Milestones accomplished! We are now 24 registered neighborhoods who are a part of the Neighborhood Advisory Council. We have increased our voice when we advocate to the City for the needs and concerns of our neighborhoods. I encourage you all to connect with your neighborhood association and work together on your goals.
Another milestone is the Comprehensive Plan has been approved and is on the road to implementation. This will affect our neighborhoods in many ways with zoning updates. Have a look at Chapter 7, Housing and Neighborhoods, at forwardsgf.com. The city has also started a housing study and is gathering input from all neighborhoods on what we want to see changed, improved as well as housing design ideas. This study performed by APD Urban Planning & Management along with the city will assist the recommendations in the Forward SGF Comprehensive Plan for housing and neighborhoods. It is a much needed study that will support the work of the Nuisance Property Work Study group also.
The Nuisance Property Work Study group, along with other issues, is looking at hopeful improvements to many of our rental properties with a rental inspection program. And, with a housing shortage of over 14,000 residential units, attention must be given to repairing, upgrading, or remodeling nuisance properties that are scattered throughout our neighborhoods.
In the meantime, spring has arrived and it’s time for cleanups, block parties, tea with your neighbors, events in the park, and gardening. Keep track of what your neighborhood does in the categories of Clean, Safe and Friendly. The Great Neighborhoods program awards your efforts. Learn more here springfieldmo.gov/greatneighborhoods.
You live in a house … you live in a neighborhood. Honor it, take care of it. We are all working together to create a clean, safe and friendly place to raise our families and to age in place. Thank you for investing in your neighborhood!