South side group hears about neighborhood study

Dr. Stephen Gasteyer, MSU assistant professor of sociology, updated the South Side Business and Resident Association June 21 about a three-year project being done in Flint neighborhoods.

The study began in 2010 with a project that asked the question, "Will changing the environment bring social change?"

Gasteyer's students drove through the neighborhood, organized focus groups and participated in a door-to-door survey to determine if positive changes, like the ones the association is involved in, matter.

"While we did not get a good response from the survey, it did tell us things about this area that are important," Gasteyer said.

According to Gasteyer respondents of the survey and members of focus groups have a common fear of crime and arson and are concerned about abandoned housing and about slow police response to neighborhood problems. He said their studies also indicated a lack of social capital in the area.

Gasteyer explained the respondent's racial mix was about the same as the 430 residents that make up the neighborhood — about one-third are people of color.

"We asked how safe they felt in their homes, walking in the neighborhood and in the parks. Half of the respondents said they did not feel safe walking in a park," Gasteyer said.

While 30 percent of the respondents said their neighborhood has changed for the better in the last year, 24 percent said it had gotten worse.

When asked if they spoke to their neighbors in the last month, 25 of the 30 respondents said, "no."

When asked about social engagements and how likely is it the neighborhood would hold a block party, a third of the respondents said, "not very likely."

Gasteyer said the survey helped to identify the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead and the turning point for a neighborhood is when there is a steady increase in people who are engaged in civic opportunities.

A member asked how the south side neighborhood compared to other neighborhoods in the study.

Rachel Johansen, a student working on the project, replied that based on interviews, focus groups and the survey, the area is about the same as other groups in the study.

"What we are seeing is the 'broken window theory,' Johansen said. "When neighbors "repair broken windows" (take care of the little things) thus creating a more orderly environment — crime goes down. Taking care of aesthetic things can help reduce crime."

"But we recognize that there are significant structural issues that make the challenge of improving neighborhoods very significant," said Gasteyer.

President Art Wenzlaff asked members what recommendations they had for reaching out to people in the neighborhood. Ideas ranged from holding a "meet your neighbor day" to using social media.

Lauren Ganapini, Diplomat Pharmacy communications assistant, talked about the corporation's involvement in the community.

"We're developing a community corner," Ganapini said. "We will have flyers from local businesses and information from community organizations for our employees. They want to participate in community activities. We're also starting a volunteer committee. Our employees are hands-on people who want to get involved in the community they work in."

Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy, 4100 S. Saginaw St., employs more than 300 people.

"Our goal is to have 1,000 employees in 10 years and 4,000 employees in 18 years," Ganapini added.

Margaret Studer, Genesee Conservation District forester, talked about a natural resource assessment the district is doing. She provided members with a survey that will provide feedback about water quality issues, wildlife and habitat issues, forestry management and energy conservation.

"We are working with Keep Genesee Beautiful and will plant 150 trees in five locations throughout Flint," Studer said. "We've already removed 270 trees that were dangerous or presented a problem."

Studer said tree planting will take place on Nov. 5. The agency is looking for volunteers to help.

Sue Lossing, Flint River Watershed Coalition outreach coordinator, encouraged members to learn more about what her agency does. She said water from seven surrounding counties flow into the Flint River. The coalition is engaged in reclaiming the area by cleaning it up and by educating residents about storm water issues.

Lossing explained that the coalition is a membership organization promoting citizen stewardship of natural resources to protect local water quality and watershed habitat.

The group will meet next at 11:45 a.m. July 19 at Applegate Chevrolet, 3637 S. Saginaw St.

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