farm pond neighborhood report

Farm PondNeighborhood Report

UNCC Community Planning Workshop

December 16, 2010

This project was made possible by the generous guidance and support of Dr. Janni Sorensen and Dr. José Gámez from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Financial support for conducting community outreach and engagement was provided by the Charlotte Action Research Project.

This project would not have been possible without the time and dedication of Judith Gamboa, CHARP Farm Pond Community Liaison.

The project team is also grateful for the time and support from:

• Eugene Bradley, City of Charlotte

• Kim Barnes, City of Charlotte

• Martina Jones, Community Activist

• Ray Terry, Four Seasons Homeowners’ Association President

• The Four Seasons Homeowners’ Association, including Lanny Emanuel, Robert Dannely, and Alponzo Morwell.

Thank you everyone for your time!

- The Farm Pond Project Team -

• Daniella Fergusson

• Melissa Manak

1Executive Summary

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Farm Pond, a neighborhood located in the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, is completing a neighborhood study for a variety of reasons.

First, Farm Pond has rapidly changed over the past decade, becoming home to a very diverse and young population that includes recent immigrants from Latin America, Asia, and Eastern Europe. This diversity provides challenges for the City of Charlotte and other service providers in communicating with residents andcreatingprogramsthatfittheirneeds.

Second, Charlotte’s 2010 Neighborhood Quality of Life survey lists Farm Pond as “transitioning upward.” This indicates that with additional attention, resources, and assistance, Farm Pond can become a more enjoyable place to live, with lower crime rates, improved health and education indicators, and a more stable population.

Third, Farm Pond is known for its higher rates of crime within the city, declining property values, and a very high percentage (70%) of renters. Farm Pond residents want to take back their neighborhood from criminal activity and begin using amenities like parks and shopping centers again. Having a more stable population where people know each other is a step towards getting there.

This report aims to provide context and background on Farm Pond, so residents,theCityofCharlotte,thenon-profitcommunity,andtheCharlotteAction Research Project can see a snapshot of Farm Pond in 2010. The report also describes a nascent process by which residents of Farm Pond have come together to form a neighborhood association. Organizing gives residents a voice with the City of Charlotte and service providers, as well as access to grants that can fund activities that residents want to undertake. A neighborhood organization also gives the City and service providers a point of contact to address the community.

The report is divided into 4 sections: “Where have we come from?”; “Where arewenow?”;“Wherearewegoing?”;and,“Howdowegetthere?”.Thefirstsection describes the context of Farm Pond and describes anecdotal history of the neighborhood. The second section provides data about Farm Pond, spanningthepast10totwentyyears.ThethirdsectionidentifiesgoalsandactionsfortheFarmPondneighborhood.Thefinalsectionprovidesresourcesand case studies that can help residents, the City, and service providers reach theidentifiedgoals.Thisreport’sappendixdescribestheprocessbehindthisreport in more depth.

2 Farm Pond Neighborhood Report

3Table of Contents

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Table of ContentsExecutive Summary ......................................................................... 1Table of Contents ..............................................................................3How do I use this report? ................................................................ 5Where have we come from? ............................................................. 7

Where is Farm Pond? ................................................8What is the history of Farm Pond? ...............................8Why is Farm Pond organizing? ................................... 10Why is Farm Pond faced with so many challenges? ... 10

Where are we now? ......................................................................... 13Overview ...................................................................... 14

People ..........................................................................................151. Demographics .......................................................... 162. Households .............................................................. 183. Social Indicators ......................................................22

Place ...........................................................................................251. Civic Assets ...............................................................262. Neighborhood Assets ...............................................263. Circulation ...............................................................284. Land Use ..................................................................30

Environment .............................................................................. 311. Natural Features ......................................................32

Summary ....................................................................................33Opportunities ...............................................................34Challenges ....................................................................34

Where are we going? ....................................................................... 37Preliminary Meetings ..................................................38Second Neighborhood Meeting ...................................38Third Neighborhood Meeting .....................................38Four Seasons Homeowners’ Association Annual General Meeting ........................................................................39


Eagle Woods Movie Nights .........................................39Eagle Woods Apartment Complex Party .....................39Conclusion ...................................................................39

How do we get there? ..................................................................... 41Introduction .................................................................42Vision ...........................................................................42Actions .........................................................................42Goals ............................................................................43Case Studies .................................................................44Resources in Charlotte ................................................ 47Important Contacts .....................................................50

Appendix ..........................................................................................51First Neighborhood Meeting ....................................... 52Second Neighborhood Meeting ................................... 55Third Neighborhood Meeting .....................................58Movie Nights ................................................................60Eagle Woods Apartment Complex Party .....................62Latin American Coalition Meeting ..............................63

5How do I use this report?

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The Farm Pond Neighborhood Report looks at Farm Pond in Charlotte, NC, to identify possible futures for the neighborhood and partnerships that can realize those futures.

The report is organized into the following sections:

Where have we come from?Thissectionofthereportdescribescontext.ThechapterbrieflydescribeswhereFarm Pond is in East Charlotte and how Farm Pond was developed. This section also mentions Charlotte’s internationalization in the past decade in order to provide a framework to explain Farm Pond’s diversity.

Where are we now?This chapter describes Farm Pond in relation to Charlotte in the spheres of People, Place, and Environment.

Within the People sphere, the report contains data to describe demographics, household qualities, social indicators, and community amenities. Within the Place sphere, the report maps land use, neighborhood amenities (like grocery stores), major roads, bus routes, and walking conditions. Floodplain conditions are the only item within the Environment sphere, owing to available data.

This chapter is summarized by showing opportunities and challenges in Farm Pond based on current conditions.

Where are we going?This chapter of the report describes the vision, goals, and actions that Farm Pondresidentshaveexpressedinterestinpursuing.Thechapteralsobrieflydescribes the process of outreach that has been undertaken in Farm Pond in conjunction with this report’s development. Outreach includes three neighborhood meetings, conversations with City of Charlotte staff, and meetings with local non-governmental organizations, such as the Latin American Coalition. More details about the meetings are contained in the appendix.

How do we get there?Thefinalchapterofthereport,“Howdowegetthere?”,offersexamplesofcasestudies and resources that Farm Pond residents and the City of Charlotte can use toachievesomeofthegoalsandactionsidentifiedinthereport.

7Where have we come from?

Whe

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This chapter describes:

• Farm Pond’s location in Charlotte

• Oral history of Farm Pond

• Background information about the Charlotte Action Research Project

• Context to explain why Farm Pond has become so diverse in the last decade


once an incorporated part of Mecklenburg County, called Crab Orchard Township. Crab Orchard stretched from Old Concord Road to Monroe Road and included a small community called Hickory Grove, which is where Farm Pond is today.

John Orr Plantation

The John Orr Plantation, known as Orr Quarters, was located in Farm Pond. The slaves of Orr Quarters were branded in case they left “illegally.” The slaves also took the slaveholder’s last name, Orr, as custom in those days. Although there is little history about the Orr Quarters, after emancipation the Orr family’s land was divided up and given to the slaves so they could start over in life. One of the slaves, Alexander Orr, received land located off Hickory Grove Road. He raised thirteen children and then divided the property among them. One of the children, Lawrence Orr, kept his land and built several homes and a road. He eventually bought land that is now part of the Farm Pond community. As a land owner, he was thought well of throughout the community by black and white residents. Lawrence Orr Road, located off Hickory Grove Road, is named after him.LawrenceOrr’sfirsthomeremainsonJohnetteDrive, and his grandchildren hope to restore it to retain history of the community.

After Emancipation

Lawrence Orr knew many black families continued to suffer from racism after emancipation, so he formed a brotherhood with many former slaves. The organization helped to develop a voice in the community. The Brotherhood was important , because this area had a high concentration of black property owners, and they were an active part of the Hickory Grove community. The Brotherhood helped construct a school for black students, who previously had to attended church for education. The school, built in 1925, graduated hundreds of students until 1966 when it was closed. The county eventually tore the school down; however, the memories of cold classrooms and education is still

Where is Farm Pond?The City of Charlotte describes Farm Pond as a Neighborhood Statistical Area bounded by Hickory Grove Road to the north, East WT Harris Boulevard to the east (Highway 24), Albemarle Road to the south, and Farm Pond Lane to the west.

What is the history of Farm Pond?To fully understand Charlotte’s East Side, which includes Farm Pond, it is important to learn its history. Farm Pond has undergone many transitions, and much of its history is lost. Recorded history dates back to time after the Civil War. As a Southern state North Carolina had many plantations, with one located on the site where Farm Pond is today. Farm Pond was

3 miles

Farm Pond

Uptown Charlotte

Did you know?Farm Pond residents are very knowledgeable about the area’s history.

Residents were kind enough to provide us with their personal newspaper clippings. Unfortuntaly, the authors, newspaper names, and dates of publications for many of the clippings were missing. The following represents a recording of sources using all available information.

(Charlotte). “10 Years... Merchants Recall Excitement of First Day.” Newspaper clipping from resident.

City of Charlotte. “Annexa-tion History.” http://www.charmeck.org/Planning/Annexation/Annexa-tion_History.pdf

Douglas, William. “A Bit of Black History Will Die With Schoolhouse.” Newspaper clipping from resident.

Emanuel, Lanny. “History of Farm Pond.” Interview by Melissa Manak. Novem-ber 29, 2010.

Four Season Homeowners’ Association Map. Provided by Lanny Emanuel.

Franklin, Tom, comp. “The Changing Face of Hickory Grove.” Meck-lenburg Neighbor, July 30, 1969. Included Photo Compilation.

“General Description of the Area.” Raw data about the Annexation of Charlotte East Side from resident.

Haag, Richard. “A New Hickory Grove.” Mecklen-burg Neighbor.

Land Given to Orr Family Slaves (A. Morwell)

Map of Crab Orchard Township (Alponzo Morwell)J.L. Carter Store (A. Morwell)

Schoolhouse (A. Morwell)

Lawrence Orr (A. Morwell)


family-friendly Homeowners’ Association, which offered many amenities like swimming lessons and a well-maintained greenway system. A ballpark,, which is now nearly impossible to access, was built in Campbell Creek Park. Many residents enjoyed playing games there on weekends, and children played in the streets. Residentsevenwentfishinginapond where the Wallace Creek neighborhood is located today. Four Seasons is remembered as being a close-knit community, with homes ranging in the low to mid hundred thousand dollars.

East Side Decline

Between 1980 and 1990, Charlotte’s East Side experienced decline. Residents attribute the decline to the phenomenon of IBM employees purchasing properties in Farm Pond and the concurrent revitalization of Uptown Charlotte. The mass purchase of Farm Pond properties by out-of-town-ers led to many homes becoming rental properties. Furthermore, residents believe that bad lending practices in the 1980s and 1990s led low-income residents to believe that they could own homes. The bad loans caused many foreclosures in Farm Pond. At the same time, the revitalization of Uptown Charlotte increased rent and the cost of living , forcing many lower-income residents to leave Uptown for the East Side, which is a convenient commute from Uptown. Many Farm Pond residents recall thatatfirstthechangingdemographicshiftinFarmPondwasnotaproblem.However, it became clear that the neighborhood had changed when apartment rents declined from $900 per month to around $400 to $500. Break-ins and shootings became commonplace, and the Four Season Homeowners’ Association homeowners selling to absentee landlords. Property values declined to under $100,000, and are continuing to fall. Devastation hit when many Charlotte

talked about by alumni residents in Farm Pond. Unfortunately, many black land owners lost their land to the government due to property tax issues when Jim Crow Laws came into effect.

Hickory Grove Community

Hickory Grove was a small community located around the square at Hickory Grove and Delta Road, which later became the W.T. Harris Boulevard extension. Many residents who lived in Hickory Grove before it was annexed by the City of Charlotte fondly remember the close knit community. Residents reminisce about how people lived by the honor system; store owners trusted that patrons would return to pay their tab. Many older folks say the town would close down for the July Fourth Parade and other festivals. Historic Charlotte newspaper articles state that the area was full of wilderness, country roads, and large ponds, which have since been drained and graded. An airport, which still exists today on W.T. Harris Boulevard (formerly Delta Road) was used by private residents. Many residents miss the quiet and intimate life before Charlotte Annexed Hickory Grove and built Eastland Mall.

Four Seasons Neighborhood Construction

In the 1970s, Charlotte annexed Hickory Grove, although many residents fought it. Annexation of East Side communities cost about $1.6 million. Annexation caused immediate impacts in Farm Pond; Eastland Mall became thelocalhotspot,solivelythatitwashardtofindparkingaroundChristmas.The land around Eastland Mall was purchased by developers; however, legal

road blocks delayed construction. Erwin Construction bought land, drained the ponds, and resurfaced roads. Years later, Erwin Construction built the Four Season neighborhood. Four Seasons was a desirable place to live for people in the mid to high social economic class, with many residents making over $20,000 in the 1970s.

Four Seasons was an attractive neighborhoodthatgavefirsttimehomebuyers the option of buying a condo or a single family home. Four Seasons’ patio homes and split-level homes attracted two types of families: those who wanted a more urban lifestyle with maintenance free common areas, and those who desired suburban land tracts. Residents recall the

Morwell, Alponzo. “History of Farm Pond.” Interview by Melissa Manak. No-vember 29, 2010. Also provided: Photographs and family history -Obituary -Family Land Plots -Family Tree -Grandfather Photo -Crab Orchard Township Map.

Muse, Amy. “The Wake of the Boat” 1969. Article from resident.

Rhyne, Sara M. “They Shared Great Times On Area’s ‘Country Roads’.” Newspaper clipping from resident.

Terry, Ray. “History of Farm Pond” Interview by Melissa Manak. December 6, 2010.

Four Seasons Plans (L. Emanuel)

Eastland Mall Opening Day (A. Morwell)

1970s East Side growth map (Mecklenburg Neighbor)


residents began going to Carolina Place Mall and SouthPark Mall, forcing the Eastland Mall stores to close. Eventually the entire mall closed.

Farm Pond Today

Although Farm Pond has experienced many changes, the community is trying to transition upwards to resemble what it used to be. Farm Pond residents feel that the children have no outlets, resulting in petty crimes. Residents believe that involving children and apartment complex residents into Four Seasons Homeowners’ Association-sponsored activities will help improve the feeling of community. Furthermore, there is a need for Campbell Creek Park and the Four Seasons greenway to be maintained since, since it has been neglected for the past20years.Manyresidentsagreeandremainconfidentthatthisisabeautifulneighborhood that will come back as Charlotte’s East Side as a whole transitions forward.

Why is Farm Pond organizing?Farm Pond is receving assistance from the Charlotte Action Research Project and the City of Charlotte to organize. Farm Pond is organizing to get better access to City services, resources, and support. A Farm Pond Neighborhood Association would be able to serve as a point of contact with the City, too.

The Charlotte Action Research Project (CHARP) is an organization that brings together community-based organizations in challenged Charlotte neighborhoods and students and faculty at University of North Carolina at Charlotte. CHARP helps local communities to obtain technical and logistical assistance while giving students real world experience in a diverse and challenging environment.CHARP’smissionistoestablishamutuallybeneficialpartnershipthatbuildscapacity and engagement between Charlotte neighborhoods and the university.

CHARP believes in empowering community partners to build community capacity and recognizes that long term involvement with neighborhood groups is essential to the success of community-based projects. Community partners include: City of Charlotte Neighborhood Stabilization Program, Windy Ridge Neighborhood Association, Peachtree Hills Neighborhood Association, Reid Park Neighborhood Association, Camp Greene Neighborhood Association, Revolution Park Neighborhood Association, Enderly Park Neighborhood Association, College Downs Neighborhood Association, West Boulevard Neighborhood Coalition, Habitat for Humanity, Charlotte NC, and Charlotte Urban Ministry Center.

CHARP was awarded a $25,000 grant from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in Winston-Salem for continuing work.

Why is Farm Pond faced with so many challenges?Farm Pond is a very diverse area of Charlotte. Residents of Farm Pond include people who have been homeowners for 15 to 20 years , as well as new immigrants from Latin America, Asia, and Europe.

According to the 2000 Census, historically a predominantly White neighborhood of single family homes, Farm Pond has been rapidly changing with White residents becoming a minority. Newcomers to Farm Pond include Black and Hispanic residents. In the 1990s, Census data shows an absence of Hispanics in the area. Incredibly, the Hispanic population grew dramatically from virtually zerotofivehundredpeoplewithinadecadeCurrently,themajorityofresidentsin Farm Pond are Black. Most residents of Farm Pond live in renter-occupied housing units, which are primarily apartment complexes on Albemarle Road.

Farm Pond has also become home to many young people. The 2000 Census estimates that 25 to 29 year-olds are the largest age bracket in Farm Pond. By comparison, census tracts around Farm Pond are generally home to more families with children.

Farm Pond’s diverse and young population is a wonderful asset to the community. However, the wide range of languages and cultures in Farm Pond can make it challenging for service providers to effectively communicate with and tailor services to the community. Also, the high rate of new residents combined with the short time that many residents spend living in Farm Pond creates an opportunity to communicate to residents about all of the opportunities available for them in Farm Pond.

Latin Americans in Mecklenburg County

Farm Pond is a microcosm of immigration patterns experienced in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County as a whole. Over the past 15 years, Charlotte has received a lot of national attention due to the fast pace of population and economic growth.

During this time, newcomers to Charlotte have included domestic and international migrants. In particular, the city has become home to many Latino immigrants. In the 1990s and previous decades, Mecklenburg County was predominantly home to White and Black populations. However by 2004, the number of Latinos immigrating to Mecklenburg County increased by 887%.

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s Urban Institute and the Latin American Coalition partnered in 2006 to research the Latino population in Charlotte and provide recommendations for how to better service the Latino population for the City’s Vision 2015 plan and goal “of celebrating diversity and

Did you know?You can find out more about the Charlotte Action Research Project (CHARP) by looking at their website: http://geoearth.uncc.edu/people/cubabuco/charp/

The website is updated with news articles about CHARP and participating communities, like Farm Pond, too!

You can also read more about CHARP’s work in Reid Park here: “A neighborhood is reborn” by David Perlmutt (August 12, 2010) at http://www.charlotteobserver.com


Many cultural differences are apparent within the Latino population and between the Latino population and the greater Mecklenburg population. For example within the Latino communities, the population in Mecklenburg is diverse. According to the study, 62 percent of Latinos in Mecklenburg come from Mexico. The remainder are largely from South America and many of them, from Brazil, speak Portuguese. People with the same nationalities tend to cluster together in neighborhoods or even within apartment complexes.

In terms of differences between Latinos and the wider Mecklenburg population, the principle difference is language, but cultural practices are varied too. Many Latinos who immigrate to Charlotte have experienced little formal education. As a result, many are illiterate in Spanish. This makes it harder for the new immigrants to learn English. An example of a cultural difference is that men tend to be the dominant heads of Latino families. Respecting family structure is incredibly important.

Finally,theLatinopopulationissignificantlychallengedbyCharlotte’stransportation system, especially in East Charlotte where someone may need to take three or more buses to get uptown. Many buses in Charlotte are not equipped with Spanish-language announcements or Spanish-speaking drivers.

Overall,theresearchshowsthatsignificantengagementinFarmPondwillhavetorecognizetheculturaldiversityoftheneighborhoodbeforespecificprogramscanbe formed or implemented.

promoting equality for all.”

Thekeyfindingsofthe2006 Mecklenburg County Latino Community Needs Assessment include:

• 68% of the Latino population are foreign born

• 61% of the working Latino population is young, aged 18 to 34 years old

• 50% of the Latino population do not have a high school diploma

• The median income for Latinos in Mecklenburg County in 2007 was $39,000

• Compared to other populations in Mecklenburg County, the Latino population suffers more economic disadvantages and at a higher rate. For example, 22 percent live in poverty and 35 percent of Latinos live in crowded conditions.

Challenges faced by the Latin American Population in Mecklenburg County

the 2006 Mecklenburg County Latino Community Needs Assessment found that the Latino population is in need of:

• Employment opportunities

• Bilingual and culturally aware services

• Affordable and accessible health care

• ESL classrooms and educational opportunities

• Improved mobility through public transportation

• Improvement in immigration policies

The greatest barriers experienced by the Latino population include:

• Inadequate English Skills

• Discrimination

• Immigration challenges and undocumented status

• Lack of formal education

• Lack of Spanish language-speaking service providers

• Cost of and access to health care services

• Mobility and access to transportation

Did you know?If you are interested in learning more about Latino immigration to Charlotte, there are two great resources you can use.

UNCC’s Urban Institute and the Latin American Coalition’s 2006 Report, Mecklenburg County Latino Needs Assessment, is available online here: http://www.thoughtbox-charlotte.org/content/mecklenburg-county-latino-community-needs-assessment

In 2007, the Mayor’s Immigration Commission also published a report about the impact of im-migration on the City of Charlotte. The report is available here: http://www.greencards.com/docs/Immigration+Final+Report.pdf

13Where are we now?

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As a microcosm of the City of Charlotte, Farm Pond represents the city’s changing nature as Charlotte globalizes and grows. This chapter examines data to see what Farm Pond is like today.

For much of the analysis, we use the basemap that appears to the left. You can print out this map and use it to gather your own data about Farm Pond.

The chapter includes three sections:

People:

1. Demographics

2. Households

3. Social Indicators

Place:

1. Civic Assets

2. Neighborhood Assets

3. Land Use

4. Circulation

Environment:

1. 100 Year Floodplain


majorityinFarmPond(55.9%).TheBlackpopulationisasignificantproportionof the surrounding tracts’ population, too: Hickory Grove (44.3%), Eastland/Wilora Lake (48.2%), Idlewild Farms (46.6%), and Hickory Ridge (44.7%). By comparison, about 1/3 of Charlotte’s population was Black in 2000.

Home ownership, Renting, and Foreclosure

The 2000 Census states there were 2,337 housing units available. While only 640 units were owner-occupied in 2000, the vast majority (1,656 units) are renter-occupied. Within Farm Pond, the level of crime is greatest along Albemarle Road, which is the primary commercial center of the neighborhood.

Employment

In Farm Pond in 2000, the employment ratio of males to females was approximately equal. With an unemployment rate of 4.2%, Farm Pond had a very low unemployment rate in 2000. Today, the unemployment rate in Farm Pond is much higher, ranging between 10 and 15% (See Map 6).

Summary

There are some points of interest in the data:

• There is a tenuous connection between the type of housing and crime level. While residents associate the multifamily housing along Albemarle Road withhigherratesofcrime,Map7showsthatsignificantpolicereportshavebeen made throughout Farm Pond. Although violent crimes like armed robbery tend to occur near Albemarle Road, police reports online show that domestic disturbances occur throughout Farm Pond.

• The majority of properties are valued between $50,000-100,000. It is unclear why property values are lower than average in Farm Pond, but contributing factors include the closing of Eastland Mall, general decline as development focused in Uptown Charlotte and exurbs, and crime.

• SignificantlymorepeopleinFarmPondrent(in2000andtoday)comparedto people who are homeowners. This is especially interesting considering the single family home design of the neighborhood.

• The average rent was between $500-1,000 per month in 2000.

Farm Pond’s long term goals should focus on the social and employment aspects oftheneighborhood,embracingdemographicchangesandfindingwaystobuildcommunity and local economic opportunities despite the economic downturn.

OverviewBefore studying People, Place, and Environment in Farm Pond in more depth, this overview compares Farm Pond to its neighboring census tracts to identify significantissuesintheneighborhood.FarmPond’sCensusTractis19.12,andthe following tracts are used in comparison:

• 15.03 to the north, Hickory Grove

• 16.04 to the west, Eastland/Wilora Lake

• 19.10 to the south, Idlewild Farms

• 19.13 to the east, Hickory Ridge

Tract 19.12 is bordered by Albemarle Road, Farm Pond Lane, W.T. Harris Boulevard, and Hickory Grove Road. The surrounding tracts are similar in population, except for two: 15.03 to the north (Hickory Grove) and 19.13 to the east (Hickory Ridge).

This comparative research of Farm Pond and the neighboring census tracts shows that Farm Pond is unique in three areas: the residents’ communication barriers; housing affected by sprawl; and, higher unemployment.

Social Issues

Farm Pond has been challenged by the decline of Eastland Mall, with property valuesdecliningsignificantlyfollowingtheMall’sclosing.Primarilyhometoapredominately White population when Four Seasons neighborhood was built in the 1970s, other races began moving into the neighborhood at a fast pace in the 1990s. With 19.8% of residents speaking a language other than English, multiculturalism presents challenges and opportunities in Farm Pond. In 1990, Census data shows a virtual absence of Hispanic residents. However, the number of Hispanic residents grew from only 96 residents to more than 500 in 2000, which was approximately 9.6% of the neighborhood’s population. In the tracts around Farm Pond, the Hispanic community comprised a large share of the popultion in 2000, too: Hickory Grove (19.1%), Eastland/Wilora Lake (13.1%), Idlewild Farms (14.5%), and Hickory Ridge (6.5%). By comparison in 2000, only 7.4% of Charlotte’s population was Latino.

This led to an increased need for ESL formatted classrooms. Younger Hispanics are having to help parents communicate within the community. While the Hispanic population is growing quickly, the Black population remains the

Did you know?Our source for this comparison between Farm Pond and the neighboring census tracts comes from the 2000 Census.

U.S. Census Bureau. (2010). American Faultfinder reference tract: Census Tract:15.03, 16.04,19.10,19.12,19.13 Generated October 25th, 2010 from http://factfinder. Census.gov/servlet/DT-Table

15Where are we now?

Peo

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This topic covers Farm Pond Demographics, Households, and Social Indicators. The data is compared both over time and to CharlotteandMecklenburgCountyfigures.

Overall, Farm Pond is growing more slowly than Charlotte. The people who live in Farm Pond are younger and more racially and ethnically diverse than the average mix of people in Charlotte.

Households in Farm Pond are on average smaller than household sizes in the rest of Charlotte. Farm Pond also has a higher proportion of single-person and single-parent households compared to the city as a whole. Almost three-quarters of people in Farm Pond are renters, having moved into the neighborhood relatively recently. Residents who are homeowners are likely to have lived in Farm Pond for at least 15 to 20 years.

Of total housing units, 95% of homes in Farm Pond are single family homes or condominiums. Only 5% of housing units are apartments.

People in Farm Pond have been especially hard-hit by foreclosures and high rents. Over a quarter of residents of Farm Pond paid 35% or more of their household income to rents or mortgages in 2000. Farm Pond has had at least 26 foreclosures by the time the 2010 Quality of Life survey was published. A foreclosure data map from City of Charlotte Neighborhood & Business Services published in September 2010 shows at least an additional 20 foreclosures. Unemployment in Farm Pond is in the range of 10 to 15 percent.


Did you know?There are many places where you can find out demographic information. One great resource is the City’s Quality of Life Study (http://charmeck.org/city/charlotte/nbs/community-commerce/QOL/Pages/Default.aspx). Farm Pond is Neighborhood Statistical Area (NSA) number 148.

A really fun place to explore census data is the New York Times’ new Census Explorer: http://projects.nytimes.com/census/2010/

Another place to find demographic information is the United States Census (http://census.gov). In the 2000 and 1990 Censuses, Farm Pond was Census Tract 19.12.

We got the information in Table 1 from the 1990 and 2000 Census, as well as the 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010 Quality of Life Studies. The informa-tion in Figure 1 is from the 2000 Census, Summary File 1.

1. DemographicsDemographics is a study that examines a population and its structure. This includes how many people there are in a particular time and area, how old the people are, how fast the group of people is growing, and how many men and women there are.

Population

Table 1 shows population growth in Farm Pond, Charlotte, and Mecklenburg County between 1990 and 2010. As you can see from the table, Farm Pond is a small proportion of Charlotte’s total population - in 2008 less than 1%.

1990 2000 2006 2008 2009 2010Farm Pond 5,014 5,263 5,521 5,504 5,807Charlotte 395,934 540,828 652,202 687,971 704,422 772,483Mecklenburg 511,433 695,454 833,791 892,456 913,639

Between 1990 and 2000, Farm Pond’s population grew by 5% compared to more than 36% population growth in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. In other words, Farm Pond grew by population much more slowly than Charlotte.

Between 2000 and 2010, Farm Pond’s population grew by more than 10%. Compared to 43% population growth in Charlotte and 32% growth in Mecklenburg County during the same period, again Farm Pond grew more slowly than Charlotte. However, 10% population growth is still a rapid rate of growth for a neighborhood.

Sex

As shown in Figure 1, in 2000 the proportion of males to females in Farm Pond wasnotsignificantlydifferentfromCharlotteorMecklenburgCounty.Inallthreecases, there were slightly more females than males.

Age Structure

Figure 1 also shows that in 2000, Farm Pond had a higher proportion of 20 to 30 year old people compared to Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. Within the Baby Boom generation, Farm Pond had a smaller proportion of men compared to Charlotte and Mecklenburg County.

Figure 4 shows that the higher concentration of 20 to 30 year old people in Farm Pond compared to Charlotte and Mecklenburg County existed in 1990, too. This suggests that young people in Farm Pond are not ageing in place, but rather new young people are moving into the neighborhood.

The median age for people in Farm Pond is 30, compared to 34 years old in Charlotte.

85+

75 to 79

65 to 69

55 to 59

45 to 49

35 to 39

25 to 29

15 to 19

5 to 9

-20%-15%-10% -5% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20%

85+

75 to 79

65 to 69

55 to 59

45 to 49

35 to 39

25 to 29

15 to 19

5 to 9

-20%-15%-10% -5% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20%

85+

75 to 79

65 to 69

55 to 59

45 to 49

35 to 39

25 to 29

15 to 19

5 to 9

-20%-15%-10% -5% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20%

Farm Pond (2000) Charlotte (2000) Mecklenburg County (2000)

Men

Women

Figure 1: Age Structure in 2000

Table 1: Population Change in Farm Pond, Charlotte, and Mecklenburg County

17Where are we now?

Race

Compared to the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, Farm Pond’s population in 2000 consisted of a higher percentage of African Americans and American Indians/Alaskan Natives. It is likely that many Latino residents identify as American Indians.

Under 5 years5 to 9 years

10 to 14 years15 to 19 years20 to 24 years25 to 29 years30 to 34 years35 to 39 years40 to 44 years45 to 49 years50 to 54 years55 to 59 years60 to 64 years65 to 69 years70 to 74 years75 to 79 years80 to 84 years

85 years and over

0% 10% 20% 30% 40%



85 years and over

0% 10% 20% 30% 40%



85 years and over

0% 10% 20% 30% 40%

Farm Pond Charlotte Mecklenburg County

1990

2000

Figure 4: Age Groups by Percentage in 1990 and 2000

35%

56%

1%2%0%

3%3%

58%

33%

0%

3%0%4%2%

64%

28%0%

3%0%3%2%


White

Black / African American

Native American

Asian

Pacific Islander

Other

Two or more races

Figure 2: Racial Comparison

10%

90%

7%

93%

6%

94%

Farm Pond (2000) Charlotte (2000) Mecklenburg County (2000)Figure 3: Latino Population

Ethnicity

Compared to the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, Farm Pond’s population in 2000 had a higher proportion of Hispanics.

Did you know?We got the information in Figure 2 and Figure 3 from the 2000 Census, Sum-mary Fule 1.

The data in Figure 4 is from the 1990 and 2000 Census, Summary File 1.

Hispanic

Not Hispanic


2. HouseholdsHousehold information tells us about how many groups of people live in Farm Pond. Households include single people, couples that are married or not married, and people who are married or not married with children, whether their children are biological, adopted, foster, or relatives’ children.

Number of Households

Table 2 shows household growth in Farm Pond, Charlotte, and Mecklenburg County between 1990 and 2000. As you can see from the table, the average household size in Farm Pond is 2.29, compared to 2.5 for Charlotte and 2.6 nationwide. This makes sense for the age of the residents; many retired people, young couples, and single-parents live in two-person households.

1990 2000Farm Pond 2,255 2,298Charlotte 158,991 215,449Mecklenburg 200,219 273,416

Household Composition

The 2000 Census shows that Farm Pond has a higher proportion of single-person households and single-parent households compared to Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. Farm Pond also has more “other” households, which include family and non-family households with no children or children over 18 years old.

Did you know?We got household informa-tion in Table 2 and Figure 5 from the United States Census Summary File 3 (http://census.gov). In the 2000 and 1990 Censuses, Farm Pond was Census Tract 19.12.

The information in Table 3 and Table 4 came from the 2010 Quality of Life Survey.

Zillow.com reports on changing home values over time, which is where Figure 6 comes from.

The Zillow Home Value Index is a proprietary for-mula used by the website to estimate home values. Figure 6 comes directly from Zillow.com and was updated in November 2010.

21%

37%1%

6%

7%

28%26%

20%2%8%

9%

35%23%

33%1%6%

7%

29%


1 Person Household

Married Couple

Figure 5: Household Composition

Table 2: Number of Households

Single Dad with children

Single Mom with children

2+ Person Non-Family Household

Other 2+ Person Households

Household Income

The 2000 Census reported that in Farm Pond, over a quarter of all people paid more than 35% of their household income to rent. This is considered to be an unsustainable level, leaving little income for food, utilities, medical expenses, and other necessities. As household incomes are lower in Farm Pond, it is not surprising that almost 1/3 of residents receive food stamps.

2010 Values Farm Pond CharlotteMedian Household Income $33,849 $52,148

Percent of People Receiving Food Stamps 28.1% 13.1%

Home Value

The average home value is also much lower than the Charlotte average. Unfortunately, home values in Farm Pond are declining, while Charlotte’s have been rising despite the recession.

2010 Values Farm Pond CharlotteAverage Home Value $83,344 $228,128Change in Home Value -3.4% 5.1%

Zillow.com reports that in August 2010, the Zillow Home Index Value of homes sold in Farm Pond was $102,000, while the median sale price was $90,000.

Table 3: Household Income

Table 4: Average Home Value

Figure 6: Home Values in Farm Pond compared to Charlotte

19Where are we now?

Types of Homes in Farm Pond

Map 1 shows the various neighborhoods in Farm Pond. Farm Pond has two homeowner’s associations (Four Seasons includes townhomes) and 6 apartment complexes. It is unclear whether the northern portion of Farm Pond has homeowners associations. Thus, forming a neighborhood association in Farm Pond would give a voice and representation to people who live in the northern half of the neighborhood, as well as apartment residents.

Types of Homes in Farm Pond

Farm Pond is primarily comprised of 75% single family homes, 20% condominiums, and 5% apartments. In 2010, Farm Pond had 2,707 occupied housing units. Most of the single family homes in Farm Pond are split-level or ranch-style homes, giving the neighborhood a uniform feel. Some newer two-storey homes with garages also exist. The photos also illustrate some of the apartment homes in Farm Pond. The newer apartments are behind fences and gates.

Map 1: Types of Housing in Farm Pond

Did you know?You can use the Polaris tool on the Charlotte-Meck-lenburg website to look up ownership information for homes in your neighbor-hood.

We found out the composi-tion of housing types in Farm Pond (above the photographs) from Zillow.com. The various neighbor-hood associations in Farm Pond, like Four Seasons Neighborhood Association, gave us details of their boundaries for Map 1.

To get the information shown in Map 2, Map 3, and Map 4, we grabbed the information on Polaris in a format that is “geo-coded” and made these two maps using software called ArcGIS.

Even if you do not have software like ArcGIS, you can use the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Polaris website to look up who owns the property where you live, how old the property is, whether tax has been paid on the property, and other similar details.

To show typical homes in Farm Pond, we conducted a “windshield survey,” which means that we drove through Farm Pond and took photographs.

Four Seasons: Split Level Four Seasons: Ranch Four Seasons: Ranch

Wallace Creek Outside of Four Seasons Outside of Four Seasons

Forest Hills Regal Oaks Somerstone

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1 Four Seasons Homeowners

2 Wallace Creek Homeowners

3 Delta Crossing Apartments

4 Somerstone Apartments

5 Regal Oaks Apartments

6 Eagle Woods Apartments

7 Farm Lane Apartments

8 Forest Hills Apartments


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Out of State Landlords

In Farm Pond, most of the apartment complexes are owned by companies more than 500 miles away. As you can see from this map, quite a few homes in Farm Pond have owners that live outside of Charlotte. In Wallace Creek and Four Seasons neighborhoods, out of state landlords can make collecting homeowners’ association fees challenging. These neighborhoods may need assistance tracking down property owners and putting liens on delinquent properties.

Home Ownership

Farm Pond has a much higher proportion of renters (70.6%) compared to Charlotte as a whole (44.7%). Renters have lived in Farm Pond less time than homeowners. According to the 2000 Census, 55% of renters in Farm Pond moved in between 1999 and March 2000. Another 33% of renters moved in between 1995-1998. By contrast, almost 50% of homeowners moved into Farm Pond between 1990-1998. Another 25% moved to Farm Pond between 1980-1989.

Map 2: Owners vs Renters in Farm Pond Map 3: Out of State Landlords in Farm Pond

Did you know?To get the information shown in Map 2 and 3, we grabbed the information on Polaris in a format that is “geo-coded” and made these two maps using software called ArcGIS.

To figure out whether a property is occupied by a renter or the owner, we compared the mailing address listed in Polaris to the physical address of the property.

In Map 3 to figure out how far away property owners live from Farm Pond, we calculated the distance between Farm Pond’s zip code and the zip code of the property’s listed mailing address in Polaris.

Mecklenburg County GIS prepared the data in Map 5 for us and got the foreclosure data from City of Charlotte Neighborhood & Business Services

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21Where are we now?

Age of the Housing Stock

Much of Farm Pond was developed in the 1970s and 1980s. A few older buildings (6.8% of total stock) remain from when Farm Pond was rural in the 1950s. A newer subdivision was built in the past decade. As you’ll see on the a following map, this new subdivision has a high concentration of foreclosures. Almost a third of Farm Pond homes were built from 2000 onwards.

Map 4: Age of Housing Stock in Farm Pond

Foreclosures

This map shows foreclosure and unemployment data in Farm Pond in 2009. The 2010 Quality of Life Study states that Farm Pond had 26 foreclosures compared to 2,407 in Charlotte. This map, with data from Charlotte Mecklenburg Neighborhood and Business Services, shows 46 foreclosures in Farm Pond recorded through September 2010. Four Seasons and Wallace Creek may need assistance managing foreclosures and collecting HOA dues from foreclosures.

Map 5: Foreclosures in Farm Pond

Did you know?To get the information shown in Map 4 we grabbed the information on Polaris in a format that is “geo-coded” and made these two maps using software called ArcGIS.

Mecklenburg County GIS prepared the data in Map 5 for us and got the foreclosure data from City of Charlotte Neighborhood & Business ServicesHickory Grove Road

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Legend

Foreclosure Property


3. Social IndicatorsEducation

According to the 2000 Census, almost half of all residents in Farm Pond had graduatedhighschoolorhadsomecollegewithoutfinishingadegree.

2010 Values Farm Pond CharlotteHigh School Dropout Rates (2010) 7.6% 5.1%Percent of children scoring at or above grade level (2010) 68.8% 75.9%

Social Mosaic Profile

Zillow.com uses the 2000 Census to examine age, occupation, and income to segment populations and describe what kind of people live in an area. According to Zillow, many of Farm Pond’s residents are:

• Melting Pot — Low-income, foreign-language-speaking urbanites. Lower-income population mainly employed in service jobs. Most have a high school education or lower.

• Bright Lights, Big City — Very mobile singles living in the city. Singles ranging in age from early 20s to mid-40s who have moved to an urban setting. Most rent their apartment or condo. Some have a college education and work in services and the professional sector.

• Bringing Up Baby — Younger urban couples just starting families. Mixed educational status with some having a high school education and some college. Income from the low- to high-end.

Did you know?The information in Table 5 about education comes from the 2010 Quality of Life Survey. We also looked at the 1990 and 2000 Census Summary File 3 for information about high school and college graduation in Figure 7.

Mecklenburg County GIS prepared the data in Map 6 for us and got the unem-ployment data from City of Charlotte Neighborhood & Business Services on a Census Block level.

Table 5: Education in Farm Pond

Farm Pond

Charlotte

Mecklenburg

Figure 7: Educational Attainment

1990

Less than 9th grade

9th to 12th, no diploma

High School graduate

Some college, no degree

Associate Degree

Bachelor Degree

Graduate or Professional Degree

Less than 9th grade

9th to 12th, no diploma

High School graduate

Some college, no degree

Associate Degree

Bachelor Degree

Graduate or Professional Degree

2000

Unemployment

Map 6 shows unemployment in Farm Pond, which is more than double the unemployment rate in Farm Pond in 1990. At between 10 and 15% unemployment, the rate in Farm Pond is similar to Mecklenburg County’s unemployment rate of 10.2% (Employment Security Commission October 2010) and the national average of 9.3% (Bureau of Labor Statistics November 2010).

Map 6: Unemployment

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23Where are we now?

Crime

ThefollowingimageshowssignificantpolicereportsbetweenJanuaryandNovember2010.Significantpolicereportsincludearmedrobbery,assaultwitha deadly weapon, and missing persons. According to the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department’s website, the most common crimes in Farm Pond between January and November 2010 were non-aggravated assault, vandalism, and residential burglaries.

Map 7: Crime in Farm Pond

Did you know?The crime data in Map 7 comes from Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department. The Police Department has a Com-munity Crime Mapping System at http://maps.cmpdweb.org/cmpdnet/map.aspx

EveryBlock.com has an easier to use crime mapping system that only shows significant police events, like armed robbery, armed assault, sexual assault, fatalities, stolen vehicles, and other such incidents. To find Farm Pond, go to http://charlotte.everyblock.com and then browse for “Public Records,” then “Significant Police Events,” and display events in Police Division 12 Hickory Grove.

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25Where are we now?

Pla

ce

This topic covers Civic Assets, Neighborhood Assets, Circulation, and Land Use.

Overall, Farm Pond is well served peripherally by transit, grocery stores, restaurants, and civic facilities. However, as the neighborhood was designed in the 1970s and 1980s as a suburban “loops and lollipops” format, many residents at the interior of the neighborhood have to drive to reach these facilities.


1. Civic AssetsFarmPondiswell-servedwithschools,parks,fireservice,apubliclibrary,fitnessand community centers, and faith centers.

2. Neighborhood AssetsFarm Pond has a wide variety of businesses, including grocery stores, convenience stores, hair and nail salons, launrdomats, restaurants, and discount stores. These amenities are at a walkable distance for people in the multifamily residences, but at a driving distance for much of the single family home residents.

Map 8: Civic Assets in Farm Pond Map 9: Shopping Centers in Farm Pond

Did you know?We found out about neigh-borhood Civic and Social Assets from talking to City of Charlotte staff, spending time in the community and by Google Maps.

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Hickory Grove Market (in blue)

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Food Lion

Family Dollar

Subway

Library

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Jiffy Lube

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Hair Harmony

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Queen City Treatment Center

Rite Aid

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Taylor’s Barber

Shell Gasoline

Family Restaurant

Sno-White Laundry

McDonalds

Save-A-Lot

Bestway

Family Dollar

It’s Fashion

Check Cashing

Beauty Plus

Coin Laundry

Alterations PDQ

JJ Fish & Chicken

Bank of America

US Post Office

Sherwin Williams

Wendy’s

Cookout

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Sunrise Restaurant

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Legend

1. Hickory Grove Baptist Church2. CMS Pre-K and Kindergarten3. Hickory Grove Elementary4. Albemarle Road Middle School5. Campbell Creek Park6. Charlotte Fire Department7. Charlotte Mecklenburg Library8. Social Security Administration9. YMCA10. Charlotte Police Department11. ESC Job Link

12. US Post Office

27Where are we now?

Restaurants within 1/4 Mile• Mc Donald’s• Paradise Garden

Restaurant• Pizza Hut• Supermercado E

Taqueria Jalisco• Kyoto Japanese/

Korean Restaurant• Han’s Fish &

Chicken• Chin Chin• Golden Palace

Restaurant• Arby’s• Sunrise Restaurant• KFC• Cook Out• Pollos Mario

Restaurant• Wendy’s

Groceries within 1 mile• Q A Food Stores Inc• Save-A-Lot• Bi-Lo Drug Store• Aldi• Island Grocery• Neo Silver Express• Fahmo Grocery and

tawakal express• Sam’s Mart• La Palmita Grocery

Store• La Luna II• Variedades En Mi

Esquina

Schools within 2 miles• Albemarle Road

Middle School• Albemarle Road

Elementary School• Idlewild Elementary

School• Hickory Grove

Baptist Christian School

• WinterfieldElementary School

• Windsor Park Elementary School

• Hickory Grove Elementary School

• Charlotte Islamic Academy

• Trinity Christian Preparatory School

• Our Lady of the Assumption School

Other• USPostOffice• Campbell Creek

Park• Albemarle Road

Park• Charlotte

Mecklenburg Library

Map 10: Community Amenities

Did you know?We found out about neighborhood amenities via many sources. WalkS-core.com and Yelp.com are very useful for finding neighborhood services close to where you live. We used Google Maps to make Map 10. Google Maps is great, because you can collaborate with other people online to put a map together.

In the next section, you’ll see that we asked neighborhood residents to tell use about their favorite neighborhood amenities, which are different from this list.

Legend:Police Department

US Post Office

Fire Department

Library

Grocery Store

Bank

Childcare

School

Senior Center

Recreation Center

Cleaning and Laundry

Convenience Store

Restaurant

Hair and Beauty Salon

Medical Clinic

Place of Worship

Pharmacy

Community Center

Bike Lane


3. CirculationRoads

The main roads, Hickory Grove, WT Harris, and Albemarle Road form the boundaries for Farm Pond. Farm Pond Lane and Lawrence Orr Drive form the main routes through the neighborhood. Lawrence Orr has speed bumps to keep vehicular speeds lower.

Transit

Farm Pond is well-served by bus routes. The 40X is an express bus to downtown Charlotte. The 23 and 9 also go downtown, while the 221 and 222 serve the local neighborhood. However, the single family homes in the middle of Farm Pond remain largely unserved by transit, as the “loops and lollipops” street pattern affords poor connectivity. Zillow.com states the Farm Pond average commute time is over 32 minutes, compared to 26 minutes for Charlotte and nationwide.

Did you know?You can find out transit information using Google. You can go to maps.google.com and type in your starting point and destination. When it gives you directions, click the transit button to get directions!

We got transit data and bus stops from CATS and Google Transit. Zillow.com has data on Farm Pond, Charlotte, and Nationwide commuting times.

Map 11: Roads Heirarchy Map 12: Transit Routes

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Arterial RoadsLocal Thru Roads

LegendExpress Bus: 40X to DowntownBus: 23 to DowntownBus: 9 to DowntownLocal Bus: 221 and 222 to Eastland Community Transit CenterBus Stops with 10 minute walking radius

29Where are we now?

Walk Score Info:• 90–100: Walker’s Paradise — Daily errands do not require a car.• 70–89: Very Walkable — Most errands can be accomplished on foot.• 50–69: Somewhat Walkable — Some amenities within walking distance.• 25–49: Car-Dependent — A few amenities within walking distance.• 0–24: Car-Dependent — Almost all errands require a car.

Walking

Farm Pond offers a slightly better walking experience compared to Charlotte on average. We grabbed this image from WalkScore.com, and it shows that Farm Pond has access to many amenities on Albemarle Road. WalkScore.com ranks Farm Pond as the 63rd most walkable community in Charlotte. With a Walk Score of 45, Farm Pond’s Walk Score is 6 points higher than Charlotte’s average Walk Score of 39. This means that Farm Pond is better served by transit than Charlotte, generally speaking.

Did you know?You can use the website WalkScore.com to find out how many shops, restaurants, pharmacies, grocery stores, banks, and other places you can walk to. The website also calculates approximately how much on transporta-tion you could be spending depending on where you live!

Map 13a: Charlotte Walk Score

Map 13b: Farm Pond Walk Score

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Legend90-100: Walker’s Paradise

70-89: Very Walkable

50-69: Somewhat Walkable

25-49: Car Dependent

0-24: Very Car Dependent


4. Land UseFarmPondisprimarilyasingle-familyneighborhoodwithretailandofficeparksalong Albemarle Road. Hickory Grove Baptist Church is the main feature on W.T. Harris and Hickory Grove Road. Apartments and condominium buildings separate the single family homes from commercial activities. It is generally good planning practice to separate single family homes and commercial uses with higher density residential use.Map 14: Land Use

Did you know?We found out about land use designations using the Parcel Search on Charlotte-Mecklenburg Po-laris. If you’re interested in how zoning affects where you live, you can search the City of Charlotte’s Zoning Website for msps: http://maps.charmeck.org/zoningmaps/ and for the zoning rules: http://www.charmeck.org/city/char-lotte/planning/Rezoning/Pages/ZoningOrdinance.aspx.

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31Where are we now?

Envi

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Thistopiccoversthe100yearfloodplaininFarmPond.Asdata becomes more available in the future, this topic can be expanded to include air quality, biodiversity, and greenhouse gas emissions data.

In Farm Pond, some apartments and townhomes are in the 100 yearfloodplain.


1. Natural Features100-Year Floodplain

This map helps explain why Farm Pond feels separated from the neighborhoods to the west. A creek and Floodplain runs behind the apartment and condominium complexes on Farm Pond Lane. Some apartments and townhomes offofFarmPondLanearewithinthe100yearfloodplain.Map 15: Floodplanes

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33Where are we now?

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Farm Pond is well-served by transit and neighborhood retail. Foreclosures and crime occur throughout the neighborhood, and do not appear to be correlated to areas where lots of renters live or there are many absentee landlords.


OpportunitiesTo summarize this section, here are some of the opportunities in Farm Pond. The Campbell Creek Park connects to the Four Seasons greenway (1) and walking trails. If extended, the greenway could reach transit on Albemarle Road. Hickory Grove Baptist Church (2) is another major landholder in the area that could connect central neighborhood homes to transit.

ChallengesChallenges in Farm Pond include crime, foreclosures, the high percentage of renters, and out-of-state ownership. As this map shows, there is no clear correlationbetweenareaswithhighforeclosures,significantpoliceevents,andrenters. In other words, the whole of Farm Pond is challenged by these issues, rather than isolated pockets.

Map 16: Opportunities Map 17a: Challenges

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Legend1. Four Seasons Greenway and Campbell Creek Park2. Hickory Grove Baptist Church

Bus Stops with 10 minute walking radius

35Where are we now?

Map 17a: Challenges

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37Where are we going?

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This chapter describes the process that people in Farm Pond have been participating in to form a neighborhood association.

• Preliminary Meetings and CHARP Farm Pond Liaison outreach

• First Neighborhood Meeting

• Second Neighborhood Meeting

• Third Neighborhood Meeting

• Four Seasons Homeowner’s Association Annual General Meeting

• Eagle Woods Movie Nights

• Eagle Woods Apartment Complex Party


Second Neighborhood MeetingOn November 6 2010 at the Hickory Grove Public Library, students at UNC Charlotte facilitated a second meeting of residents from Farm Pond and adjacent neighborhoods. More than 23 people attended the meeting, with most attendees being retired homeowners in Farm Pond.

The purpose of the meeting was to maintain momentum in Farm Pond for

neighborhood organizing, to continue to communicate to residents about City of Charlotte services in Farm Pond, and to learn about Farm Pond issues and concerns from residents.

Katie Lewis (Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department Hickory Grove Community Coordinator), Eugene Bradley (City of Charlotte), and Martina Jones (Community Activist) attended the meeting and made presentations.

Third Neighborhood MeetingOn December 11 2010 at the Hickory Grove Public Library, students at UNC Charlotte facilitated a third meeting of residents from Farm Pond and adjacent neighborhoods. Approximately 20 people attended the meeting, representing a broader spectrum of Farm Pond residents, such as people from Eagle Woods, Wallace Creek, and the homes above Four Seasons Homeowner’s

Association.

The purpose of the meeting was to re-examine the purpose of the Farm Pond Neighborhood Association, identify goals for the community, brainstorm actions to reach goals, and gather ideas for possible activities to undertake during 2011.

Unlike previous meetings, the discussion with residents shifted away from crime frustration with youth, renters, and unkept properties. Instead, residents vocalized a willingness to act in Farm Pond and a desire to start doing something.

Preliminary MeetingsBefore beginning community engagement in earnest, Judith Gamboa and the project team met with community leadership to gain insight into Farm Pond. The Hickory Grove Police Department offered the project team the opportunity toridearoundtheneighborhoodwithpatrolingofficers.TheprojectteamtouredFarm Pond with Kim Barnes and Eugene Bradley from the City of Charlotte, as well as Martina Jones.

J. Gamboa contacted and visited with apartment managers to gauge their interest and potential for involvement. She discovered that there is a high turnover of apartment managers.

Initial attempts to meet with the Latin American Coalition and Mi Casa Es Su Casawerenotsuccessfulduetoschedulingconflicts.

J. Gamboa successfully met with Gabriel Kussin, Volunteer Coordinator at the Latin american Coalition (now Bonnie Carter), to discuss how the organization is involved in Farm Pond. The Latin American Coalition has a large volunteer database in addition to having access to a lot of people who live in Farm Pond.

First Neighborhood MeetingOn October 2 2010 at the Hickory Grove Public Library, students at UNC Charlotte facilitated a meeting of residents from Farm Pond and adjacent neighborhoods. More than 20 people attended the meeting, with most attendees being homeowners in Farm Pond.

Dr. Janni Sorensen from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte was present at the meeting to help

facilitate. Virginia Spykerman (candidate for the Board of City Commissioners), Katie Lewis (Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department Hickory Grove Community Coordinator), and Kim Barnes (City of Charlotte) also attended the meeting.

Thepurposeofthefirstmeetingwastogaugeinterestinandfacilitatethecreation of a neighborhood association. During the meeting, attendees introduced themselves and described where they live in the neighborhood and how long they had lived there for. The conversation during this meeting principally focused on the level of crime in Farm Pond.

39Where are we going?

Four Seasons Homeowners’ Association Annual General MeetingOn November 20 2010 at the Four Seasons Club House (5050 Farm Pond Lane), students at UNC Charlotte, Eugene Barnes (City of Charlotte), and Mr. and Mrs. Jones (Neighborhood Activists) attended the Four Seasons Homeowners’ Association Annual General Meeting.

Leadership in the Homeowner’s Association include:

• Ray Terry - President

• Bruce Dannelly - Vice President

• Lanny Emanuel - Treasurer

• Enid Thuemmel - Committee Coordinator

• Pat Covington - Secretary

• Roger Bruney - Attorney

• Diane Freed - Ambassador and Volunteer Coordinator

• Michael Anped

• Don Whyte and Ron Steele - Maintenance

• Gloria Ward - Patio 1 Committee

• Lucy Brian - Patio 2 Committee

Four Seasons Homeowners’ Association was one of Charlotte’s original HOAs, with bylaws that were imitated throughout the state. After having experienced setbacks in the Homeowners Association, such as the theft of the Association’s reserve funds, Four Seasons HOA is re-assessing its position, improving the appearance of the neighborhood, and re-establishing leadership in the neighborhood.

Some disagreement with leadership has been expressed. In particular, Gloria Ward and Carole Callaghan raised concerns about how the HOA bylaws should be followed.

Eagle Woods Movie NightsTo ensure that Farm Fond is becoming a socially integrated neighborhood, a community activist, Martina Jones, and her family have been hosting events in their home to get to know their neighbors. Mrs. Jones began Friday movie

nights as a way to engage youth in her neighborhood and get them off the streets.

Eagle Woods Apartment Complex PartyAs a pilot project to bring the Farm Pond Neighborhood Association to apartment residents, J. Gamboa organized a party at the Eagle Woods Clubhouse on December 10, 2010. CHARP provided refreshments, Power 98 played great music, and Charlotte Mecklenburg Parks and Recreation kindly lent the project leam tables. The event seemed to be a great way to celebrate neighborliness and raise

awareness about the Neighborhood Association. Involving local businesses and giving residents more notice ahead of time would be ways to encourage more people to attend future events.

ConclusionThe neighborhood meetings, with more than 20 people in attendance each time, can be considered successful. However, the vast majority of attendees are members oftheFourSeasonsHomeowners’Association.Onereasonforthisisthatthefirsttwotimestheprojectteamdistributedflyersaroundtheneighborhood,wedidnotreach the north half of Farm Pond.

The Latino and African American populations in Farm Pond have not been well represented, either. In the future, neighborhood meetings should be a consistent time and place, so yard signs can be made and reused. There are also opportunities to advertise the meetings in Latino newspapers (La Noticia and Que Pasa) and radio stations, as well as local businesses.

Geo-Notifier,anautomaticphonecallingsystemprovidedbyCharlotteMecklenburg Police Department appears to be especially effective in reaching residents.

41How do we get there?

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This chapter describes strategies for how the Farm Pond community can organize itself. The chapter is based in communityfeedbackanddiscussionswithnon-profitandCityof Charlotte staff. Based on this information, we compiled the following:

• Vision

• Goals

• Actions

• Case Studies

• Resources

• Important Contacts


ActionsImmediately / Shorter Term

Action Goal Met Party Responsible for ImplementationImprove understanding of the benefits of a Neighborhood Association for Farm Pond Access Resources CHARPSet up a Landlord-Tenant Forum through Community University Access Resources CHARPSet up a Renter’s Rights Forum through Community University Access Resources CHARPInvite a Section 8 and Housing Vouchers expert to attend and speak at a future meeting Access Resources CHARP, Charlotte Housing AuthorityInvite a Code Enforcement Officer to attend and speak at a future meeting Access Resources CHARPIntroduce residents to Community University, liaise between residents and service providers, continue outreach Access Resources, Increase Accountability CHARPEstablish leadership for the Neighborhood Association, improve social capital and capacity Accountability, Resources CHARP, Residents, Community UniversityBegin Farm Pond Pride activities, like park clean up, neighborhood cleanup, yard of the month, positive ticket... Maintenance + Beautification, Friendliness CHARP, ResidentsConnect media and not-for-profits with activities being undertaken in Farm Pond Increase Friendliness CHARPContinue to integrate home owners, apartment residents, and immigrants Increase Friendliness CHARPBegin a Newsletter Increase Friendliness CHARPEstablish a Welcoming Committee Increase Friendliness ResidentsCreate a consistent time and place for meetings Increase Friendliness CHARP + ResidentsTalk with neighbors and get people involved Increase Friendliness ResidentsFarm Pond Yard Signage about meetings Increase Friendliness CHARP, Residents, City via grantKnock on doors and get people involved Increase Friendliness CHARPLearn how to apply for grants Access Resources City, Residents, CHARPTalk to Villa Heights about their HOA Access Resources ResidentsTell neighbors to call 911 when things look suspicious Safety ResidentsIncrease police presence in Farm Pond Safety CMPDEngage youth in volunteering Maintenance + Beautification Residents, M. JonesKeep junk from around your house, no trash in yard, pick up dog poop, maintain exterior and yard appearance Maintenance + Beautification ResidentsReport code violations to 311 Maintenance + Beautification Residents, City of Charlotte

IntroductionDuring the Third Community Meeting, residents brainstormed about things that made them proud of Farm Pond and what kind of place they would like Farm Pondtobe.Then,theresidentsidentifiedwhatthemajorthemesintheseideaswere and grouped the ideas under the themes. The themes are the Goals listed below.

The project team compiled the community’s goals from the Third Meeting, as well as ideas generated during previous meetings, to make the following lists.

VisionFarm Pond is a friendly place that is welcoming to young children and people of all cultures. It is a clean place with curb appeal, where people can leave their doors unlocked. In Farm Pond, neighbords get involved and everyone (home owners, renters, apartment managers) is held accountable for maintaining a beautiful, safe, and resourceful community.


Goals• Improve Accountability

• Improve Safety

• MaintenanceandBeautification

• Increase Friendliness and get to know more neighbors

• Obtain access and utilize resources

Longer Term

Action Goal Met Party Responsible for ImplementationHold block parties and create welcoming committees Increase Friendliness ResidentsEstablish a crafting group Increase Friendliness ResidentsIncrease the proportion of homeowners Accountability Residents, CityEnsure the City stays responsible for sidewalk, curb, gutter improvements Accountability Residents, CityHold Apartment Managers accountable Accountability Residents, CMPD, Apartment Managers, Apartment OwnersEnsure Apartment Managers treat people with respect Accountability Residents, Apartment Managers, Apartment OwnersEstablish a neighborhood watch Safety Residents, CMPDCreate a feeling of youth belonging Safety Residents, M. JonesSlow down traffic and put up “Children at Play” signs Safety Residents, CityImplement CPCC Construction Program Access Resources ResidentsGet more successful businesses Access Resources Residents, City, Neighborhood Revitalization GroupCreate a neighborhood book club Access Resources ResidentsObtain City grants Access Resources Residents, CityDemonstrate leadership Access Resources Residents, City, CHARP, CMPDObtain business development assistance Access Resources Residents, CityNeighborhood Improvement Grant Access Resources Residents, CHARP, CityCreate a group for flowers and shrub landscaping Access Resources ResidentsObtain organizational skills Access Resources Residents, CityUpdate HOA bylaws Access Resources Residents, CHARPImplement pilot project for on-site service provision Access Resources CHARP, Latin American CoalitionMake Farm Pond look like Idlewild Farms Maintenance + Beautification Residents, CHARP, CityGet kids involved in weatherization and yard maintenance Maintenance + Beautification Residents, CHARP, City, M. JonesGet a neighborhood sign Maintenance + Beautification Residents, City, CHARPMake our community playground more attractive and usable Maintenance + Beautification Residents, CHARP, CityKeep vacant homes attractive Maintenance + Beautification Residents, CityMake Farm Pond not look like you’ve driven onto Wilkinson Blvd Maintenance + Beautification Residents, CityIncentivize renters to maintain their homes Maintenance + Beautification Residents, CityRehabilitate Campbell Creek and Greenway System Maintenance + Beautification Residents, Parks + Recreation, Youth, CHARPImprove Four Seasons Shopping Plaza Maintenance + Beautification Neighborhood Revitalization Group, City


Case StudiesSocial Enterprise as Developer - Casa Familiar, San Diego

After decades of battle between the City of San Diego and residents, Teddy Cruz and Casa Familiar have created a new way to bring together residents while using the city as a site for research and experimentation. Casa Familiar is a social organization that is involved in community building and improving the quality of lifeforitsresidents.Thenon-profitactsasamediatorwithinthecommunity,anarchitectural practice, and a one-stop shop for government agencies.

Casa Familiar brings attention to the socio-cultural, political, and economic forcesinplayinSanDiego,redefiningtheroleofarchitectsinthecontextofcitydevelopment. “Living Rooms at the Border” is a small project that anticipates San Diego’s future densities and mixed uses. As Casa Familiar has evolved into becoming a real estate developer, the organization now seeks to transform zoning regulations for the border community of San Ysidro, California. Casa Familiar’s practice demonstrates that the most experimental work in housing in the United Statesliesinthehandsofprogressive,community-basednonprofitorganizationsand within small communities.

Affordable Housing Developer - Hispanic Housing Development Corporation, Chicago

The Hispanic Housing Development Corporation was foundedin1975asanonprofitorganizationtohelpcreate affordable housing in Latino neighborhoods of Chicago. The organization’s goal is to build comfortable, affordable housing that people are proud to call home. HHDC provides people with both new and renovated

homes. They organization lives among the community by speaking their languages, listening to community input, and investing in construction and job creation that gives back the community.

A notable feature of HHDC is that the organization hires within the community. HHDC provides job training and offers employment within the organization. TropicConstruction,thefor-profitconstructionarmoftheorganization,regularlyhires residents and establishes relationship with minority subcontractors. Their investment makes a difference in long run, by inspiring neighbors to improve their properties. This then leads investment and job growth.

From its initial focus of Hispanic neighborhoods, HHDC now owns more than 5 HUD properties and currently expanding outside of the city limits.

HDDC is currently are involved in:• Housing Development: 31 projects and $249+ million in development costs• Commercial Development: 82,000+ sq.ft. & $23+ million in development costs• Residential Preservation: 1350+ units & $70 million in development costs• Property Management: 3650+ rental units & 62,000 sq.ft. commercial space• Tropic Construction: 2000+ residential units, 104,000 sq.ft. commercial space & $98 million in construction

costs

Did you know?Casa Familiar has a great website that describes more in-depth the type of projects that the organiza-tion undertakes here: http://www.casafamiliar.org. You can also reach Casa Familiar at 619 428 1115.

To find out more about the Histpanic Housing Development Corporation, please see:

• Phone: 312 602 6500 • hhdcinfo@hhdevcorp.

com• http://hhdevcorp.com

“At “Living Rooms at the Border,” estudio teddy cruz will weave 12 affordable housing units across a concrete framework. The open space underneath will function as a marketplace, among other uses.”

Credit: estudio teddy cruz


Social Enterprise as Low Income Housing Provider - Portland Hotel Society, Vancouver Canada

ThePortlandHotelSocietyisanon-profitorganizationthatwascreatedin1993to advocate, develop, and implement services for people living with concurrent disorders.

The Portland Hotel itself was initiated in 1991 by Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside Residents Association (DERA). The Association converted a local hotel and named it after the US city of Portland, where Canadian organizers had been inspired by housing programs for homeless people. The facility was transferred to the Portland Hotel Society on its completion. The program moved to a new building (re-named the Portland Hotel) in the downtown eastside in 1999.

The Portland Hotel provides long term housing for people with mental illness, addictions and other problems, which reduces their susceptibility to harm. Approximately 40 percent of residents stay at the Portland Hotel for about 10 years, while the balance of residents stay 4

to 6 years. This contrasts dramatically with the prior history of residents, who typically registered 6 to 8 addresses or were homeless during the year before moving to the Portland Hotel.

As part of its investment in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, the Portland Hotel Society (PHS) purchased derelict historic buildings in the area. To fundraise for additional long term housing, PHS utilized the City of Vancouver’s density bonus program and facade grant. PHS inked a deal with a local developer, ConcordPacific,whopaidupfrontforthedensitybonusawardedtoPHSforrenovating the historic Pennsylvania Hotel on Carrall Street.

Live-Work Artist Space Developer - ArtSpace, Minneapolis

Artspace was established to create and retain affordable live/work space for artistsandotherfineartsprofessionals.Many creative people move into dilapidated neighborhoods or warehouse

districtstotakeadvantageoflarge,openfloorplansandcheaprents.However,bymaking these neighborhoods “cool,” the artists often become a victim of their own successandgetpricedoutofthegentrifiedcommunity.

Artspace’s mission is to create, foster, and preserve affordable space for artists andartsorganizations.Thenon-profitpursuesthismissionthroughdevelopmentprojects, asset management activities, consulting services, and community-building activities that serve artists and arts organizations of all disciplines, cultures, and economic circumstances. Artspace believes that by providing physical space, the organization supports the continued professional growth of artists and enhances the cultural and economic vitality of the surrounding community.

For example, Minneapolis’ historic warehouse district began to become hip in the 1970s.Thearea’sgentrificationledtoArtspace’screationin1979.WhileArtspacebegan by advocating for the artist community, the organization decided to take a moreproactiveroleinthe1980s.ArtspaceisnowAmerica’sleadingnonprofitrealestate developer for the arts. In the last few years, Artspace has further expanded its mission to incorporate the planning and development to other parts of the country.Thenon-profitorganizationutilizesgreenbuildingtechnologiesindesignand construction.

Artspace Currently sponsors:

• Property Development: Purchase of older buildings and remodeling. Artspace develops a mix of affordable live/work units, retail space, and administrative and performance space for arts organizations

• National Consulting: Art space acts as a consultant to communities, organizations, and individuals seeking information a about developing affordable housing

• Asset Management : Artspace owns the buildings and as well manage

• Resource Development: Community development with other partners

Did you know?The City of Vancouver has information about how the Portland Hotel Society used density bonuses and facade grants to finance their project at this site: http://vancouver.ca/ctyclerk/cclerk/20060711/documents/ph1.pdf

You can find out more about Artspace by calling: 612 333 9012 or visiting their website at http://www.artspace.org


Latino Empowerment Organization - United Neighborhood Organization, Chicago

The United Neighborhood Organization was established in 1984 by a group of community and religious leaders in Chicago. The goal was to build grass-root leadership within the city’s ever growing Hispanic neighborhoods to organize and empower community members to address

issues plaguing the Latino population. UNO’s vision for Chicago is to create a place where Hispanics emerge as the new middle class, employing the same determination that drove immigrants to this country to make the right choices for their families. They focus primarily on many Hispanic neighborhoods in Southwest Side and Northwest Side, both areas have a high concentration of Latino immigrants.

UNO’smissionistochallengeHispanicstodefineandattainstandardsofexcellence for themselves towards an overall enfranchisement of this community, both in a broad sense of American social growth and at the local level in terms of stable neighborhoods and healthy families.

An example UNO project is the revitalization of Little Village. From the 1980s to the 90s, Little Village had experienced decline, and high rates of crime. UNO, in partnership with the City of Chicago’s Planning Department and Housing and Human Services, helped the Hispanic residents build their own business as well as expand to the neighborhood. UNO also participates in community organizing, school reform and local school councils, immigration, educational outreach, and a Metropolitan Leadership Institute.

Community Center - Collingwood Neighbourhood House, Vancouver Canada

Collingwood Neighbourhood House is one of many Neighbourhood House organizations that serves residents in Vancouver, Canada.

Neighbourhood House organizations provide social, educational, cultural, and recreational programs for residents in order to promote a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation within neighborhoods. Neighbourhood Houses provide services and community

development on a neighborhood basis.

Vancouver generally and Collingwood, in particular, are very diverse places. InLeonieSandercockandGiovanniAttili’sfilm“WhereStrangersBecomeNeighbours,” Sandercock cites that 51% of people in Vancouver are from non-

English speaking backgrounds. This level of diversity means that neighbourhoods are expected to provide a whole variety of religious, recreational, educational, literacy, jobs training, health, and other social and well-being services to a very broad set of people.

ThefilmexploreshowCollingwoodmanagedtoabsorbmigrationandanewandvery diverse population. Just two decades ago, long-term Collingwood residents were afraid of new residents, who were arriving from East, South, and Southeast Asians, Africans, and Latin Americans. New immigrants, especially women, used the Collingwood Neighbourhood House for language and childcare programs. Over time, the new residents began volunteering in the organization, gaining skills, and eventually getting jobs.

Collingwood Neighbourhood House is a great example of a community-based organization that provides recreational, childcare, youth, and settlement services, with programs for individuals and families. Another example of a successful Neighbourhood House organization in Vancouver that has a diverse client base is the South Vancouver Neighbourhood House. South Vancouver Neighbourhood House specializes in Dialogue Circles, which are social meeting events where people share with each other about their cultures from home and experiences integrating into Vancouver. This storytelling creates bonds and understanding between residents of the community.

Real Estate Value Stabilization - Neighborhood Stabilization Program, Chicago

The City of Chicago established this program in 2008 after having received $55 million to revitalize lower income neighborhoods. The City partnered with Mercy PortfolioServices,alocalnon-profitorganizationtocompletetheproject.Thispartnership has been so successful, the Federal government funded the program with a second payment of $98 million.

The Neighborhood Stabilization program purchases inexpensive real estate through HUD, renovates the homes, and sells the homes to low-income individuals and families. For example, 6324 South Campbell Street was purchasedfor$18,000,upfittedforanadditional$20,000,andsoldtoafamilywho earned less than $87,000.

AfactorofsuccessinChicagoistheprogram’sconcentrationonspecificneighborhoods, purchasing a cluster of homes within that area.

Did you know?You can contact UNO to learn more about their programs and the Little Vil-lage revitalization project.

• Phone: 312 432 6301 • http://uno-online.org

YouTube.com has lots of wonderful videos about Collingwood Neighbour-hood House. Just make sure to search for it with the “u” in “neighbourhood.” YouTube also has a trailer for Sandercock’s film, “Where Strangers become Neighbours” here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWzcGXUWsI8

Here’s a link for the Collingwood Neighbour-hood House: http://www.cnh.bc.ca/

Here is a link to a video about South Vancouver Neighbourhood House: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0age-j0x5VA

For more information about the Neighborhood Stabilization program, see http:www.chicagonsp.org or call 312 447 4750.


Did you know?You can contac the Latin American Coalition at 704-531-3848 and [email protected]

You can find more grants:• http://www.grants.gov• http://www.recovery.gov• http://www.zsr.org• http://www.

artsandscience.org• http://www.ed.gov

Z. Smith Reynalds Foundation is a non-profit organization that is working with UNC-Charlotte to help build a neighborhood association.

Arts and Science Council has programs that could assist Farm Pond’s students. The Four Season HOA would be a perfect organization to apply. Grants include:

• Special Project grant geared to arts, science and history.

• Cultural Project Grant: Increasing access to arts, science and heritage offering as well strengthening the quality of cultural programing in neighborhoods within Mecklenburg County

• Cultural Access Grant: increases community access to minorities within art, science and history experiences. This would benefit Latin American Coalition.

Promise Neighborhood grant: is designed for the improvement of distressed neighborhoods, to help education within the area that is covered. This program is through “Office of Innovation and Improve-ment.”

upto$7500forqualifiedbuyersintransitionneighborhoodsuchasFarmPond.Thiswouldbebeneficialfortherentersaswellthehomeownersassociationtoincrease ownership from 29% to 90% which can result less neighborhood crime and more involvement from owners.

Housing Program: Home Ownership Rehabilitation

http://charmeck.org/city/charlotte/nbs/housing/Pages/HomeownershipRehab.aspx

The program provides low interest loans to low and moderate income homeowners. The goal is to correct code violations and to help homeowners rehab their home while saving money.

The Charlotte Mecklenburg Coalition for Housing

http://charmeck.org/city/charlotte/nbs/housing/housingcoalition/Pages/default.aspx

Geared to homeless and to help them get off the street. A ten year plan to work with apartment complexes and city to advocate for the homeless population which will place them around the city and provide them with the tools to succeed.

Resources in CharlotteLatin American Coalition (LAC)

http://www.latinamericancoalition.org

LatinAmericanCoalition(LAC)isanot-for-profitsocial service provider based in Charlotte, NC. The LAC was established in 1990 to provide services that address language, economic, educational, and cultural barriers that face the Latino population, which has tripled in size in Charlotte since the 1990s. The LAC also aims to educate the general population about Latino cultures using authentic cultural experiences. Currently, the organization focuses on Charlotte’s East Side, which is one of the city’s immigration gateways.

However,theneedtofindnewandinnovativewaystoaddresstheneedsofthisunder-servedpopulationhasarisen.Thenot-for-profitorganizationcurrentlyoffers educational services, advocacy and celebratory activities that feature Latin American cultures, such as the annual Latin American Festival. Since issues of unemployment, housing, and economic revitalization now plague not only the Latin community in Charlotte, but the city at large, the LAC is faced with new challenges and opportunities.

Latin American Coalition has brought awareness to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte about several issues that they feel are important within the community. The LAC has completed studies about the Latino community with the Urban Institute to examine how best to serve the Latino population. The Coalition’s goal is to expand and see what they can do to further help the community.

Our goal was to help the LAC identify innovative organizational models from othernot-for-profitsaroundthecountryinordertooutlinestrategiesandgoals that might help the LAC transform into a more effective player in the transformation of Charlotte’s East Side. Hopefully the case studies mentioned in this report can provide some insightful examples of ways that organizations in other cities have tackled issues of housing, community gathering, and neighborhood investment.

House Charlotte

http://charmeck.org/city/charlotte/nbs/housing/Pages/HouseCharlotte.aspx

This Program assists residents in purchasing homes. The organization offers down payment assistance up to $10,000 in challenged neighborhoods, as well


Neighborhood Matching Grant through “Weed and Seed”

http://charmeck.org/city/charlotte/nbs/communitycommerce/Pages/NMGFAQ.aspx

The Matching Grant program has been helping Charlotte citizens improve their neighborhood. The program awards funds that will help the neighborhood to become a better place to live, work and play. The goal is to help strengthen and empower the neighborhood.

As quoted from the program, the four primary goals are:

• “Help neighborhoods determine priorities and make improvements in their communitiesinanefficient,cost-effectivemanner.”

• “Improve the quality of life neighborhood and business associations through participation in and management of neighborhood-based projects.”

• “Promote civic involvement and leverage resources to revitalize and reinvest in Challenged and Transitioning neighborhoods as well as other community groups to create projects and products that improve neighborhoods.”

• “Encourage partnerships among local government agencies, resident and business associations and other community groups to create projects and products that improve neighborhoods.”

The grants are awarded four times a year as well application dead lines are: February 15th, April 15th, June 15th and September 15th.

Workshops are required to apply for the grant and neighborhoods with median income of no more than $57,489 may be eligible to apply.

Energy Grant Program

http://charmeck.org/city/charlotte/nbs/communitycommerce/financialprograms/Pages/EnergyPrograms.aspx

The program encourages neighborhood to come together and implement strategies to improve neighborhood use of energy. The goal is to improve neighborhoodefficientlyandtobecomesustainable.Therewillbefiveneighborhoodsperyear,witha$20,000 to $60,000 grant, with both providing

different scope of work. Residents are required to complete a workshop before applying for the grant.

Mayor’s Youth Employment Program

http://charmeck.org/city/charlotte/nbs/ed/Pages/MYEP.aspx

ThisprogramwouldbebeneficialforFarmPondneighborhood as it is providing paid and non paid internship for at risk youth. This would help the decrease the crime in the neighborhood, as there is uprising numbers of youth moving in the area.

The requirement is the youth has to be between age of 16 to 18 and attending the Charlotte Mecklenburg school system.

Business Investment Program Grant

http://charmeck.org/city/charlotte/nbs/communitycommerce/financialprograms/Documents/BusinessInvestmentGrantFactSheet.pdf

The object of this grant is seek the creation, retention or expanding of new or existing businesses.

Business District Organization Program

http://charmeck.org/city/charlotte/nbs/communitycommerce/financialprograms/Pages/BDOP.aspx

This program motive is to empower businesses to create positive change that willbenefittheirneighborhood.Exampleofthiswouldbeexpansion,creatingjobs, or anything that can positively impact the residence area. This grant is a matching grant with up to $30,000.

Facade Improvement Grant Program

http://charmeck.org/city/charlotte/nbs/communitycommerce/financialprograms/Pages/FacadeImprovementGrantProgram.aspx

This program aims to remove blight by helping businesses and commercial property owners improve building appearance with signs, parking, and

landscaping improvements.

The National Revitalization Group is currently on this grant to provide the neighborhood’s Four Season shopping complex an improvement and improve the economy in the selected area. The long term goal for this to merge with the

Did you know?Crossroads Charlotte unveiled a new opportunity for anyone in the com-munity who wants to make a difference. Achieving Community Today Grants will be offered to help con-nect people across lines of differences through various projects in the community.

The exciting part of the process is that you as members of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community will have the chance to decide who gets the grants! Crossroads Char-lotte will post the finalists online and allow the public to vote for the ideas they would like to see funded.

These awards will offer up to $500 to individuals or or-ganizations that have small projects that need funding and are only available via the Crossroads Charlotte Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/crossroadcharlotte


Did you know? You can register for Community University classes, watch classes online, and find out more about Community Univer-sity at http://charmeck.org/city/charlotte/nbs/communitycommerce/CommunityUniversity/Pages/default.aspx

If you have more than 10 people from your com-munity organization that is interested in customized training,

Samples of topics:• Leadership• Organizational Basic• Communication• Neighborhood Finances• Resources

farm pond neighborhood to get a space for their monthly meetings and eventual events such as movie nights, parties and as well job training. (D- the meeting from today, please add whatever you feel needs to be part of the book)

ThecompanyhasworkedinCharlottespecificallyonTryonandEast-wayareato improve the economy there.

Big Box Demolition Grant

http://charmeck.org/city/charlotte/nbs/communitycommerce/financialprograms/Pages/BigBoxDemolitionGrantProgram.aspx

This program is an component of the facade improvement program. The target is to tear down the big box buildings that have been vacant over two years. The program offers up to 50% of total project cost. An example of this would be off Independence Boulevard where there are torn down

places that will be an eventual business and living space there.

Security Grant

http://charmeck.org/city/charlotte/nbs/communitycommerce/financialprograms/Pages/SecurityGrantProgram.aspx

As quoted from charmeck.org, “The objective of the Security Grant Program is to reduce the opportunity for crime and create a safer environment for

employees and customers. The program provides matching funds for the installation of eligible security improvements to commercial property.”

This would help the Four Season Shopping complex as they are in the process of improving the complex and to deter the crime that is happening.

Weed and Seed Program

http://charmeck.org/city/charlotte/nbs/communitycommerce/Programs/Pages/WeedandSeed.aspx

Law enforcement agencies and prosecutors cooperate in “weeding out” criminals who participate in violent crime and drug abuse, attempting to

prevent their return to the targeted area. “Seeding” brings human services to the area, such as prevention, intervention, treatment, and neighborhood revitalization.

Charlotte Police Department’s current project is along Central Avenue and current partners include:• Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools • Anuvia • Gang of One • Latin American Coalition • Sisters of Mercy Foundation • Jacob’s Ladder • Girl Scouts Hornet’s Nest Council • Briar Creek Road Baptist Church

Community University - Charlotte

Community University is a program that offers Charlotte and Mecklenburg County residents classes on how to improve their neighborhoods. The goal is provide high quality training to Charlotte residents to empower them to improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods. Community University trains students to become better advocates for themselves and gives students the tools needed to improve and maintain local community and businesses organizations.

Other programs offered by Community University include Neighborhood Symposium (which is offered to communities annually), the Good Neighborhood Program, customized training, and online classes.

Example Community University Class• Understanding the 2010 Quality of Life Study: Southeast District• Tuesday, November 16 2010 from 6:30pm-8:00pm • at Story Slam! located at 1401 Central Avenue

Good Neighborhood Program

The Good Neighborhood Program is a guide for residents to become good neighbors to their community. Founded on the principle of respect, the following are examples of Good Neighborhood actions:

Do:• Cut your grass once a week• Clean your gutters regularly• Change batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors twice a year• Empty excess water collecting in pots, buckets and containers that can attract and breed mosquitoes• Plant perennials for the upcoming year• Schedule bulky items for pickup• Properly display house numbers• Clean up after your pets


• Pour contaminants down the storm water drains• Play loud music after 10 p.m.• Park inoperable vehicles on your property• Forget to retrieve trash rollout containers by midnight on your collection date• Allow your dog to bark excessively during the night• Pour contaminants down the storm water drains

Commnity University Workshop Important ContactsName Title Contact Information

Judith Gamboa Farm Pond Liaison, Charlotte Action Re-search Project at UNCC

704 226 0261

[email protected]

Kim Barnes Weed and Seed Program Manager, City of Charlotte

704 336 8408

[email protected]

Eugene BradleySoutheast District Team Leader, Neighbor-hood & Business Services for City of Charlotte

704 336 2265

[email protected]

Katie Lewis Hickory Grove Community Coordinator, Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department

Craig Allen Officer, Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Depart-ment

704 621 0260

[email protected]

Erin Moraites Property Manager, Neighborhood Revitaliza-tion Group

1 866 260 4110

[email protected]

Jess George Executive Director, Latin American Coalition704 531 3845

[email protected]

Bonnie Carter Volunteer Coordinator, Latin American Coalition

704 941 6735

[email protected]

Astrid Chirinos Executive Director, Latin American Chamber of Commerce

Carlos Beteta Coordinator, Mi Casa Es Su Casa704 363 7439

[email protected]

Ramon Lomeli Property Manager, Eagle Woods Apartments704 537 8353

[email protected]

Leonard Spicer On-site Manager, Farm Lane Apartments704 536 5643

[email protected]

Luis Suarez Property Manager, Forest Hills Townhomes704 568 4012

[email protected]

Dian Threatt Administrator, Four Seasons Homeowners Association

704 536 2551

[email protected]

Martina Jones Neighborhood Activist704 919 8983

[email protected]

Don’t:• Park your car on the front lawn• Store excess trash and debris around your home• Play loud music after 10 p.m.• Park inoperable vehicles on your property• Forget to retrieve trash rollout containers by midnight on your collection date• Allow your dog to bark excessively during the night

51Appendix

App

endi

x

The Appendix contains more information about the three Neighborhood Association meetings, Martina Jones’ Movie Nights, and the Eagle Woods Apartment Complex Party.

We’ve also included notes from a meeting that the project team had with Jess George and Bonnie Carter from the Latin American Coalition.


tenants and they do not always cooperate with police efforts to ban certain troublemakers.

• Inviting apartment complex managers to community meetings is an effective way to encourage the apartment communities to take part in the Neighborhood Association.

First Neighborhood MeetingOn October 2 2010 at the Hickory Grove Public Library, students at UNC Charlotte facilitated a meeting of residents from Farm Pond and adjacent neighborhoods. More than 20 people attended the meeting, with most attendees being homeowners in Farm Pond. Dr. Janni Sorensen from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte was present at the meeting to help facilitate. Virginia Spykerman, candidate for the Board of City Commissioners, was also present.

City staff who attended the meeting included:

• Katie Lewis, Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department Hickory Grove Community Coordinator

• Kim Barnes, City of Charlotte

Purpose:

Gauge interest in and facilitate the creation of a neighborhood association. A Farm Pond Neighborhood Association would facilitate communication with the City of Charlotte and make the area eligible for funding and grant projects.

Summary:

During the meeting, attendees introduced themselves and stated approximately where they lived in the neighborhood and how long they have lived there. The Vice President and Administrative Assistant of the Homeowner’s Association were present. A representative from the Idlewild Farms Neighborhood Association was at the meeting, too. Attendees asked questions about what the purpose of the meeting was. Residents expressed a desire to get assistance with using QuickBooks and expressed a deep concern about the level of crime.

The following observations about crime were made:

• Residents wanted to make use of the strip mall on Albemarle Road. It could be a good site for a day care or youth center as well as a satellite police station.

• Thestripmallhashistoricallyhadsignificantamountsofvacancies,thuslackingthefoottraffictomakeitfeelsafer.Securityisonlypresentonlimited days and times.

• There was a shooting on Albemarle Road. Although the details are unclear, it appears to have been drug-related.

• Youth are at-risk for gang involvement and do not have enough to do

• Apartment complexes don’t always complete background checks on

53Appendix

Outreach

WedistributedthefollowingflyertoFarmPondresidentstoletthemknowabout the meeting. It was English on one side and Spanish on the other. At the meeting, we also handed out a paper so people could get in contact with us (see next page). We also wanted young people to know about our photo contest. We thought that a photo contest would be an exciting way to engage youth.

Please join us for the first October meeting of Farm Pond Neighborhood Association

Farm Pond Neighborhood MeetingSaturday October 2ND, 2010 AT 3:30-4:30pm

Hickory Grove Library5935 Hickory Grove Road Charlotte, NC 28215

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Mission of the meeting:

*Safer Community# *Establishing Association*

*Free childcare Provided*

For more information, call(704)266-0261 or email

[email protected]

Flyer in English

Júntate con nosotros para llevar a cabo la primera reunión de octubre del Farm Pond Neighborhood Association (Asociación de Residentes del Vecindario Farm Pond)

Reunión del Vecindario Farm PondSábado el 2 de octubre de 2010 a las 3:30 – 4:30 de la

tardeA la Biblioteca Hickory Grove

5935 Hickory Grove Rd. Charlotte NC 28215

Objetivos de la reunión:*Conseguir una comunidad más segura#

*Establecer la asociación*

*Se cuidan niños gratis*

Para mayor información, llama a (704)266-0261 ó envía un email a

[email protected]

Flyer in Spanish


Farm Pond Neighborhood Association

(704) 266-0261 email: [email protected] a look at the FARM POND NEIGHBORHOOD Facebook page to enter the YOUTH PHOTO CONTEST!!¡¡Echa un vistazo a la página Facebook FARM POND NEIGHBORHOOD para presentarte al CONCURSO de FOTOS para JÓVENES!!















Meeting Handout

55Appendix

Afterwards, residents engaged in a facilitated “Day in the Life” activity. A poster on the wall had a timeline with labeled three-hour increments from 6am to midnight. As the facilitator moved through the timeline, residents called out typical activities that they would be doing in Farm Pond at that time of day. This activity revealed information about the attendees, including that many of them are retired, have lived in the community for 15 or 20 years, and that the residents have many favorite local amenities, such as Sunrise Cafe, Dollar Tree, and Aldi.

Second Neighborhood MeetingOn November 6 2010 at the Hickory Grove Public Library, students at UNC Charlotte facilitated a second meeting of residents from Farm Pond and adjacent neighborhoods. More than 23 people attended the meeting, with most attendees being retired homeowners in Farm Pond.

The following people attended the meeting and made presentations:

• Katie Lewis, Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department Hickory Grove Community Coordinator

• Eugene Bradley, City of Charlotte

• Martina Jones, Community Activist

Purpose:

Maintain momentum in Farm Pond for neighborhood organizing, continue to communicate to residents about City of Charlotte services in Farm Pond, and learn about Farm Pond issues and concerns from residents.

Summary:

The UNCC Charlotte Action Research Project Farm Pond Liaison began the meeting by asking attendees to introduce themselves and state approximately where they live in the neighborhood and how long they have lived there for.

OfficerLewisupdatedresidentswithmoreinformationaboutcrimeinFarmPond and when the police tower would return to the strip mall on Farm Pond Lane and Albemarle Road. Eugene Bradley from the City of Charlotte spoke about a federal grant for a “Weed and Seed” crime prevention program. The grant has been applied for, but funding has not been received yet. Residents epxressed interest in forming a community crime watch.

Martina Jones presented to the meeting about the bi-weekly Movie Night that she holds for neighborhood children at her home. The purpose of Movie Night is to engage youth, get them off the street for a few hours, and build a healthy rapportbetweenyouthandpoliceofficers,whoarealsoinvitedtotheevent.Members of the Cross Creek neighborhood organization offered their club house for Martina to use for movie night, so she could accommodate more people and use the club house’s large television.

Members of the Four Seasons Neighborhood Association mentioned that the neighborhood is meeting on December 22nd at the club house to sing Christmas Carols. The neighborhood association is also developing a Welcome Packet for residents.


Meeting Flyer Community Feedback

Farm Pond Neighborhood Assoc.

MeetingSaturday, Nov. 6/

sábado el 6 de noviembre

3pmHickory Grove Library

5935 Hickory Grove Road, Charlotte, NC

[email protected]

(704) 266-0261

Únete con nosotros para llevar a cabo la Reunión de la Asociación de Residentes del Vecindario Farm Pond para noviembre en la Biblioteca Hickory Grove.

Vamos a discutir:La seguridad del vecindarioCómo mejorar las zonas comercialesEl embellecimiento del vecindarioTus preocupaciones y preguntas

¡Nos vemos allí!

Дорогие соседи!Приглашаем вас придти на встречу жителей нашего микрорайона Farm

Pond, которая состоится в субботу,

6 ноября, в 3 часа дня в библиотеке

Hickory Grove.

Farm Pond �� . �� 11� 6� �� 3��

Please join us for the November Farm Pond Neighborhood Association Meeting.

We will discuss:Neighborhood SafetyImproving commercial areasNeighborhood BeautificationYour concerns and questions

See you there!

As we learned more about Farm Pond, we came to realize how many different cultures call the neighborhood home. So, to invite people to the Neighborhood Association meeting, we included more languages.

During the meeting, community members told us about Farm Pond during a mapping exercise. The blue area approximates what community members perceive to be Farm Pond’s boundaries. Some people also considered the area south of Albemarle Road to be Farm Pond, too. The red outlined areas are generally considered to be dangerous. The orange lines represent the Four Seasons greenway trails, which are considered a great community asset.

Hickory Grove Road

E W

T H

arris

Blv

d

Farm

Pon

d Ln

Lawr

ence

Orr

Rd

Reg

al O

aks

Dra

p

Wallace Ave

Barcliff Dr

Wagon Oak Rd

McA

lpin

e Ln

Dogw

ood

Pl

Craig

wood

Dr

Hickory Grove Road

E WT Harris Blvd


Win

terh

aven

Dr

E W

T H

arris

Blv

d

0 450 900 1,350 1,800225Feet

1 inch = 1,000 feet

E

1

6 8 10

9

5

4

2

7 11

3

57Appendix

Thisfinaldiagramrepresentscommunityfeedbackregardingwhatatypicaldayislike for them in Farm Pond.

6 AM

9 AM

Noon

3 PM

6 PM

9 PM

Midnight

Getting re

ady for w

orkGoing to School

Sleeping

Up with the baby

Homeschooling

Asleep

ShoppingBusin

esses O

pening

Breakfast

Walking

Working

Lunch at Sunrise

Cafe

Cleaning

Lunch

Running errands to

businesse

s

on Albemarle Road

Going to Dollar Tree

McDonalds

Teddy’s Pizz

a

Getting home from school

Running errands

Walking the dogs

Dinner timeWatching TV

Getting home from work

Homework

In school

Working in Huntersv

ille

Cooking and eating dinnerSleeping

Waiting fo

r the baby to

sleep

Letting the dogs o

ut

SleepingListen

ing to

gun s

hots

Midnight to 6 AM

- Sounds of gunshots - Lots of youth and “bad guys” roaming the neighborhood in the middle of the street

Day in the Life in Farm Pond

The following sites were labelled as memorable assets to the community:

1. Hickory Grove Library

2. BB&T

3. Hickory Grove Baptist Church

4. Campbell Creek Park

5. Four Seasons Club House

6. McDonalds

7. Bi-Lo

8. Bank of America

9. Sunrise Cafe

10. PostOffice

11. Cookout, Taco Bell, KFC


Farm Pond Neighborhood Association, which may result in more participation.

Actionable steps

• Inform news media outlets through press releases to media contacts about upcoming Farm Pond events (DSRC event, Farm Pond Pride Celebration, youth events, etc.)

ResidentsfeelthattheFarmPondNeighborhoodAssociationwouldbenefitfromincreased neighborhood participation in the Neighborhood Association. They would like to know how to be able to apply for grants through the neighborhood association.Inaddition,theywouldliketofindouthowtoaccesstheresourcesthey need to improve the neighborhood.

Actionable steps

Third Neighborhood MeetingOn December 11 2010 at the Hickory Grove Public Library, students at UNC Charlotte facilitated a meeting of residents from Farm Pond and adjacent neighborhoods. More than 20 people attended the meeting, representing residents of Four Seasons, the northern half of Farm Pond, Wallace Creek, and Eagle Woods Apartments.

Purpose:

Brainstorm neighborhood goals and actions that the neighborhood association could undertake in January and beyond.

Summary:

The meeting began with residents introducing themselves. Martina Jones spoke about a program she is organizing for the holidays to express gratitude to the Hickory Grove Division of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department. Afterwards, the UNCC facilitators

Residents showed a lot of concern about the relationship between owners and renters in Farm Pond. People attending the meeting expressed the feeling that there should be more accountability on all parts: renters, absentee owners, property managers of apartment complexes, and the City of Charlotte. Residents said that more accountability would result in better home, landscape, and neighborhood maintenance; higher property values; lower crime; and, a better image of Farm Pond. Residents also noted that while an increased percentage of owner-occupied homes in Farm Pond would be an improvement, renters need to be included in the Farm Pond Neighborhood Association as much as possible.

Actionable steps

• Set up a Landlord-Tenant Forum through Community University.

• Set up a Renter’s Rights Forum through Community University.

• Have an expert on Section 8 housing at a future meeting.

• InviteCodeEnforcementOfficerstoafuturemeeting.

• Sponsor neighborhood clean-up/minor home repair event with MYLC.

ItwassuggestedthatFarmPondwouldbenefitbyreceivingincreasedpositivepublicity to counter existing negative publicity. Due to existing negative publicity, Farm Pond is already a well-known neighborhood. This can be used to Farm Pond’s advantage by building on its notoriety to start a cycle of positive publicity. In turn, this publicity will help inform the neighborhood about the

59Appendix

• Canvas the neighborhood to increase awareness about the Farm Pond Neighborhood Association.

• Stabilize the meeting times and location.

• Solidify leadership structure and form by-laws.

• Set up a “How to Set up a Neighborhood Association” Forum through Community University.

Farm Pond Neighborhood Assoc.

MeetingSaturday, Dec. 11/

sábado el 11 de diciembre

11amHickory Grove Library

5935 Hickory Grove Road, Charlotte, NC

[email protected]

om(704) 266-0261

¿Quieres ver cambios en tu vecindario? Júntate con nosotros para la Reunión de la Asociación de Residentes del Vecindario Farm Pond para diciembre en la Biblioteca Hickory Grove. Vamos a discutir:Cómo empezar una junta vecinal de seguridadLa semana de eventos para celebrar Farm Pond Ven con tus propias ideas para mejorar el vecindario.

Дорогие соседи!Приглашаем вас придти на встречу жителей нашего микрорайона Farm

Pond, которая состоится

в Сатурдай, 11 декабря в 11 часов дня в библиотеке

Hickory Grove.

Farm Pond �� . �� 토요일 11 12 월 오전 11��

Want to see changes in your neighborhood? Join us at the December meeting of the Farm Pond Neighborhood Association. We will discuss:Starting a Neighborhood WatchCelebrating Farm Pond WeekAnd more!

Bring your own ideas for neighborhood improvement.

Happy Holidays!¡Felices Fiestas!С праздниками!단어(들)과 일치하는 제목이 없�!

节 �!Chúc mừng ngày lễ!

Meeting Flyer

Brainstormed Ideas: “Farm Pond is a place that...”

Accountability:• help others with trash cans• keep yard clean• apartment managers are held accountable• city is responsible for improvements• more homeowners• apartment managers treat people with respect• neighbors get involved• people to report code violations to 311• watch out for strangers entering neighbors property

when not at home

Friendliness:• is welcoming...• by having block parties or welcoming committees• full of activities for the youth• newsletters• talk to neighbors• knock on doors and get people involved• farm pond yard signs for meetings• consistent time and place• welcoming committees• create groups for crafts• Farm Pond Chamber of Commerce• starting a neighborhood 4H

Safety: • a place where I can leave my doors unlocked• police presence in Farm Pond• I want Farm Pond to be a place that is safe, friendly,

and clean• youth belonging• neighborhood watch• safe for walking, riding, bicycling, and kids playing• is welcoming to young children• people driving slowly. Put up “children at play” signs• all culture can live and feel safe• Take back the night-type activity for the park

Resources: • create a group for flowers and shrubs landscaping• business development• city grants and how to apply• Charlotte Arts League• leadership• bylaws• neighborhood improvements• requires organization• book reader group in the area• more successful businesses• CPCC construction program• talk to Villa Heights HOA• Charlotte School of Law pro-bono clinic to help HOA

MaintenanceandBeautification:• looks like farm pond going toward Idlewild• is safe and has curb appeal• keep junk from around your home• report code violations• I help by picking up garbage- I help by being in the

HOA and committees• doesn’t appear you’ve driven onto Wilkinson Blvd• kids weatherization + yard maintenance• renters maintain their homes• pick up the dog poop• vacant homes kept attractive• keep my backyard clean• youth volunteer• pick all trash around my neighborhood• is welcoming to young children• make our community playground attractive and

usable• inviting to live in• is attractive......• maintain home exterior and yard maintenance• neighborhood sign• NO trash in yards• Positive Ticket program• using the Neighborhood Matching Grants to improve

the park and greenway


Movie NightsCommunity activist Martina Jones and her family has been involved getting know her neighbors. Mrs. Jones came up with Friday movie nights to give youth a productive activity to do on weekends, in order to give her sons a healthy community to grow up in.

October

October23rd’smovienightwasasmash.Thechildrengottomeettheofficersand ask them questions that they never get opportunity to ask. They even got to playintheofficer’scars,puttingsirenson.Thepurposeofthisistoencouragemutual respect between the youth and police department in the neighborhood as well as provide a safe and positive place for youth to spend time.

The whole apartment complex was intived to participate. The children enjoyed the free goodies and food watching “The Transformers” before they all went home. More movie nights coming soon to Farm Pond.

November

November movie night was another success! Mr. and Mrs. Jones hosten more than 15 children and 5 teenages from Eagle Woods Apartments.

The kids played ice breaker games, enjoyed pizza, and had a great time together. Everyoneenjoyedgettingtoknoweachotherbyfindingoutwhereotherpeopleare from, where they have been, and what activities they love to do.

This 2-hour event is a great time for kids to socialize, meet role models in their community, and enter a warm and loving atmosphere.

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Movie Night Flyer

61Appendix

Join us in watching “The Karate Kid”

w/ Jaden Smith & Jackie Chan…

Sunday, November 21 2:00 – 5:00pm

The festivities will be held at Eagle Woods Apartments Clubhouse

6110 Forest Glen road

* Kids under 7yrs need to be escorted by a parent *

Need info contact?

Martina Jones 704.919.8983

Food & drinks will be served.

This movie is rated PG, due to bullying, martial arts, and mild language!

Farm Pond Community “MOVIE NIGHT”!

Movie Night Flyer


Eagle Woods Apartment Complex PartyOn December 10th, the project team supported a gathering of Eagle Woods Apartment Complex residents for an evening of music, food, and fun. The party was organized in order to engage apartment residents and raise awareness among them about the Farm Pond Neighborhood Association. People heard about the partyfrominformationspreadbyflyersandwordofmouthamongparentsandchildren.

Eagle Woods offered their clubhouse to house the event, and the local radio station, Power 98, provided the music. The kids were able to hang out, talk with friends, dance to the music, and receive prizes from a ticket drawing. It was a great opportunity to help the community kick off, what we aim to be, a regular event.

CHARP provided food and refreshments for everyone who was able to come. The project team is grateful to Charlotte Mecklenburg Parks and Recreation, who lent us tables to bring to the party.

In the future, the project team will engage local businesses to secure donation ofbeverages.Theteamwillalsotakecaretoflyertheapartmentcomplexesandnearby businesses in good time before the party.

For more information, call (704) 266-0261 or email [email protected]

Para mayor información, llama al (704) 266-0261 o envía un email a [email protected].

Season’s Greetings!Join Eagle Woods

Apartments and the Farm Pond Neighborhood

Association for a raffle, food, and holiday cheer at the

Year-End Holiday Party at the Eagle Woods Clubhouse located at 6110 Forest Glen Rd., Charlotte, NC 28212 on Friday, December 10 from

6-8.

¡Felices Fiestas!Júntate con los Apartamentos Eagle Woods y la Asociación de Residentes de Farm Pond

para una rifa, comida y la alegría de la temporada en la

Celebración de los Días Festivos del Fin del Año a la Casa Club de Eagle Woods, ubicada en 6110 Forest Glen

Rd., viernes, el 10 de diciembre de las 6 hasta las 8

de la tarde.

Movie Night Flyer

63Appendix

Latin American Coalition MeetingOn December 7, 2010, the project team met with Jess George and Bonnie Carter from the Latin American Coalition to tour their facilities and learn more about the organization. The following is based on notes from the meeting.

With 17 full-time staff and 3 part-time staff, the Latin American Coalition has three areas of focus:

• Educational Services

• Advocacy Initiatives

• Cultural Celebrations

Educational Services

Within its Educational Services scope of work, the Latin American Coalition’s Resource Center functions as a direct service provider and referral service for people who require assistance. The LAC helps all families in crisis that face language, economic, education and cultural barriers. Work includes helping families apply for food stamps if they qualify, mediating between landlords and tenants, and working with the Fair Housing Program when people have experienced discrimination when trying to rent a home. In these cases, the LAC has partnered with other organizations to function as the Latino outreach arm ofthoseagencies.TheLACrefersclientstootherprovidersandassistsinfillingout paperwork in cases of domestic violence and food/housing/utility crises issues. Overall, the goal of these programs is to develop trust between Latino families and Charlotte service-providers while also breaking down cultural barriers between the two.

The Department of Social Services visits the Resource Center once a week to provide assistance. The LAC also works with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police to help break down cultural barriers and build trust.

The LAC also offers programs to Latino families to help them adjust to the Charlotte community. Job training programs, job search assistance, English as a Second Language classes, small business and entrepreneurship training (like Quickbooksclasses),computertraining,andHUD-certifiedhomepurchasingassistance all help immigrants integrate into Charlotte life. A focus of the classes lately has been helping Latino artists learn about social media for promotion and small business development for good business practices. Wherever possible, the LAC seeks to create programs that work together and build off one another.

Finally, the LAC has a Neighbor-to-Neighbor self-help center, which is staffed

by volunteers.

Advocacy Initiatives

The LAC advocates on behalf of Latinos in cases of labor rights, immigration services, and consumer protection. Many immigrants are victims of fraud and poor business practices, with people suffering from unpaid wages, lost persona property, badly managed immigration paperwork, and other forms of discrimination. An example of a common type of fraud experience by Latino families is famiies paying for the services of a fake attorney, or “notario.”

The LAC educates immigrant workers about their workplace rights and makes them aware of common fraudulent practices that they could be vulnerable to. The LAC also offers direct and affordable legal services to immigrants by staff who are accredited and recognized by the Board of Immigration Appeals. Many cases deal with U-Visas and the Violence Against Women Act. Finally, the LAC makes immigrants aware of predatory lending practices and consumer fraud, giving peopleadviceonhowtorecuperatetheirmoneyandproperty,fileacomplaint,and/or pursue legal action. The LAC is the only Spanish language foreclosure mitigation program in Mecklenburg County!

A non-partisan organization, the LAC lobbies for policies and regulation that are in the interests of Latino immigrants and generally create the space for immigrants to participate political and volunteer-based activities. Some successes have included organizing 10,000 people to go to the polls and advocating for illegal immigrants to be able to attend local universities with affordable tuition rates.

Cultural Celebrations

The LAC believes that cultural celebrations build trust in the community and help improve dialog and partnership between the Latino community and the greater Charlotte community. Cultural celebrations also help create pride within the Latino community and expose many people to authentic cultural activities. In terms of economic development, the celebrations provide an economic vehicle for Latino artists to support themselves, while also allowing the LAC to raise unrestricted funds.

The principle celebrations organized by the LAC each year include:

• Latin American Festival, which has 20,000 attendees

• Cinco de Mayo

• A Night in Rio

• Azucar, a Caribbean Festival

• Dia de los Muertos


Feedback and Ideas

• Canvas neighborhood - knock door-to-door to spread the word about the neighborhood association

• Take events to community members and meet on their turf and offer community members something for coming, like a free workshop. An example event that the LAC holds in conjunction with the Public Library is Conexiones Que Cuenta (Connections that Count), which is a program for parents and pre-schoolers to celebrate reading and literacy. During these events, the LAC takes the parents aside for a few moments to hold a class or workshop.

• Teach Spanish at Movie Nights

• Jan. 6 Reyes Magos, Día de los Niños as events that could celebrate Latino culture and attract Latino residents

• Feature a movie in Spanish with English subtitles for Movie Nights. For example, Spykids is a great kids movie that is bi-cultural.

• Play Lotería

• Consider developing a pilot project with the LAC that does on-site outreach

• Celebrate Farm Pond! The neighborhood is a great family neighborhood with great restaurants, affordable homes, and is close to downtown!