Resident Input from Meetings

The Western Heights residents were dedicated participants in the Transformation Plan planning process.

They attended meetings monthly and shared their honest concerns and thoughtful dreams for the future. They spent hours explaining the safety issues in Western Heights and worked collaboratively to develop focused solutions together.

What Residents Love About Western Heights* » Friendly neighbors » Neighborhood organizations like the Baptist

Center and the Boys & Girls Club » Beaumont Magnet Academy » Central location » Access to transit » Area for walking » Beautiful views » Proximity to Food City and Dollar General » Support systems (family and friends, childcare, etc.) Problems Residents Want to See Fixed* » Violence, shootings, and safety concerns » Old units in poor shape (mold, cracking, old heating, lack of air conditioning, etc.) » People coming into the community who don’t live in Western Heights » Loitering » Litter and trash in the neighborhood » Lack of transportation during off-times (to jobs and before/after school activities) » Neighborhood disconnection (I-275 and

Western Avenue act as barriers) » Lack of parking » Poor air quality in the buildings » Not enough parks » Lack of a community support system

Residents’ Dreams for the Future* » A safe neighborhood » Programs for children and adults (events, gatherings, classes, etc.) » Playgrounds » Parks for children, adults, and seniors » Expanded community gardens for vegetables and flowers » New, improved housing » More trees, flowers, and green » Picnic tables and barbecue areas » Screen doors » A kid-friendly library with resources in different languages » Outdoor classrooms » Well-lit, safe streets, sidewalks, and crosswalks

* Responses represent the most frequent answers that residents shared in virtual

Zoom meetings and in-person open houses