Neighborhood Building

The Walnut Hill neighborhood plan will increase the human capital in Walnut Hill by pursuing educational and training services. Numerous residents have expressed concern about the rapid appreciation of homes in the area and the implications of these price increases for their personal finances. Strategic partners will act as an intermediary between community residents and non-profit institutions that provide financial literacy training to address issues such as increasing sale values and real estate taxes, estate planning, predatory lending, and refinancing options. Additionally, the neighborhood plan calls for individual and institutional leadership development through the provision of leadership and skill-building workshops for block captains and interested residents.

The neighborhood plan designates significant responsibility to the residents of the community. WHCA members will seek assistance in identifying and applying for funding sources for WHCA facility upgrades and marketing campaigns. In addition, with the guidance of service professionals, WHCA residents will organize themselves to assist in greening, lighting, maintenance, and cleaning efforts; University City District will support these initiatives with its clean and safe streets program, increasing neighborhood safety and aesthetic appeal. The neighborhood plan will also recommend and support facade improvements and energy-efficient home additions. Walnut Hill residents would like to further engage municipal leaders in lobbying for space and funding for parks, playgrounds, and community centers.

These initiatives will increase the physical and human capital, aesthetic appeal, and safety of the neighborhood. Resident cooperation will contribute to as well as create a greater a sense of safety by improving the infrastructure of neighborhood streets and, more importantly, creating a greater sense of community affiliation through resident cooperation.