New Haven Independent

Posted by: Lee | December 9, 2007 7:04 AM

If you are not into charts and graphs here is the summary:

• 40 respondents.

• Most households have an annual income of between 30 and 60 thousand and consist of 2-4 people.

• Over half the respondents were resident homeowners, a third were renter and the rest were staying with a friend or relative. It should be noted that homeownership in the area is about average for the city, so far. We can increase homeownership and we will.

• Just over 50% of respondent think houses in Chatham Square Neighborhood are priced right and affordable; fewer than 25% think they are priced too high and not affordable.

Compared resident survey findings in 2006:

• Increased number of resident are "very likely" and "likely" to recommend the neighborhood to a friend or relative, decrease number of resident not likely to recommend neighborhood to a friend or relative by 2/3s.

• Rating of neighborhood "quality of life" up 1/3 in combined "great" and "good" category, reduced to zero in the "bad" category.

• Reputation of the neighborhood trending up in all positive categories, trending down in all negative categories. Perception is that the physical condition of the neighborhood is trending in the same directions.

• Significant increases in the daily and weekly use of the park.

• Crime and drug dealing are still a concern, interesting to note the increase in the number of people willing to name these problems in the context of a sense of community.

• Best things about the neighborhood in 2006 diversity and history, in 2007 neighbors and the park.

Chatham Square Neighborhood Association accomplishments:

1 branded neighborhood -- The New Haven Independent, The New Haven Register and Channel 8 have all referred to the neighborhood by the resident selected name of Chatham Square.

3 resident home purchases linked to resident networking; not surprising given the diversity of the neighborhood

22 current homeowners repaired their homes with a small incentive repair grant.

6 unsubsidized homeowner repairs documented during the same time period

6 low-income residents helped with more substantial grants, not from foundation. It should be noted that the Community Foundation does not grant funds directly to any individual homeowners.

Residents also organized:

3 community festivals, including the 2007 Summer Festival working in collaboration with the City.

2 children's summer programs in the park; this year the children produced a neighborhood photo collection that will be exhibited at XO Photography Gallery.

Chatham Square is headed in the right direction. The keys:

- residents willing to spend the time getting to know each other,
- resident planning,

- residents working together to GET the necessary resources and

- resident doing what is needed to make the neighborhood look good.

It is compelling, it really makes outsiders want to work with them. If you would like to know more contact Lee Cruz at lcruz@cfgnh.org or anyone of the leaders that made anyone of the activities above possible.