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Improvement in East Chattanooga Tuesday, August 30, 2011

For decades, East Chattanooga has been what some local residents call a “catch-all” for many of the city’s delinquent residents. Resultant high crime rates—along with worrisome obesity rates and low household income averages, among other sub-par attributes—have made it difficult for the area to gain any sense of positive momentum. Once a blossoming community half a century ago, the 9 neighborhoods occupying this urban sub-region have digressed economically and socially due to policy-driven social gentrification and ongoing bouts of collective apathy. Yet, one local organization—the East Chattanooga Improvement, Inc. (ECII)—understands East Chattanooga’s history and knows what needs to happen to fight these deleterious trends.

By maintaining active collaboration between the 8 neighborhoods shown above (plus Battery Heights just north of the Riverside area) and the Chattanooga Police Department, ECII has been building stronger relationships and communication within East Chattanooga since 2005. Through a Department of Justice “Weed and Seed” grant allocated in October of 2007, ECII founded the East Chattanooga Weed and Seed (ECWS) project to “weed-out” exsiting digressive variables within the community and “seed-in” new productive, inspiring ones. Synonymous to the fundamental assumptions of the Broken Windows Theory, ECII and the ECWS project operate with the notion that crime in their neighborhoods is not a result of one failing socio-economic mechanism but many. Therefore, holisitic community renewal was and still is necessary.

To that end, the organization focuses on uniting local experts and active volunteers around productive activities to address 5 major problematic subjects: Safety, Housing, Health, Economic Development, and Youth Mentorship. These focus areas were not chosen arbitrarily but targeted as a systematic strategy to support the “weeding” and “seeding” (based on the community’s immediate needs). Having worked for the past 4 years building collaborative energy, ECWS had made postive impacts. Pertaining to crime, one CPD report comparing East Chattanooga neighborhood crime rates between 2009 and 2010 showed major improvements due to better policing, stronger neighborhoods associations, etc. Specifically, Orchard Knob realized a 50% decrease in total property crimes, Churchville experienced a 64% decrease in burglaries, and the Riverside community saw a 82% drop in larceny. Even so, more work is needed.

Weed and Seed Community sign, 3rd Street and O’Neal Street, Chattanooga

Moving forward, the Broken Windows Brigade hopes to join ECII (whether formally or informally) in their ongoing effort to decrease crime in East Chattanooga by improving the residents’ general quality of life. No definite plans have been made yet, but BWB is currently researching East Chattanooga’s specific needs and working to saturate those neighborhoods with resources and form new relationships between residents inside and outside the community. If nothing else, BWB intends to help active, motivated East Chattanooga residents get the tools/information they need to restore their communities sense of place and pride.

Check out the ECII/ECWS website to learn more and/or see how you can get involved (eastchattanoogaweedandseed.org)!

Posted by Dave Walker in Economy in Culture in Education
Next Steps for YPAC

Last Friday, I was overwhelmed by all the enthusiasm and excitement among the Young Professional Association of Chattanooga (YPAC) supporters, past members, current members, and fans. After months of collaborative discussion, the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce recently adopted YPAC as a Chamber program. As young professionals, we are looking forward to pairing the Chamber’s experience and insight with our passion, energy, and new ideas.

Founded in 2005, the organization started with a handful of members and have evolved to over 200 members today. In developing their most recent strategic plan, YPAC utilized the 2009 Stand survey results to find out what young Chattanoogans value about their city and see as our most pressing challenges. This plan includes civic engagement initiatives with a dual focus on education and environment. The Half Campaign asks Chattanoogans to volunteer for half an hour each month to serve a local school and the children that attend it. On September 10th, they will be transforming a park in the Glenwood community.

YPAC continues to host a variety of social events including monthly luncheons and after hours gatherings as well as their signature events such as this year’s Down Home With Dickel.

Needless to say, this organization has given me the opportunity to connect with passionate people who want to make Chattanooga a better place to play, work, and live. We recognize what has been done to make this city what it is today, and we are proud to be a part of what’s next. YPAC President Elizabeth Crenshaw said, “We are inheriting the fruits of all this labor and we have a responsibility to continue this progress.”

YPAC engages emerging leaders in action to build a better future for us all. We are grateful for the work they do in our city and look forward to seeing what comes of their new partnership with the Chamber of Commerce.

Posted by Teal Thibaud in Culture in Education
Guest Blogger Christian Collier | MANIFEST Presents Monday, August 29, 2011

MANIFEST arts showcase will host two events next week. September 10th, there will be a special MANIFEST Presents event from 6:30 to 9 pm at CreateHere. It is free and open to the public and will feature visual art and performances by local artists: Kevin Bate, Asher Love, Jody Harris, Mason Franklin, and more. Stop by during the AVA Gallery Hop or before you catch the Drive-By Truckers at Track 29.

MANIFEST’s eleventh installment on September 9th at the Camphouse will feature singer-songwriters Amber Fults and Nashville’s own Sabrina for Art & Soul 2.

Amber Fults, who performed in the last Art & Soul, is one of Chattanooga’s strongest singer-songwriters. In addition to being a skilled writer, she possesses one of the most powerful and dynamic voices. Last September, she released her Center of My Heart, her debut album, and has performed in some of the Southeast’s top venues and festivals.

Sabrina, or Just Sabrina as she is sometimes billed, hails from Nashville. She recently completed The No Divas Tour, and her music has been compared to the likes of Tracy Chapman and India.Arie. In addition to being a soulful vocalist, Sabrina is also a very skilled and unique guitarist.

General admission for MANIFEST: Art & Soul 2 is $8. Doors open at 8 PM and the show will get underway at 9.

For further information, Christian J. Collier can be reached at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Posted by Kate Creason in Arts in Culture
Build Your Business, Plant a Tree Friday, August 26, 2011

Business owners,

Did you know that a healthy urban tree canopy is good for your business? According to a report recently released by walkable.org, businesses on treescaped streets show 20% higher income streams, which is often the essential competitive edge needed for main street store success, versus competition from plaza discount store prices.

Take Root Tree Bags, Central Avenue and 17th Street, Chattanooga.

For those who do business in downtown Chattanooga, the 1400 trees that were planted during the Take Root initiative will surely help your business, but why stop there? Participate in a Citizen Forester workshop and learn how to properly plant trees. No place to plant a tree outside of your business? Don’t let that stop you. Buy some tree planters and reap the benefits of a healthy urban tree canopy from your shoppers and patrons.

Posted by Dave Walker in Environment
Shift: Break Out Discussions Thursday, August 25, 2011

This week we’ve taped fifteen (15) new Shift Conversations. We’ve spoken with teachers from suburban and urban schools, concerned parents, business people and community members who are hopeful and excited about our schools and who also acknowledge that we struggle with many issues in education. The conversations have been exciting and sobering as many issues have been discussed including how each community member can pitch in to support education in their own way.

Please join us for dinner next Tuesday (August 30, 2011) for lasagna and conversations between 5:30 and 8 at CreateHere at 55 Main Street, Chattanooga.

Click here to rsvp.

Posted by Dave Walker in Education