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Historical June–July 2002 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
On April 23, the Holy Ground Team at Grace United Methodist Church hosted a lunch meeting with community leaders and developers working on the 5700 Block of McPherson Avenue. Attendees included Alderman Irving Clay, Neighborhood Stabilization Officer Larry Isom, Skinker Debaliviere Council Executive Director Laure Porterfield and Skinker Debaliviere Housing Corporation staffer Gary Boehnke, local housing developers Rainey Crawford III (accompanied by his father, Rainey Crawford II) and Martin Jaffe, James Gradone from the department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Dan Grandone of Congregations Allied for Community Improvement (CACI). Representing the Grace were Team members Jaymes Dearing, Sutcliffe Brown, Kristen Moomey, MSW intern Angela Ghesquiere, and Rev. Mark Harvey.
Each person was asked to describe their role on the 5700 block in turn.
In addition to the home repairs provided by Grace Church volunteers, six properties are now undergoing major rehabilitation by Rainey Crawford. At the same time, Martin Jaffe plans to soon build as many as fifteen new homes on the 5700 block.
The effect these changes will have on current block residents was discussed in some detail.
All parties expressed concern for residents’ future there. Many expressed a conviction that every effort should be made to ensure that all existing home owners have access to resources to either assist them to rehabilitate their properties and remain on the block, or sell their properties under fair market conditions. Other attendees, such as James Heard of HUD, emphasized the importance of collaboration and partnership between all parties involved with the 5700 block. “It is essential to maintain a sense of fairness,” he said.
While development concerns dominated the meeting, issues surrounding crime and safety were also discussed. Neighborhood Stabilization officer Larry Isom Larry Isom pointed out that vacant buildings on the block are especially problematic; Alderman Clay suggested that Isom investigate particular sites and report back to him. Rev. Harvey revealed that Grace had submitted these ‘problem properties’ to the Building Commission as part of the recent city-wide ‘Holy Ground’ action against problem properties. Towards the end of the meeting, future directions for the 5700 block were discussed. Alderman Clay emphasized the need for comprehensive planning. Mr. Heard then described HUD’s loan programs for seniors (HECM Reverse Mortgages) and owner redevelopment (203K loans). Jaymes Dearing, chair of Grace’s Holy Ground Team, revealed plans underway for providing homeowner assistance counseling. Sutcliffe Brown has completed a • first draft of a Program Plan which includes this initiative.
The Grace Church Team agreed with developers that “band-aid” home repairs do not contribute significantly to redevelopment.
However, the Team does have an important role. Rev. Harvey explained that the Holy Ground Team’s work helps establish relationships of trust with homeowners, which can lead to commitment to more significant rehabilitation.
This work may also encourage communitybuilding, and help ensure harmony with new incoming residents. • In the future, the Holy Ground Team hopes to build and strengthen collaboration between all the parties present at April 23’s meeting, with special emphasis on empowering current residents to be involved in the decisions affecting their future.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, June–July 2002.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Archival transcription note: Source lists HUD James Gradone then refers to James Heard without explaining relation; duplicated Larry Isom name retained as printed.
Original source: SD_Times2002_06.pdf, printed page(s) 7; PDF page(s) 7.
