Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 20 June 2003 — Page 3

FRIDAY, JUNE 20. 2003

THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER

PAGE A3

Town hall meeting sparks Westside redevelopment and renovations

By ANNETTE L. ANDERSON Rtcordtr Corrtspondcnt Although a town hall meeting, hosted by the United North West Association (UNWA), took place last week, what occurred there is still reverberating in the area today. “I’ve seen city trucks in my aunt’s neighborhood, and that was very pleasing to me and her,” said Juanita Jones, from Inuisville. “She had told me about some meeting with the mayor, and that he did promise to have his people canvass the streets for repairs. I can see that he’s keeping his word.” A concerned Cleo Barnett, a founder of UNWA, had spoken about the bad condition of the sidewalks in the 1500 block of Roache Street. “When is the city going to pi new ones in?” she asked Mayor Bart Peterson. They are badly needed.” Peterson assured her that city inspectors would be in the neighborhood to inspect what needed to be done. This was very pleasing to Marjorie Young and daughter Judy Hudson, longtime residents of the Westside neighborhood, who are eager to see some improvements. “We have been here (1200 block of West 25 th Street) for 55 years or more, and never before have our sidewalks or the curves been repaired,” noted Young. “Now, after this meeting, we will finally see it get done. The only question I have is when it will be done.” The meeting ignited a network of initiatives geared toward the betterment of the community. These initiatives also include, but are not limited to community policing, social services, and economic development, qualifying Blacks to purchase homes and much more. “They (staffers of the economic development committee) can accomplish their goal ofgetting renters into their own homes," said Hudson. “But this can only be done if they educate them about debt management and financial responsibility.”

Are these goals being fulfilled, as well as those set by other city and community organizations? Taking a look at this question, The Recorder found that most things are right on track. According to Darin Griesey, executive director for United Northwest Area Inc., there are still programs available to help people to qualify for home ownership. “They look at it from an income guideline standpoint, to assist those who are in financial difficulty,” he commented. For more information, call (317) 9240199. According to Nick Parkevich, assistant public information officer for Metropolitan Development Corp., the city is directing its attention to abandoned vehicles and houses in the Westside area, continuing with the Weed and Seed programs, and developing residentially and commercially along Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street. There are programs under social services designed to reach out tochildren, adolescents, teens, and young adults, which provide child care, education, and even training for young parents. Community policing is getting a boost from the Indianapolis Police Department’s West District. Deputy Chief Tim Horty and his officers and staff opened the district’s doors and their hearts to the community for Community Awareness Day, a day of fun, food, games and valuable information to residents. On hand were employees of the Indianapolis Fire Department and the Marion County Health Department and others displaying information and answering questions posed to them. “It is very important to establish good relationships with the community early,” Horty pointed out. “And today is a way of giving back to the community. We are as close individually to the community’s leaders as anyone can be. But foremost, community policing got its roots here, because this district was among the first to get it going.” Minister Larry Smith, repre-

Minister Larry Smith of First Free Will Baptist Church was one of the speakers at the meeting. (Photo/C. Guynn) senting First Free Will Baptist Church, along with Young and Hudson, had asked about the relationship between city government and church and religious organizations. In response, Emerson Allen, city liaison between the city and faith based organizations, is continuing to “communicate to the community that there is a faith based coordinator/liaison in the city to assist with information on what grants and services are available.” Allen expressed his devotion to maintaining a good rapport with the religious community. “There has always been this continuous effort on the part of the city to do whatever is necessary to accomplish this,” he said. “And I will be happy to work with M inister Smith on any projects or ideas he may present.” Last, but in no way least, Peterson, bombarded with questions at the meeting, handled the situation proficiently. Each question he could answer was done so to the best ofhis ability, and others, along with concerns, were directed to the proper department head or deputy mayor, such as Eugene Anderson. “I have a willingness to help,” said Anderson. “And I will always make myself and my services available to the citizens of this community.”

Duke welcomes INROADS intern Jonathan McLaurin

for the second year in a row, Duke Realty Corporation is proud to recognize Jonathan McLuirin as an Indianapolis INROADS intern. He will work in Duke's financial Analysis group for the summer, specializing in credit analysis. Duke has a total of six INROADS interns within its organization this year. An upcoming Senior at Indiana University's Kelley School ol Business majoring in f inance and I eg.il Studies and mmoring in African American History, Jonathan is very involved m both scholastic and extra-curricular activities. INROADS Indiana is part of a national not-for-profit career development organization that recruits outstanding minority students for one- to five-year paid internships. More than 35 Indiana corporations, including Duke, will employ over 60 college interns this summer. Nationally, the number exceeds 950 organizations and more than 7,500 interns. “Duke is a company with an entrepreneurial environment that fosters creative thinking, challenges its employees to grow mentally, and encourages different ideas from a wide variety of perspectives,” said Jonathan. “INROADS has helped me to grow my soft skills as related to my work and personal life.” Duke Realty Corporation is one of the nation’s largest real estate companies, founded in Indianapolis in 1972, Duke now employs more than 1,()()() real estate professionals in 13 U.S. markets. for more information about employment opportunities at Duke, please call Anna Lovell, Corporate fmployment Specialist, at S()S.6()0(). for more information about INROADS, please call 614.0111.

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