage and receive necessary maintenance. The streets are narrow enough to slow traffic, but wide enough for safe passage.

Investment in this basic infrastructure significantly improves the appearance of the neighborhood and its property values, but also is a necessity for public safety—particularly for children and elders. The City of Clarksville should commit itself, as a fundamental part of its Clarksville Center Redevelopment Plan, to providing this lacking comprehensive infrastructure. This means establishing annual benchmark goals, over a set period of time, to improve infrastructure investment in these two neighborhoods.

To address the issue of “dilapidation,” both neighborhoods should be aggressively targeted by the City for development of infill affordable housing (with neighborhood appropriate mixed-uses) utilizing the strategies, tools, incentives, resources and contacts outlined in Cumberland Region Tomorrow’s Quality Growth Toolbox. The goal is to revitalize these neighborhoods in an environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable way.

For all of the above considerations, Red River and Brandon Hills are two neighborhoods that should have a Red River – Brandon Hills Comprehensive Revitalization Plan that becomes a part of the Clarksville Center Redevelopment Plan.

The next logical step for the city is to invest in commissioning a comprehensive Red River – Brandon Hills Comprehensive Revitalization Plan, with the Neighborhood Assessment and Visioning Workshops to date forming a basis for more technical and detailed recommendations on the community’s concerns and ideas.

SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS AN ASSESSMENT AND VISIONING PROCESS FOR THE RED RIVER AND BRANDON HILLS NEIGHBORHOODS All five meetings will be held at the Burt School Gymnasium Meeting One

Tuesday, July 24th 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

NEIGHBORHOOD INFORMATIONAL MEETING

Welcome by Councilman Marc Harris

Overview of the process by T. K. Davis Design Director, Nashville Civic Design Center Associate Professor, University of Tennessee

“The South Knoxville Neighborhood Involvement in a Riverfront Redevelopment District” David Hill, Chief Operating Officer, City of Knoxville

“The Austin Peay State University Master Plan” Mitch Robinson, Vice President for Finance and Administration Austin Peay State University

Questions from the Red River and Brandon Hills Neighborhoods

Special Event

Monday, July 30th 6:00 p.m.

NEIGHBORHOOD TROLLEY TOUR

For information and to participate contact: Office of Housing and Community Development at 931.648.6133

Meeting Two

Tuesday, July 31st 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

NEIGHBORHOOD ASSESSMENT WORKSHOP

Review of current and future meeting agendas

“A Red River and Brandon Hills Neighborhoods Self-Assessment Workshop: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats”

Table discussion work sessions followed by table reports and group prioritization exercise

“The Clarksville Center Redevelopment Plan” Wayne P. Wilkinson

Meeting Three

Tuesday, August 14th 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

NEIGHBORHOOD VISIONING WORKSHOP

“A Red River and Brandon Hills Neighborhood Visioning Workshop: What Can We Envision for the Neighborhoods’ Future?”

Review of results from prior meeting

Review of current and future meeting agendas

Table discussion work sessions, followed by table reports and a group prioritization exercise

Meeting Four

Tuesday, September 4th 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 pm.

DRAFT REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS

“What We Heard and What We Recommend: What Is the Neighborhoods’ Response?”

“Ten Principles of Livable Neighborhoods” presentation

Meeting Five

Tuesday, September 18th 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

FINAL REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS

“A Final Report from the Nashville Civic Design Center: What We Heard and What We Recommend”

Questions and comments from the neighborhoods

Block by Block: Reclaiming Neighborhoods by Design An Accent on Architecture Television Production of The American Architectural Foundation

Mike Hodge of the Nashville Neighborhood Alliance “Getting Neighborhoods Organized – Why It Matters and How It’s Done”

Questions and comments from the neighborhoods

SELECTED PHOTOS FROM MEETINGS

AN ASSESSMENT AND VISIONING PROCESS FOR THE RED RIVER AND BRANDON HILLS NEIGHBORHOODS RED RIVER NEIGHBORHOOD STRENGTHS, WEAKNESSES, OPPORTUNITIES, AND THREATS WHAT YOU TOLD US Tuesday, July 31st at the Burt School Red River Neighborhood Strengths Location (24) Red River is central to Clarksville, walkable in size, close to everyday services, downtown and the APSU campus.

History / Character (19) Red River is a historic African-American neighborhood (home of Wilma Rudolph), with the multigenerational Burt School, and the heritage of Lincoln Homes, perhaps the first public housing project in the United States. It is also a neighborhood with a high level of home ownership and residents of varying ages.

Economic Development: (5) Red River is a neighborhood of business-minded individuals, with the asset of two day care centers.

Red River Neighborhood Weaknesses Streets and Public Works (31) Red River suffers from aging infrastructure in need of repair and upgrading. Streets are often too narrow, and with poor drainage. Streets also typically lack sidewalks (unsafe for children), adequate lighting for safety, and lack design standards. There are weak street connections between Red River and Brandon Hills.

Crime and Police (13) The neighborhood has a perceived crime stigma, and an absence of effective communications between the neighborhood and the police.

Government / APSU / Community Relations (15) The neighborhood perceives that there has been a longtime lack of city funds directed to this part of town. There is also a strong feeling that decisions are made by city government and APSU without regard to citizen communication.

Affordable Housing (8) Abandoned houses, blighted properties and absentee owners are problems in the neighborhood.

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Code Enforcement (8) Inadequate code enforcement on abandoned properties and vacant lots is perceived as an issue, as are trash and brush piles that aren’t removed in a timely way by the city.

Parks and Recreation (6): This summer’s lack of neighborhood access to the neighborhood swimming pool (for APSU’s use), and adequate park and recreation options, are felt to be a problem for the neighborhood.

Red River Neighborhood Opportunities Affordable Housing (17) Vacant lots convertible into new affordable housing for all ages are an on-going opportunity.

Parks and Recreation (13) A new community center with park and recreation elements is an opportunity. A revitalization of Edith Pettus Park is also an opportunity.

Economic Development (12) There is an opportunity for a community reinvestment fund program. A new Farmers Market, reuse of the Frosty Morn plant, and a new grocery store (perhaps on College Street) were also cited as opportunities.

Schools (10) Life skills and business training, mentoring, and “after school” program were considered opportunities for connecting to APSU. A new library was also cited as a neighborhood opportunity.

Government / A.P.S.U. / Community Relations (4) The neighborhood perceives an opportunity to build a positive relationship with APSU for the University and the neighborhood’s mutual benefit.

Streets and Public Works (8) Upgrading infrastructure, and street improvements with sidewalks, lighting and landscaping are seen as ongoing opportunities.

Crime and Police (3) There exists an opportunity for a better relationship with the police through improved two-way communication.

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Red River Neighborhood Threats Government / APSU / Community Relations (33) Disenfranchisement, apathy, the potential of APSU expansion into the neighborhood, the potential use of eminent domain, and inadequate revitalization funding are all perceived as neighborhood threats.

Crime and Police (20) The reality of drugs, alcoholism, and crime are considered threats to the neighborhood, as is a perception of police harassment and an abuse of authority.

Streets and Public Works (7) The neighborhoods narrow streets, the lack of a sidewalk network, and traffic issues are viewed as threats to neighborhood resident safety.

Economic Development (5) Environmental issues of contaminated soil and old dumping grounds are considered threats to the Red River neighborhood.

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AN ASSESSMENT AND VISIONING PROCESS FOR THE RED RIVER AND BRANDON HILLS NEIGHBORHOODS BRANDON HILLS NEIGHBORHOOD STRENGTHS, WEAKNESSES, OPPORTUNITIES, AND THREATS WHAT YOU TOLD US Tuesday, July 31st at the Burt School Brandon Hills Neighborhood Strengths Character (19) Brandon Hills is self-described as a close-knit, quiet, family-oriented community where “we watch out for each other.”

Parks and Recreation (8) The youth community center, Dixon Park, and Tenth Street Park are considered strong neighborhood assets.

Commercial Development (1): The real estate office, grocery store, Shan’s Beauty Shop and Anthony’s Barber Shop / Beauty Salon are considerer neighborhood assets.

Brandon Hills Neighborhood Weaknesses Crime and Police (10): Late night, loud music is an issue in the neighborhood. The quantity and speed of traffic on Glen, Commerce, Reynolds, Vine are considered a problem. Residents’ of crime, particularly among the elders, is a serious concern.

Public Works (7): The lack of sidewalks, and the need for more street lighting, particularly in the mid-block alleys, is thought to be a neighborhood weakness.

Code Enforcement (7): Trash pickup and yard maintenance (front and back) were cited as a neighborhood weakness.

Affordable Housing (6): Home improvements are needed to address a neighborhood weakness.

Parks and Recreation (3): The city’s acquisition of Parks and Recreation property for salt storage is a neighborhood liability.

Animal Control (3) Feral animals and strays are a significant concern in the neighborhood.

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Traffic Planning (1) No cut-through to Glenwood and Porter’s Bluff Curve were cited as traffic planning problems confronting the neighborhood as weaknesses.

Public Transit (1) The absence of bus shelters was cited as a neighborhood weakness.

Brandon Hills Neighborhood Opportunities Affordable Housing (27) Vacant lots convertible into new affordable housing for all ages are an on-going opportunity.

Streets and Public Works (3) Better, wider streets with lighting and landscaping are an on-going opportunity.

Parks and Recreation (2) Improved access to Red River Park, and programs and community centers targeted to an aging population, were cited as neighborhood opportunities.

Commercial Development (1) Neighborhood reinvestment for community shopping was viewed as an opportunity.

Brandon Hills Neighborhood Threats Crime and Police (21) Drug traffic, gangs, loitering, and prostitution are felt to be threats to the neighborhood. Increased traffic, speed, and illegal parking were also viewed to be threats.

Economic Development (4) Abandoned businesses no longer in operation negatively affect property values, and were cited as a threat.

Affordable Housing (3) Old, abandoned, unkempt homes present a safety threat to the neighborhood.

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AN ASSESSMENT AND VISIONING PROCESS FOR THE RED RIVER AND BRANDON HILLS NEIGHBORHOODS NEIGHBORHOOD VISIONING WORKSHOP IDEAS LISTED BY TABLE

Tuesday, August 14th 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Table One – Brandon Hills Table One proposed connecting the dead end of Poplar, Dodd, Cedar and Vine Streets to make a “Brandon Hill View” over the Red River from Porter’s Bluff. A trail system from Reynolds Road would connect down to the river level and provide a greenway to Porter’s Bluff Cave at the bend in the river. This table also proposes to extend Tenth Avenue to College Street, redirecting traffic from Reynolds.

They also propose transforming the site of the concrete grain elevators at the intersection of Franklin and Main into public parks areas, perhaps incorporating the tower structures as monuments.

In addition, they propose filling the sinkhole at Glenn and Cedar Streets, and selective removal of dilapidated houses in the neighborhood.

Table Two – Brandon Hills Table Two focused on ideas for the heart of the Brandon Hills neighborhood, where the Burt–Cobb Community Center, Dixon Park, and the Train Station are located. This table proposes new uses, perhaps a park, for the grain elevator site and a “clean-up of a key stretch of Main Street East.

Table Three – Red River Table Three identified specific streets in need of sidewalks that would form a larger network of connections between neighborhoods, various unique community destinations, the Red River, APSU and downtown Clarksville.

Table Four (consolidated with other tables) Table Five – Red River Table Five proposes the possibility of a continuous greenway trail from the Cumberland River, along the Red River, to Porter’s Bluff Cave.

This table also proposes reuse of the Vulcan factory site incorporating new public green space and addressing pollution issues.

Table Six – Red River Table Six identified three key sites for improvements. First, the natural, sloped area near the center of the Red River is suggested be developed as an amphitheater.

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They then propose providing a connection between Marion Street and College Street (perhaps incorporating Sampson Street) to improve east - west movement into and out of the Red River neighborhood.

This connection suggests the potential for redevelopment of the Vulcan site as public destination.

Table Seven – Red River Table Seven identified a clear boundary for the Red River neighborhood. Their big idea is a continuous greenway trail that would form a cohesive loop woven through the neighborhood, linking the neighborhood with APSU. The loop would begin at Edith Pettus Park with a Welcome Center and way-finding information.

The greenway (for walking, running or biking) would link a series of natural and manmade features in the neighborhood, some existing, some new, including amphitheaters in natural depressions nature trails in wooded areas, signage throughout, and perhaps incorporating sculptures.

Table Seven also would like to see the entire neighborhood have more sidewalks, lighting and treed landscaping.

Table Eight – Brandon Hills Table Eight had three neighborhood participants, two of whom rely of safe pedestrian access to public transit.

This group wants sidewalks fixed, and certain specific streets widened and fixed (Seventh, Cedar, Dodge, Poplar, Rental (sic) and Quester’s Boulevard (sic). They see the need for improvements to College Street between Ninth and Poston.

This table values the magnet school, and would like to see another in or adjacent to the neighborhood.

They see the need for enhanced mixed use on Commerce Street between Seventh and Tenth Streets.

As general observations, they suggest more secure surveillance systems in neighborhood public spaces, and the “greening” of the entire neighborhood for environmental, economic, and social sustainability.

They would like to clean up vacant lots, constructing new homes in these lots, and improving dilapidated houses, with new light fixtures on the streets.

As a general observation, they underscored the need for better communications with, and within, the neighborhood.

Table Nine – Red River Table Nine did not produce a drawing, per se, but had many ideas recorded in list form. They suggest a monument installed for Wilma Rudolph. They believe the Vulcan factory site could be a community park, incorporating the vacant lot by the water tower.

They suggest that vacant hollow between Roman Street and Frosty Morn could become an amphitheater.

They suggest making Marion Street connect through to College Street to increase neighborhood access. They would like to see streets widened and sidewalks throughout the neighborhood.

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SELECTED DRAWINGS FROM NEIGHBORHOOD ASSESSMENT AND VISIONING MEETINGS

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LIST OF PARTICIPANTS Karen Amory Sadie Anderson Anderson Barker Geneva Bell Rosa Bellamy Woodard Bouley Mary Boyd Floyd Bradley Joyce Bradley Jennifer Bryant Charles Carney Rosie Carney Jerry W. Clark Jon Clark Kevin Cowling Walter Crockett Tremain Davidson James P. Doyle Lizzie L. Dudley Charles Dunbay George Fort Anne E. Gaines Jimmie M. Garland Mary Gray Geno Grubbs Karen Hackney Patricia Hagewood Virginia Halchy James Halford, Jr. James Hancock Councilman Marc Harris Virginia Hatcher Katana Hawkins Daniel W. Holmes Francis House Alvin Hughes Robert Irvine Harold Jenkins Rita Jenkins Jean N. Joshua Kenneth Keesee Warren Lamar Keesee Kevin D. Kendrick Lyle Key

Billy Lyle Eric Majors Dottie Mann Jimmy Mann Brad A. Martin Stacy Meriweather Wanda Mills Guadalupe Montiel Barbara J. Parker Linda S. Parker Martha Parker Shaquita Peerson Derek Pressley Judy Quarles Margie Quarles Marvin Quarles Joyce Ransom William Ransom Mary Roche David Robinson Jeff Robinson Mitch Robinson Alfred Rogers Coftni Roy Rodal Ruth Laura Schroeder Irene Simpson Paul Simpson Stella Slayden Odell Smith Wanda Smith George Stumpf Henry Terry Katherine Terry Javelin Tucker Joel Wallace Councilman Diana Ward Frank E. Washington Martha Weatherspur Geneva Wheeler Wayne Wilkerson Sheron B. Williams Monroe Woodard Virginia Young

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APPENDIX

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APPENDIX I: DEVELOP AND FOLLOW COMPREHENSIVE PLANS From Cumberland Region Tomorrow’s Quality Growth Toolbox pages 202-203.

“A comprehensive plan is a local government’s adopted statement on future development. It sets forth goals; analyzes existing conditions and trends; describes and illustrates a vision for the physical, social, and economic characteristics of the community in the years ahead; and outlines policies and guidelines intended to implement that vision.

Comprehensive plans address a broad range of interrelated topics in a unified way. A comprehensive plan identifies and analyzes the important relationships among the economy, land use, transportation and other infrastructure, community facilities and services, housing, environment, human services, and other community components. It doe so on a community-wide basis and in the context of the wider region. A comprehensive plan addresses the long-range future of community, using a time horizon of 20 years or more.

The most important function of a comprehensive plan is to provide valuable guidance to those in the public and private sector as decisions are made affecting the future quality of life of existing and future residents and the natural and built environments in which they live, work, and play.

Elements of Effective Comprehensive Plans Effective comprehensive pans include the following elements: • Land Use • Transportation and other Infrastructure • Community facilities and public services • Open space, parks, recreation and cultural amenities • Housing • Employment Zones / Job Centers • Critical and sensitive areas • Natural hazards • Agricultural lands • Priority Investment areas • Appropriate Design Criteria Comprehensive plans should include two “bookend” items: an issues and opportunities element at the beginning in order to set the stage for the preparation of other elements; and an implementation program at the end that proposes measures, assigns estimated costs (if feasible), and assigns responsibility for carrying out proposed measures of the plan.”

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APPENDIX II: HOW TO ORGANIZE A NEIGHBORHOOD HINTS TO HELP BUILD YOUR ORGANIZATION IDEAS FOR NEIGHBORHOOD ACTION LEADERSHIP TRAINING INSTITUTE (All pages in taken from the Neighborhoods Resource Center in Nashville website: www.tnrc.net) How to Organize a Neighborhood It’s risky to develop a “cookie-cutter” model for organizing a neighborhood, since all neighborhoods are different, with different players, problems, and possibilities. This outline is intended to serve as a compass...to point your group in the right direction.

Step One - Listen to Others Discover common interests through one-on-one meetings, surveys, etc.

Step Two - Have an Informal Meeting Meet with a small group of individuals identified in step one. Make plans together. How can you involve more people in deciding what should be done in the neighborhood?

Step Three - Hold a Larger Community Meeting Try to agree on common interests and come up with first steps to take on a problem. Schedule a follow-up community meeting, if necessary.

Step Four - Research Explore issues of concern in more detail. Identify stakeholders (government officials, businesses, and residents who likely have a self-interest in the issue).

Step Five - Choose an Issue to Begin With A good issue will: • Be a real improvement in people’s lives • Be specific and winnable (Don’t choose an issue that’s too big!)

• Have a clear target • Be non-divisive for your neighborhood • Build leadership (many people must be able to get involved doing things.)

• Lead to new issues, related to the self-interests of people • Be consistent with the values and vision of the group • Develop a sense of power for your group Step Six - Decide What to Do on This Specific Issue Will you use community meetings with officials to gain commitments from them? Will you use the media?

How will you seek to involve new people? How will you build the strength of your organization?

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Make plans based on what you learned in talking with people and in your research. You might decide that you need to do a little more research if something happened that you didn’t expect. Do more research and change your plans accordingly.

Step Seven - Evaluate What You Did Hold an evaluation meeting with your key people. Did you get the things accomplished that you wanted to accomplish when you began? How did your leadership work? Is there anything you would do differently? Was new leadership developed? Are you different as an organization than when you began? How? Step Eight - Celebrate Your Victory Volunteers who never have fun can get burnt out. So have a party! Invite the media and everyone who helped you accomplish your goal.

Step Nine - Build New Leadership in Your Group If you’ve found a couple of great leaders, be sure to include them in official leadership positions.

Step Ten - Go Back to Step One Obviously, when you have a group organized, you don’t have to create a brand-new group for each issue.

However, we always need to keep listening and draw in new people. Some individuals might want to work on the new issue even if they weren’t interested in the previous one. http://www.tnrc.net/organizing/how_to_organize.htm

Hints To Help Build Your Organization Make Your Meetings Matter!

• • • •

Start on time, end on time. Respect everyone’s time; don’t wait for the “important” people.

Have a clear agenda for the meeting. Also, don’t meet with no real reason for meeting.

Follow up on meetings. If people make commitments to do something at a meeting, call them back before the next meeting to check their progress.

Keep simple minutes. A record of decisions and assignments made and things yet undone is much better than long and involved minutes. This helps hold each other accountable, too.

Identify Stakeholders in Your Neighborhood • • • • •

Churches, businesses, schools, or other groups.

Different groups of people (renters, homeowners, public housing residents, etc.).

“Invisible” players that may have no physical presence, but that still have a “stake” (MDHA, post office, landlords, agencies that serve your area from a distant location, etc.).

Know the history of your neighborhood to understand the “stakeholders” from the past.

Don’t forget your Metro Council membr, school board member, and state legislators.

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Listen Carefully in Order to get Others Involved • • • •

We have our own “self interests” - the things that we care deeply about. We will usually work on things that really matter to us.

Don’t just talk about crime and the neighborhood. Listen to the things that other people want to achieve for themselves - to who they are.

A neighborhood survey can be a good excuse to talk to people. After you survey someone, ask if they can come to a meeting to hear what others said on the survey.

People leave groups when all the decisions are made by one or two people.

Take on “Winnable” Projects • • •

Don’t take on the “biggest need” in the neighborhood as your first project.

Take something that people care about, but that you can win easily. Then do your homework (research) and take action!

People stay with groups that achieve things - and that have some excitement!

Evaluate Your Efforts • • •

Learn from your mistakes and successes.

“Test out” each other as leaders. Who follows through? Who doesn’t?

Don’t forget to celebrate! (We all need a little more fun!)

Don’t Just be an Anti-Crime Group • • •

If an anti-crime group WINS, everyone disbands, because there is no more need. If the group LOSES, everyone disbands, because they are so discouraged.

There are many other issues that touch residents in a real way and that still help respond to crimecondition of the neighborhood, need for youth activities, etc.

Always have another issue “in the bank” - or ready to go.

Develop Relationships With Your Council Member and Others Before You Need Them •

“Tell me your vision for your district” works better than “Do this for me right now! http://www.tnrc.net/organizing/organization_hints.htm

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Ideas For Neighborhood Action Meet the Community Coordinator Sergeant for Your Patrol Sector •

• • •

Set up a meeting with the officers that patrol in your area. They usually like to know the people they are protecting. Invite them to your regular neighborhood meetings. Don’t forget that there are three shifts of officers. (Stay up late and invite the 3rd shift for coffee!) Ask if you can attend police roll calls to introduce yourself and what you are doing.

You can also have Asst. Chief or the Chief to come to a committee meeting (depending on schedules).

Their presence usually increases the number of neighbors participating in your meeting and helps them to know you also.

Have regular meetings with your “CC” and several officers. This could be every two or three months.

Talk about ongoing problems. Report things you’ve seen and ask for their perspective on crime in your area.

Set up a “Neighborhood Tour” for your officers, so they understand the history of your area and your relationship to police. Also have them meet block captains, church pastors, community center directors, and others working to improve things.

Organize Your Neighborhood • • •

Have Block Captains for as many blocks as you can. Meet with them occasionally to find common problems and needs (and to have a little fun!)

Set up a phone tree or newsletter to get out information.

Encourage people to report suspicious activities to one central person, who can then get it to the “CC”.

Get Out and Go Door to Door • •

Take important information to your neighbors. Most people want to know how to report crime anonymously and what details to report to the police. Draw these up with your CC and distribute “Suspicious Activity Forms” to help people report crime.

Schedule a time for neighbors and police to go door-to-door together, leaving information about crime or about your next meeting.

Problems on a Landlord’s Property • •

Ask landlord to sign “Trespass Waiver” so police can arrest trespassers.

Inform the landlord in writing of illegal or suspicious activities. (Help the landlord find other tenants.)

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Encourage Neighbors to Keep a “Neighborhood Diary” • •

Keep records of crime problems, along with dates and times as well as descriptions of the people and cars involved. (Especially about specific drug houses, etc.)

Keep records of who you report these incidents to, as well as the date, time and what you talked about.

Get to Know Other Agencies and Groups • • • • •

Compare notes with other residents to find problems throughout area.

School principals and social workers Juvenile Court probation officers Ministers, Rabbis, etc.

Staff of community centers and youth-serving agencies (Boys and Girls Club, YMCA, etc.)

Do a “Neighborhood Audit” of Problems • • • •

List streetlights out, vacant lots, trashy alleys, damaged street signs, etc.

Present to Codes, NES, Public Works, Police, Metro Beautification at Community Mtg. Have them report on their progress at another community meeting.

Work with the various Department personnel. Build a relationship with them!

Do a Neighborhood Clean-Up •

Contact Metro Beautification Commission For Information: 862-8218.

Hold Special Neighborhood Events • • • •

Nashville’s Night Out Against Crime.

Other party or event, combining fun and food and anti-crime organizing. Involve teenagers, community centers, other. (Invite celebrities, local news anchors, radio personalities, etc.)

Hold a Memorial Service in the community, or special prayer vigil on a problem street corner (Involve police and area churches).

Take cookies or banana bread to neighbors at Christmas, along with information about your group and fighting crime. Use other holidays as well.

Look at Maps of Crime for Your Area • •

Why did crime occur in these places?

Talk to your officers about these crimes. Plan a strategy together.

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Contact Others Who May be Concerned About Crime • • •

Churches, businesses, community centers, schools, and day care centers (list available at Neighborhoods Resource Center).

Listen to them; help them know how to report crime; invite them to a meeting.

Look for unlikely or “invisible” allies (One group was upset about stray dogs and found the lettercarriers’ union to be an ally).

Plan a Calendar for the Year • • • •

Schedule several big meetings with topics of interests (speakers, etc.).

Plan a couple of “door-to-door” campaigns.

Don’t forget to have fun!

Publicize your meeting well! http://www.tnrc.net/organizing/action_ideas.htm

Leadership Training Institute Are you active in a neighborhood association, but want to make it more effective?

Would you like to start a new neighborhood group, but need some advice on how to begin?

Would you like to give more structure to an existing organization, getting more residents involved?

If any of these apply to you, consider signing up for our next Leadership Training Institute!

What is a Leader?

A leader is an ordinary person who takes initiative to solve problems and bring people together for a common purpose. We can all be leaders in our neighborhoods. No prior experience is necessary to participate in this training.

In each training, we cover various topics to help you gain perspective into issues related to your neighborhood and the people who live around you. People are the mortar that holds a neighborhood together.

Topics to be Covered • Organizing residents to obtain more power • Finding key stakeholders in your community • Reasons why people join / leave organizations • Conducting individual meetings • Conducting a neighborhood survey • Planning and executing an effective meeting • Converting a vague problem into a specific issue For Information About Our Next Training: Please call (615)782-8212, and talk to Carol or Mike

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APPENDIX III: NEIGHBORHOOD ASSESSMENT WORKSHOP RESPONSES BY INDIVIDUAL TABLES AND RANKED From Tuesday, July 31st meeting at the Burt School Red River Neighborhood Table One Strengths: • More black businesses (3) • Proximity to everyday services (3) • Convenience to College Street (1)

Weaknesses: • Trash (3) • Lack of police protection (3) • Abandoned houses (2) • Raw sewage on Kraft Street (2) • Brush piles that don’t get hauled away (2) • Streets need sweeping (2) • House numbers labeled improperly (1) Opportunities: • Build a Farmers’ Market / improve with weather protection (3) • Improve existing sidewalks (3) • Frosty Morn Plant (2) • Affordable housing / Habitat housing (2) • Police substation (2) • Better relationship with police (1) • More children activity (1) Threats: • Drug problem (5) • Lack of sidewalks (3) • Narrow streets (3) • Abandoned / Dilapidated housing (1) • Big trucks on narrow streets

Red River Neighborhood Table Two Strengths: • In central part of Clarksville (4) • Mostly homeowners (3) • Mixed ages – seniors and kids (3) • Walkable (3) • Friendly (2)

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• • • • • • •

Two churches (2) Tight knit community (1) Non-profit community organization for the neighborhood (1) Business minded individuals / Entrepreneurs (1) College students (1) Day care – one with church, one without (1) Good neighborhood watch program

Weaknesses: • Infrastructure neglected (4) • Streetlights, signs • Lack of traffic planning • Work with street department • Police too present – need to do better job connecting with neighborhood (3) • No swimming pool (3) • Building & codes not enforcing overgrown vacant lot mowing (3) • Absentee owners not maintaining (2) • Bad drainage – no curb and gutters many places (2) • No parks – green spaces overgrown (1) • No cleaning – street sweeping (1) • Lack of design standards (1) • Streets too narrow • More harassment of neighbors than outside influences • Juvenile crack-cocaine problem • Community overall needs a Veterans Administration Hospital Opportunities: • Vacant lots – could have more affordable housing (5) • A.P.S.U opposition to connecting with neighborhood for training and experience (4) • Opportunity for community reinvestment fund program (4) • Need a swimming pool (3) • Need parks (3) • Pocket parking n vacant lots (1) • With A.P.S.U. growth we should grow and improve • Opportunities for senior / assisting housing • Beautification – neighborhood is entry to A.P.S.U. • Get rid of neglected properties Threats: • Apathy (5) • Police (3) • A.P.S.U. students buying drugs (3) • Un-maintained lots, trees, houses (2) • A.P.S.U. growth (2)

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• • • •

Traffic (1) Loose animals – abandoned Centerstone – need to coordinate and communicate with the community Lack of parking

Red River Neighborhood Table Three Strengths: • Location (7) • One of first neighborhoods (3) • Historical reference (Wilma Rudolph) (3) • New construction – blighted properties are being demolished (2) • Proximity to A.P.S.U. (2) • Police protection • 60 - 80% multigenerational ownership

Weaknesses: • Old infrastructure (8) • Lack of city funds being directed to this section of town (6) • Decisions are made without regard to citizen communication (5) • Street connections between Brandon Hills and Red River (5 • Lack of beautification in this area (4) • No quick response - EMS, 911, critical care, respond to drugs (3) • Blighted properties (2) • High percentage of rental properties (1) • Proximity to A.P.S.U. campus • No recreation i.e. parks – kids play in streets – not safe • No signage – pedestrian or other • Sidewalks needed – kids play in the street • Poor lighting Opportunities: • New homes (5) • Community center (4) • New streets – better arterial access (3) • Better communication between systems, community & future change (2) • Have a nice market – maybe on College Street (2) • New park – possibly let state build and maintain (1) • Build positive relationship with A.P.S.U. (1) • New infrastructure

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Threats: • Environmental issues– contaminated soil, old dumping grounds (5) • Possible eminent domain – condemnation of property (5) • Lack of money – available funds (5) • A.P.S.U. expansion (4) • Police harassment – abuse of authority (3) • Threat of being overshadowed by another district i.e. midtown district (3)

Red River Neighborhood Table Four Strengths: • Only historic black high school - Burt (4) • Tradition and heritage of Lincoln Homes (3) • Potential for restructuring (2) • Close proximity to A.P.S.U. (1) • Close proximity to transportation routes (1) • Adjacency to downtown – historic and business district (1) • Neighborhood history – life-long residents

Weaknesses: • Crime stigma (4) • Lack of religious activities (3) • Lack of recreation (2) • No sidewalks (1) • Lack of lighting (1) • Stigma of former military ban (1) • Water pressure / fire hydrants Opportunities: • Life skills and business training (4) • Magnet schools (3) • New grocery store (2) • Income-based affordable housing (2) • Better education (1) • New home construction (1) • Recreation facilities (1) • Mentoring and “after school” programs (1) • Rehabilitation of ex-offenders / Recovery Center (1) • Community library (1) • Landscape improvements (1) • Business opportunities because of A.P.S.U. and downtown (1) • Promotion of safe environments

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• • • •

Blending of history and the present Positive construction infill Revitalize Edith Pettus Park Fine Arts Center / Cultural Center

Threats: • Government take-over (5) • Drugs, alcoholism, crime (4) • Threat of A.P.S.U. take-over of Lincoln Homes (2) • Disenfranchisement caused by A.P.S.U. (2) • Public safety issues (2) • Not improving dilapidated properties Brandon Hills Neighborhood Table One Strengths: • Quiet (3) • “Watch out of each other” (3) • Has youth center (3) • Good neighbors (2) • Dixon Park (2) • Good community life (1) • Well maintained by owners (1)

Weaknesses: • Late night loud music (5) • Pick-up trash (4) • Lack of sidewalks (3) • Feral animals / Strays (3) • Yard maintenance front and back (3) • Better traffic signs / Enforcement (2) • Too much traffic / Too fast (2)

(Glen, Commerce, Reynolds, Vine) • Sinkhole (1) • Bus shelters needed (1) • More late night police patrols (1) • More street lighting – mid-block and alleys (1)

Opportunities: • Improve (upgrade) dilapidated properties (4) • Solve thru-traffic problems (4) • Access to Red River Park (2) • Community shopping (1)

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• Safe pedestrian environment (1) • Traffic calming / High traffic streets (1) • Groceries • Programs and community centers targeted to aging population • View lots overlooking Red River

Threats: • Drug traffic (5) • Gangs (4) • Increased traffic and speed (4) • Loitering (2) • Parking violations (1) • Property value (1) Brandon Hills Neighborhood Table Two Strengths: • Longevity (2) • Families (4) • Churches - community (3) • Grocery store • Tenth Street Park (1) • Anthony’s Barber Shop / Beauty Salon • Burt Cobb Community Center (2) • Real estate office (1) • Shan’s Beauty Shop Weaknesses: • Home improvements needed (6) • City’s acquisition of property for Parks and Recreation / Salt storage (3) • Landscaping / Trees impedes drivers’ sight lines (1) • No sidewalks (1) • No cut-through to Glenwood (1) • Porter’s Bluff Curve • Improve the economic development (family business) • The Mill area – corner of Cedar and Franklin (concrete tower) • Closed shoe store by mill area • Resident’s fear – particularly elderly Opportunities: • Homes available for rehabilitation – affordable housing (7) • Residential homes (6) • Better landscaping (3)

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• • • • • •

Opportunities for small businesses (2) Affordable apartments (2) Better streets (wider) Driveways Lighting Neighborhood watch

Threats: • Drug use (3) • Abandoned businesses no longer in operation (3) • Old abandoned homes unkempt (3) • Loitering on the streets (1) • Prostitution (1) • Homeless in park after hours (Dixon / 10th Street Park)

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APPENDIX VIII NEIGHBORHOOD ASSESSMENT WORKSHOP RESPONSES GROUPED BY AFFINITY CLUSTER AND RANK Red River Neighborhood Strengths Location (24): • Location (7) • In central part of Clarksville (4) • Walkable (3) • Proximity to everyday services (3) • Proximity to A.P.S.U. (2) • Adjacency to downtown – historic and business district (1) • College students (1) • Convenience to College Street (1) • Close proximity to transportation routes (1) History / Character (19): • Only historic black high school - Burt (4) • Mostly homeowners (3) • Mixed ages – seniors and kids (3) • Tradition and heritage of Lincoln Homes (3) • One of first neighborhoods (3) • Historical reference (Wilma Rudolph) (3) • Neighborhood history – life-long residents • 60 - 80% multigenerational ownership Economic Development: (5): • Potential for restructuring (2) • Non-profit community organization for the neighborhood (1) • Business minded individuals / Entrepreneurs (1) • Day care – one with church, one without (1) Affordable Housing (2): • New construction – blighted properties are being demolished (2) Crime and Police (0): • Good neighborhood watch program • Police protection

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Red River Neighborhood Weaknesses Streets and Public Works (31): • Old infrastructure (8) • Street connections between Brandon Hills and Red River (5) • Infrastructure neglected (4) • Lack of beautification in this area (4) • Bad drainage – no curb and gutters many places (2) • Raw sewage on Kraft Street (2) • Streets need sweeping (2) • No sidewalks (1) • No cleaning – street sweeping (1) • Lack of lighting (1) • Lack of design standards (1) • Work with street department • Streets too narrow • Streetlights, signs • Water pressure / fire hydrants • No signage – pedestrian or other • Sidewalks needed – kids play in the street • Poor lighting • Lack of traffic planning Crime and Police (13): • Crime stigma (4) • Lack of police protection (3) • No quick response - EMS, 911, critical care, respond to drugs (3) • Police too present – need to do better job connecting with neighborhood (3) • More harassment of neighbors than outside influences • Juvenile crack-cocaine problem Government / A.P.S.U. / Community Relations (11): • Lack of city funds being directed to this section of town (6) • Decisions are made without regard to citizen communication (5) • Proximity to A.P.S.U. campus Affordable Housing (8): • Abandoned houses (2) • Blighted properties (2) • Absentee owners not maintaining (2) • High percentage of rental properties (1) • House numbers labeled improperly (1)

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Code Enforcement (8): • Trash (3) • Building & codes not enforcing overgrown vacant lot mowing (3) • Brush piles that don’t get hauled away (2) Parks and Recreation (6): • No swimming pool (3) • Lack of recreation (2) • No parks – green spaces overgrown (1) • No recreation i.e. parks – kids play in streets – not safe Economic Development (4): • Lack of religious activities (3) • Stigma of former military ban (1) • Community overall needs a Veterans Administration Hospital Red River Neighborhood Opportunities: Affordable Housing (17): • Vacant lots – could have more affordable housing (5) • New homes (5) • New grocery store (2) • Income-based affordable housing (2) • Affordable housing / Habitat housing (2) • New home construction (1) • Get rid of neglected properties • Positive construction infill • Opportunities for senior / assisting housing Parks and Recreation (13): • Community center (4) • Need a swimming pool (3) • Need parks (3) • New park – possibly let state build and maintain (1) • More children activity (1) • Recreation facilities (1) • Revitalize Edith Pettus Park • Fine Arts Center / Cultural Center

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Economic Development (12) • Opportunity for community reinvestment fund program (4) • Build a Farmers’ Market / improve with weather protection (3) • Frosty Morn Plant (2) • Have a nice market – maybe on College Street (2) • Rehabilitation of ex-offenders / Recovery Center (1) • Blending of history and the present Schools (10): • Life skills and business training (4) • Magnet schools (3) • Better education (1) • Community library (1) • Mentoring and “after school” programs (1) Government / A.P.S.U. / Community Relations (8): • A.P.S.U opposition to connecting with neighborhood for training and experience (4) • Better communication between systems, community & future change (2) • Build positive relationship with A.P.S.U. (1) • Business opportunities because of A.P.S.U. and downtown (1) • With A.P.S.U. growth we should grow and improve • Beautification – neighborhood is entry to A.P.S.U. Streets and Public Works (8): • Improve existing sidewalks (3) • New streets – better arterial access (3) • Pocket parking in vacant lots (1) • Landscape improvements (1) • New infrastructure Crime and Police (3): • Police substation (2) • Better relationship with police (1) • Promotion of safe environments Red River Neighborhood Threats: Government / A.P.S.U. / Community Relations (33): • Lack of money – available funds (5) • Government take-over (5) • Possible eminent domain – condemnation of property (5) • Apathy (5)

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• • • • • •

A.P.S.U. expansion (4) Threat of being overshadowed by another district i.e. midtown district (3) A.P.S.U. growth (2) Threat of A.P.S.U. take-over of Lincoln Homes (2) Disenfranchisement caused by A.P.S.U. (2) Centerstone – need to coordinate and communicate with the community

Crime and Police (20): • Drug problem (5) • Drugs, alcoholism, crime (4) • Public safety issues (2) • Police (3) • A.P.S.U. students buying drugs (3) • Police harassment – abuse of authority (3) Streets and Public Works (7): • Lack of sidewalks (3) • Narrow streets (3) • Traffic (1) • Big trucks on narrow streets Economic Development (5): • Environmental issues– contaminated soil, old dumping grounds (5) Code Enforcement (2): • Un-maintained lots, trees, houses (2) • Lack of parking Affordable Housing (1): • Not improving dilapidated properties • Abandoned / Dilapidated housing (1) Animal Control (0): • Loose animals – abandoned

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Brandon Hills Neighborhood Strengths History / Character (19): • Families (4) • Quiet (3) • Churches - community (3) • “Watch out of each other” (3) • Longevity (2) • Good neighbors (2) • Good community life (1) • Well maintained by owners (1) Parks and Recreation (8): • Has youth center (3) • Burt Cobb Community Center (2) • Dixon Park (2) • Tenth Street Park (1) Economic Development (1): • Real estate office (1) • Grocery store • Shan’s Beauty Shop • Anthony’s Barber Shop / Beauty Salon Brandon Hills Neighborhood Weaknesses Crime and Police (10): • Late night loud music (5) • Better traffic signs / Enforcement (2) • Too much traffic / Too fast (2) (Glen, Commerce, Reynolds, Vine) • More late night police patrols (1) • Resident’s fear – particularly elderly Public Works (7): • Lack of sidewalks (4) • More street lighting – mid-block and alleys (1) • Landscaping / Trees impedes drivers’ sight lines (1) • Sinkhole (1) Code Enforcement (7): • Pick-up trash (4) • Yard maintenance front and back (3)

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Affordable Housing (6): • Home improvements needed (6) Parks and Recreation (3): • City’s acquisition of property for Parks and Recreation / Salt storage (3) Animal Control (3): • Feral animals / Strays (3) Traffic Planning (1): • No cut-through to Glenwood (1) • Porter’s Bluff Curve Public Transit (1): • Bus shelters needed (1) Economic Development (0): • Improve economic development (family businesses) • The Mill area – corner of Cedar and Franklin (concrete tower) • Closed shoe store by mill area

Brandon Hills Neighborhood Opportunities Affordable Housing (27): • Homes available for rehabilitation – affordable housing (7) • Residential homes (6) • Economic Development (6) • Improve (upgrade) dilapidated properties (4) • Affordable apartments (2) • Opportunties for small businesses (2) • View lots overlooking Red River Streets and Public Works (3): • Better landscaping (3) • Lighting • Better streets (wider) Parks and Recreation (2): • Programs and community centers targeted to aging population • Access to Red River Park (2) Crime and Police (1): • Safe pedestrian environment (1) • Neighborhood watch 42

Economic Development (1): • Community shopping (1) • Groceries Code Enforcement (0): • Driveways Brandon Hills Neighborhood Threats Crime and Police (21): • Drug traffic (5) • Gangs (4) • Increased traffic and speed (4) • Drug use (3) • Loitering (2) • Parking violations (1) • Prostitution (1) • Loitering on the streets (1) • Homeless in aprk after hours (Dixon / 10th Street Park) Economic development (4): • Abandoned businesses no longer in operation (3) • Property value (1) Affordable Housing (3): • Old abandoned homes unkempt (3)

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APPENDIX IX VISIONING BY TABLE Table 1 List and draw attractions in your neighborhood where you would take out-of-town visitors to and where are they located?

Dixon Park

Railroad Station

Elks Club

American Legion

Lodge

Foston’s Funeral Home

Church List and draw sites that could be significant public places, and why?

Old Mill – Inner City Park (2)

Park (1)

-BBQ

-Benches

Pond / water (walk thru)

Meeting place (not to replaced Burt Cobb) (2) List and draw natural and/or manmade features that could be improved to make your neighborhood unique.

Fill in sinkhole (1)

Used for dump (Houses flood when it rains

Bluff – access to river (3)

Connect streets – eliminate dead ends

Porter’s Bluff Cave List and draw streets, paths and/or edges that could be improved to make your neighborhood better.

Extend 10th to College – redirect traffic from Reynolds (1)

Connect dead ends

River trails (3) List and draw areas of your neighborhood you want to change (and what kind of change you want to see).

Table 5 List and draw attractions in your neighborhood where you would take out-of-town visitors to and where are they located?

Burt Cobb Center (2)

10th Street Park (2)

Train Station (1)

But prefer downtown

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List and draw sites that could be significant public places, and why?

Historic revitalization (4)

Riverfront (3)

activities

Distinctive character

Landscaping / streetscaping (1)

Street lights and sidewalks

New homes / developments (1)

Small retails / shops in the periphery of residential areas List and draw natural and/or manmade features that could be improved to make your neighborhood unique.

Facilities

Infrastructure (parks and sidewalks, lighting (especially Poston Street)

Factory

Infill factories

Reuse for alternate uses

Community facilities

Green spaces

On un-used lots e.g. 9th Street

Cleaning up river

A place for young families (1)

“desirable neighborhood”

Incentive housing (1)

Improve schools (1)

Safe neighborhoods (2) List and draw streets, paths and/or edges that could be improved to make your neighborhood better.

Street widening / improvements (1)

9th Street

Shearor (2)

Poston (1)

Ford Street

Red River Street

Stacker List and draw areas of your neighborhood you want to change (and what kind of change you want to see).

“Housing improvements” (5)

End of short stacker (drugs)

RRD

Street improvements (3)

Revitalization

House

Street Infrastructure

Lighting (4)

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Table 7 List and draw attractions in your neighborhood where you would take out-of-town visitors to and where are they located?

Train station

Dixon park

Burt Cobb – could improve by cleaning up surrounding area List and draw sites that could be significant public places, and why?

Edith Pettus Park – better facilities

Enhance empty lots

Between blocks should be built List and draw natural and/or manmade features that could be improved to make your neighborhood unique.

Amphitheaters in natural depressions

Nature trails at wooded area List and draw streets, paths and/or edges that could be improved to make your neighborhood better.

More sidewalks, lighting, etc.

Tree entire neighborhood List and draw areas of your neighborhood you want to change (and what kind of change you want to see).

Greenway trail that links the neighborhood and APSU

Bike trail Make Edith Pettus Park a Welcome Center with maps for the trail. Have historical signs throughout the trail. Or to have local artist makesculptures along the trail.

List and draw areas of you neighborhood that you want to keep the same?

APSU, but not much beyond that List and draw those things that would bring the greatest improvements to the neighborhood in the future.

Table 8 List and draw attractions in your neighborhood where you would take out-of-town visitors to and where are they located?

Dickson Park (1)

Burt Cobb Community Center (1)

Farmers’ Market (1)

Library (1) List and draw sites that could be significant public places, and why?

Frosty Morn

Moore Magnet School (and additional magnet schools (2)

List and draw natural and/or manmade features that could be improved to make your neighborhood unique.

Need for green spaces 46

List and draw streets, paths and/or edges that could be improved to make your neighborhood better.

Fix sidewalks! (1)

College Street between 9th and Poston

Streets to widen / fix – 7th, Cedar, Dodge, Ppoplar, Rental, Quester’s Boulevard List and draw areas of your neighborhood you want to change (and what kind of change you want to see).

Infill housing in abandoned lots (1)

East Side Diner (1)

Mixed use on Commerce (7th – 10th) (1)

Go green (3)

More secure surveillance systems

Structure Farmers’ Market List and draw areas of you neighborhood that you want to keep the same?

List and draw those things that would bring the greatest improvements to the neighborhood in the future.

Table 9 List and draw attractions in your neighborhood where you would take out-of-town visitors to and where are they located?

Burt School

Wilma Rudolph – insatl monument

Poston Street houses belonged to railroad employees List and draw sites that could be significant public places, and why?

Vulcan – could be a community park

Vacant lot by water tower List and draw natural and/or manmade features that could be improved to make your neighborhood unique.

Ford Street – there is a vacant hllow between Roman and FrostyMorn

(amphitheater)

List and draw streets, paths and/or edges that could be improved to make your neighborhood better.

Make Marion connect through to College (increase access)

Everywhere (sidewalks

Need to widen streets (all streets are 1.5 lanes wide) List and draw areas of your neighborhood you want to change (and what kind of change you want to see).

(Better communications) List and draw areas of you neighborhood that you want to keep the same?

Keep it primarily residential

Improve old homes

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List and draw those things that would bring the greatest improvements to the neighborhood in the future.

Clean up vacant lots

New light fixtures

New streets encourage development

Corner of Poston and Carpenter (improve dilapidated houses

Construct new houses on vacant lots Table 7 List and draw attractions in your neighborhood where you would take out-of-town visitors to and where are they located?

APSU sports activities

Edith Pettus Park

APSU

Question: What is the connection between Red River and APSU?

Ex. Tutoring - use the Greek system

- after school program

-should be strong educational program connection List and draw sites that could be significant public places, and why?

Edith Pettus Park – better facilities

Enhance empty lots

Between blocks should be built List and draw natural and/or manmade features that could be improved to make your neighborhood unique.

Amphitheaters in natural depressions

Nature trails at wooded area List and draw streets, paths and/or edges that could be improved to make your neighborhood better.

More sidewalks, lighting, etc.

Tree entire neighborhood List and draw areas of your neighborhood you want to change (and what kind of change you want to see).

Greenway trail that links the neighborhood and APSU

Bike trail Make Edith Pettus Park a Welcome Center with maps for the trail. Have historical signs throughout the trail. Or to have local artist make sculptures along the trail.

List and draw areas of you neighborhood that you want to keep the same?

APSU, but not much beyond that List and draw those things that would bring the greatest improvements to the neighborhood in the future.

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APPENDIX VI HANDOUT FROM MEETING THREE NASHVILLE CIVIC DESIGN CENTER Meeting Three:

NEIGHBORHOOD VISIONING WORKSHOP Tuesday, August 14th 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Facilitation and Participation Ground Rules: • Everyone participates-- no one dominates the discussion.

• Participants should not be be judgmental or dismissive of ideas during the table discussions-- ideas will be prioritized later in the meeting.

• Practice active listening.

• Facilitators should record all ideas on the Post-it pads-- and then confirm with the person providing the idea that it has been recorded accurately.

• Whenever possible, facilitators should also record ideas on the tracing paper affixed to the neighborhood maps.

• Facilitators should be neutral participants-- and not advocates-- for ideas.

• Have fun!

Questions: •

List and draw attractions in your neighborhood would you take out-of-town visitors to and where are they located?

•

List and draw sites that could be significant public places, and why?

•

List and draw natural and/or manmade features that could be improved to make your neighborhood unique.

•

List and draw streets, paths and/or edges that could be improved to make your neighborhood better.

•

List and draw areas of your neighborhood you want to change (and what kind of change you want to see).

•

List and draw areas of you neighborhood that you want to keep the same?

•

List and draw those things that would bring the greatest improvements to the neighborhood in the future.

Thank you very much. All of your comments will be recorded and be a part of the final report.

Next Meeting (Four): DRAFT REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Tuesday, September 4th 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 pm.

at the Burt School

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