Empire State College

Community Health Nursing

Windshield Survey

Brenda Lotito, RN

Professor Mary Guadron

Welcome to the City of Syracuse Near West Side

The focus of my windshield survey was Downtown Syracuse and the West side of the city where most of my client community is located.

West Side Area: 1.060 sq mi Population: 8,442Population density:

Near Westside: 7,964 people per square mile

Syracuse: 5,871 people per square mile

The Near Westside is a diverse community with many agencies operating within the area to serve the needs of the many different populations. These agencies

include the Spanish Action League, Huntington Family Centers, Vincent House, and the Boys and Girls Club. The Native American Service Agency sponsors a

lunch program for elder Native Americans in the area.

The nearest North-South Highway is Route 81 which easily connects to Route 690 East-West Highway- both intersect with the New York State Thruway

Shopping and Business There are many abandoned buildings and small “mini marts”. Most large

grocers are located outside the city limits due to scale and crime.

Most community members are under the county benefits programs and receive some aide. Many live in NYS Housing

4.2% live in other group homes such as the Rescue Mission

• Percentage of population below poverty level:– Near West Side: 50.1%– Syracuse: 27.3%

• Percentage of single mother households (among all households) 2009:– Near West Side: 30.8%– Syracuse: 14.8%

• Median per capita income in Syracuse in 2009:– Near West Side:$16,960– Syracuse:$30,075

• Median rent in 2009:– Near West Side: $452– Syracuse, New York: $545

http://www.city-data.com/neighborhood/Near-Westside-Syracuse-NY

Mode of Transportation:1.Own vehicles2.Carpooling3.Bus4.Walk5.Bike

Public Schools:Delaware Elementary, Blodgett Elementary, Porter Elementary, Frazer Elementary School, Seymour Elementary School, Shea Middle School, Fowler High School. Seymour and Blodgett both have bi-lingual programs to serve the needs of the Latino community

Over 50% of Near Westside residents have less than a high school education compared to Syracuse at a little less than 25%.

ParksBurnet Park is located on the Far Westside and is also home to the Onondaga County Zoo. Burnet Park has a fifty-meter pool, two softball diamonds, two tennis courts, a basketball court and a newly renovated playground. It also has a nine-hole, par 3 golf course, open daily from 7 a.m. to dusk, May 1 through October 15, weather permitting.

Other parks are scattered in nearby downtown area- a source of revitalization for the city

Downtown is the business center of the City. Within the Downtown area are several historic buildings as well as more modern structures that provide office and retail space to many firms and retailers. Its grid-like street structure is intersected by Onondaga and Genesee Streets. The major public plazas in Downtown are Armory Square, Hanover Square, Columbus Circle and Clinton Square. There are also a number of urban cultural parks which provide open space.

Vacant LotsSeveral vacant and abandoned lots were visualized- most with

trash an debris strewn throughout.

Homes on the near west side are built in 1939 and earlier.Onondaga street is a focus of neighborhood revitalization.

Satellite view of Syracuse City Police Department Crimes reported from October 2, 2012-October 14, 2012Total of 175 in City limits alone

www.syracuse.com/crime/police-reports

Syracuse City police is located centrally in downtown Syracuse next to the Courthouse and Onondaga County Jail. Roads are in fair condition and Downtown streets are well lit. TheFar West Side neighborhood has limited lighting, fair road conditions and old broken sidewalks.Fire hydrants are brightly colored and well maintained. Neighborhood watch signs are posted.

Ambulance and Firehouse are in close proximity.

Healthy Families Nurse Family Partnership Offices Onondaga County Health Department

Hospitals and clinics nearby- St. Josephs Hospital and clinicUniversity Hospital and clinic

A 24 hour Pharmacy: Gifford and West

Although this community is plagued with poverty, crime, vacant and dilapidated buildings, the community shows signs of solidarity in neighborhood watch, community meetings and an attempt to revitalize buildings and open areas even if it is one at a time. Groups of people are noted walking the streets in the day time hours laughing and loud, mothers walk their babies and women walk alone. The community appears to feel safe within its own infrastructure. Sunday is noted to be busy in all congregations in the area. Many congregations have a van that will pick up parishioners for services.