Working Groups (September): Desired Outcomes

On September 16th and 20th the first meetings of the working group were hosted. Three meetings were hosted virtually including presentations and interactive discussion focused on the three core elements of the plan: People, Housing, and Neighborhood. The role of working groups is to review and build on the input, insights and feedback that residents have shared during community meetings and surveys, and to develop strategies, projects and programs.

This first round of meetings focused on discussions regarding current strengths and challenges, as well as the desired outcomes. Key themes discussed for the People element included education, health and wellness, safety, income, and employment; for the Housing element included housing types, affordability and quality; and for the Neighborhood element included transportation, mobility, open spaces, culture and sense of belonging. Upon the conclusion of each breakout session, all participants reconvened to collectively share and review the key takeaways.

Reflections from the discussions on the People element highlighted concerns regarding security, the lack of educational facilities and support programs, and the need for recreational spaces and activities, particularly for the residents of The Greenes. Key feedback stressed the importance of improving street infrastructure to promote a greater sense of security, such as enhanced lighting and the activation of vacant lots. Residents also expressed a need for early childhood education support, particularly daycares. Additional suggestions included establishing consistent recreational programming through community centers and gyms.

Discussion points about the Housing element included safety, accessibility, recreation and homeownership. Residents suggested activating open spaces for family-oriented activities, such as sports courts and recreational equipment for youth. They also identified key areas within Greene Homes, like the basement, as sites for potential improvement. Brainstorming focused on desired amenities, such as community centers offering programs for residents of all ages to enhance neighborhood safety. Some participants expressed interest in expanding homeownership programs.

Conversations regarding the Neighborhood element emphasized assets that currently strengthen The Hollow’s sense of belonging. Residents pointed to parks and schools, like Columbus School, as crucial for maintaining connections between adults and children through recreational activities. They also called for more safe and accessible equipment and amenities. A recurring theme was the concern for children’s safety in the area, leading to suggestions for street design improvements, such as better lighting, wider sidewalks, crosswalks, and integrating street design with the area’s natural landscape.

The working groups meetings were productive sessions that advanced key strategies. Next steps include holding the next working group meeting in October to continue strategy development, followed by community and group meetings for the draft plan in the next months.

Recordings of these meetings can be accessed in the following links:

Working Group: People

Monday, September 16, 2024, 3:00-4:30 pm

(1) Recording 1: Main Room + Breakout Group #1

(2) Recording 2: Breakout Group #2

Working Group: Housing

Friday, September 20, 2024, 10:00-11:30 am

(1) Recording 1: Main Room + Breakout Group #1

(2) Recording 2: Breakout Group #2

Working Group: Neighborhood

Friday, September 20, 2024, 3:00-4:30 pm

(1) Recording 1: Main Room + Breakout Group #1

(2) Recording 2: Breakout Group #2