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Evansville: A Day of Service, A Commitment to Revitalization

EntSun News/11102223
~ On September 11, 2021, the Glenwood/Culver neighborhood in Evansville was bustling with activity as 26 volunteers and city crews joined forces for the 12th Block by Block event. This event, held in partnership with United Way of Southwestern Indiana's Day of Caring, aimed to bring the community together to serve their neighbors and commemorate the 25th anniversary of September 11.

The event was not only a day of service and remembrance but also a part of the city's ongoing commitment to strengthen its neighborhoods. When Mayor Lloyd Winnecke took office, he made it clear that neighborhood revitalization would be one of his top priorities. This includes removing blight, investing in parks and public spaces, and actively caring for the neighborhoods where people live, work, and play.

Blighted properties not only affect a single address but also have a ripple effect on property values, safety concerns, and community pride. By actively remediating abandoned buildings, cleaning up vacant lots, and investing in neglected neighborhoods, the city triggers positive social and economic outcomes. These efforts boost property values, reduce city expenses, lower crime rates, prevent fires and environmental hazards while improving mental health and rebuilding community spirit.

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Through their Fight Blight Initiative, Evansville set an ambitious goal of removing 150 blighted residential structures. As part of their Block-by-Block work in Glenwood/Culver neighborhood today, they demolished their 125th structure. This initiative has reached over 15 neighborhoods across Evansville with a focus on not just tearing down neglected properties but also building something better in its place.

The Land Bank is working towards acquiring vacant and demolished properties to transform them into safe and stable housing. On the rehabilitation front, over 456 housing units have been updated so far to preserve existing homes and strengthen the surrounding blocks.

The Block-by-Block initiative takes a data-driven approach to identify areas of need and then brings together city departments, residents, volunteers, and community partners to address those needs in a concentrated manner. Through this initiative, they have collected over 180,000 pounds of trash, filled 326 potholes, cut more than 189 overgrown yards, and cleaned over 123 yards. This work has been carried out in various neighborhoods such as CHAIN and Lamasco to Tepe Park, Glenwood, Goosetown, Jacobsville, Stringtown, and Howell.

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Mayor Winnecke emphasizes the importance of focusing people, partnerships, and resources in one place as it has proven to be effective in bringing about positive change.

Parks are also a crucial aspect of strong neighborhoods in Evansville. With 46 parks in the city, they serve as a gathering place for families and neighbors. Currently, there are over $13.3 million worth of park improvements underway or committed across Evansville. These include renovations at the CK Newsome Center and new splash pads at Igleheart and Tepe parks.

Mayor Winnecke takes pride in these investments as they are a visible sign of progress being made in the places that people use every day.

Neighborhood revitalization is an ongoing process in Evansville with blighted houses being demolished and new homes being built or rehabilitated. It also involves filling potholes, cleaning overgrown lots, investing in local parks and creating new housing opportunities for more people to call Evansville home.

The success of these efforts is a result of people coming together to take responsibility for their community. While there is still work ahead with more blighted properties to remove and more neighborhoods to reach through Block by Block events, the progress is evident. One block at a time, Evansville is building what matters - strong neighborhoods that serve as the backbone of a strong city.

Filed Under: Government, City

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