Neighborhood development

However, the development of northeast Omaha (e.g. Creighton University and the new Civic Center) could favorably improve the area.

Retail businesses will have a hard time flourishing in the area, except for specialty shops, like bicycles, that people from a wide area. One type of business mentioned was a restaurant, or coffee shop for the neighborhood. (The need for a business plan was discussed and the resources now available for non-traditional business owners, and start-up and micro-businesses.)

The future development of the riverfront will affect neighborhoods west of it (like Orchard Hills) and may increase property values. Cuming Street, for example, may see increased traffic as will the improvements around Central High School.

Neighborhood improvement

Participants tended to agree that poor reputation and image of neighborhood adversely affect commercial development in area. It was pointed out that only a few people in the neighborhood contribute to the poor image of the area as a whole. It was noted several times that stable businesses serve as anchors in the neighborhood.

Lead contamination has affected the improvement of some sites (e.g. Franklin Street Habitat for Humanity) and could potentially affect the whole neighborhood.

Results of the household survey were examined. It was noted that snow removal could be improved in neighborhood. Sidewalks and curbs could be improved. Drug abuse appears to be a serious neighborhood issue, especially in certain areas.

Increased neighborhood lighting could also improve visibility (e.g. alley spotlights.)

Need developers to improve vacant lots.

There appears to be 5 or 6 buildings on Hamilton Street that could be improved for commercial development.

It was noted that what needs to be done is find ways to make property more valuable for developers.

There is a lack of commercial development and properties for development. What potential types of commerce that could be attracted and the usability of available structures for development was discussed.

Anderson continues to fill in old railroad right-of-way, raises questions on nature of fill.

Neighborhood watch

A neighborhood watch or citizen patrol effort, like the Benson area, could be effective in reducing crime.

The identification of a neighborhood liaison to the police department was debated. John and Rachel Pinkerton were mentioned as possibilities.

Police beats in neighborhood as a crime reduction tool was also discussed.

There was also concern that the police do not give high priority to drug abuse and drug dealing in the neighborhood.

Neighborhood participation

The issue of the role of renters and homeowners in the neighborhood association was extensively discussed. For example, there needs to be strategies to increase the participation by all neighborhood residents. (It was noted that two of the focus group participants were renters.) Block parties were mentioned as a possibility.

Landlords often get a bad reputation, as do renters. Both want the neighborhood to be safe and viable.

In general, ways to get people to learn how to live together was discussed.

It was noted that there is a good racial balance in the neighborhood, and this diversity is a strength.

There was concern that there needs to be more of an effort to meet and get to know neighbors to develop more a feeling of neighborhood solidarity.

The household survey was examined. It was noted that most people (around 83%) rated the neighborhood as fair or good.

The difficulty in accessing public transportation was mentioned.

The survey showed the need for a neighborhood activity center.

The participants then discussed activities the Neighborhood Association has or could engage in, including:

Vacant lot purchasing, maintenance, and development.

Focusing on a self-help approach and increasing awareness of the Association.

Improving methods of communications: flyers, signs, posters, etc.

Identifying a neighborhood newsletter editor (including adding advertising).

Form a citizen patrol and work closer with the Police Department.

Partner with the Military Avenue Business Assoc., and maybe expand the boundaries of the Orchard Hill Association.

Improve “meet your neighbor” activities. Tom LaHood noted that “good neighbors make for good neighborhoods.”