Tremendous growth in Aiken had bypassed the city’s north side neighborhoods. One neighborhood in particular, Crosland Park, seemed to lack a social fabric. There were gangs, break-ins and speeding problems. Most of the houses in the neighborhood were rentals with a high turnover rate. Residents were restless and scared. Bolstered by other successful neighborhood projects on the north side, the City of Aiken took a big picture approach to make life better for the folks in Crosland Park.
While there were many different groups in the area working to help the neighborhood, they were not working together. City officials coordinated these efforts by reaching out to local faith-based organizations, volunteer groups and the neighborhood association. Together, they got to work on Crosland Park’s rebirth.
A task force of coalition members studied the neighborhood and made recommendations to achieve stability. Meanwhile, the neighborhood association began walking the streets, taking a survey of how residents wanted their neighborhood to change as well as noting violations, traffic concerns and dilapidated properties. They held town hall meetings to get resident input. The association brought its recommendations to city council who heard them loud and clear.
The city put up the money necessary to buy and renovate 150 homes. Other funds came from a variety of sources, including a Community Development Block Grant, Palmetto Pride and Safe Routes to Schools.
Officials then hired unemployed workers to do the physical labor necessary to restore the houses and make them energy efficient. Other enhancements included new streetlights, sidewalks and a walking path to the nearby school.
The city is not just doing renovation work, it is empowering residents to keep the area on the right track. With the coalition, the city started life skills classes, a youth leadership program, afterschool programs, a chess club and street parties, among other activities. Residents formed a tight-knit group, proud of their new neighborhood. They feel safer and more stable. Plans are underway to incorporate green space and a community garden in Crosland Park.
What could have been just a simple public safety project became a comprehensive effort to improve the quality of life for the city’s north side residents.
Contact Leasa Segura at lsegura@cityofaikensc.gov or 803.642.7723.