THE NEAR EASTSIDE TODAY

     The near eastside is definitely different from what it was 38 years ago.  Where there were no health care facilities for people with low incomes then, People's Health Clinic, run by a large health care provider, now provides the needed care.

     Where there was no place for seniors to get together to socialize, or a place to help find a job or a variety of needed services, The John H. Boner Center fills those needs and more. In addition, it brings together other social service agencies under on roof where they can interact.

    For those with a little money or a lot, there is the Community Choice Federal Credit Union. Community choice is a wonderful “throwback” to the days where the tellers know just about everybody by first name. It gives you a sense of a small town in a big city.

     Some may disagree, but there is more cooperation between neighborhoods and the City - County building and other agencies. Although it is sometimes slow in coming, we now have more access to information that is supposed to be open to the public. Prior to the 1980s, very little information could be obtained.

     In spite of the gains, the near eastside continues to struggle with many of the problems of the past. There are still a large number of boarded and vacant houses. This makes the neighborhood appear as though people who live here don't care, so that invites many types of crime.

     But the impression is wrong. There are many, many people in the community that do care and are willing to stand up and make changes happen. The Quality of Life Plan (See the “Our Future” tab) is a good example of the willingness of the neighbors to act. There were 400 people at the Visioning Event which kicked off the planning process.

     The NESCO board vote to pursue legal action against property owners who don't take care of their properties and have numerous violation cited by the Marion County Health Department or Zoning. Landlords who allow illegal activity to take place on their property could also become defendants.

     Better relationships are being worked on with a variety of city-county government agencies and we are trying to build collaborations between these agencies. By doing so, it is hoped that between them, they can find ways to get things done together that they can't get done by themselves. We are also trying to build stronger relationships with IMPD and especially, the officers who work in our community.

     Judging by the length of the Quality of Life Plan, we have a long way to go before we will be the community we want to be. However, we have made great strides in some areas and we are getting more and more people involved in bringing about change. I can't remember the article or the author, but someone recently said, “Give me 1,000 people and I can change a city.”  We're well on our way to that number. Come join us and make a difference.