RICK BURDETTE
Earlier this year, the West Bluff Council started a campaign called NEIGHBORHOOD STRONG. The purpose of this program is to motivate residents in the West Bluff to participate in their Neighborhood Associations.
The West Bluff Council is a not-for-profit, charitable organization. Our main function is to improve the quality of life in the geographical area commonly known as the West Bluff. The council is made up of representatives from each of the eight Neighborhoods, the Police Department, Bradley University, businesses, and our City Council members Chuck Grayeb and Denise Jackson. Basically, those who work and live in the West Bluff and have the ability to make a difference.
The eight associations are Moss-Bradley, Arbor District, Randolph-Roanoke, Armstrong-Ellis, Orchard District, Columbia Terrace North, University East, and the Uplands.
Due to COVID-19 and other factors, participation in both the neighborhoods and the West Bluff Council had declined. The NEIGHBORHOOD STRONG Campaign was started to get the word out and explain why strong neighborhoods are important and to find individuals and businesses who would like to come forward and get involved.
Neighborhood participation is important.
It is easy to sit on the porch and complain about what is going on in one’s neighborhood. I think this comes from a lack of understanding of what one’s participation can bring out. Not only can you address the problems, but also make changes to improve the quality of life for the residents. It has to do with creating a livable environment. As a group, we can accomplish more than an individual. It is through our associations that one can find out about programs that could benefit the residents such as alley lighting, grants and help with improving their homes. As a group, and with the help of the city, crime, trash, traffic, bad landlords, and bad actors are better addressed.
There is a lot to be said about neighbors knowing neighbors. They look out for each other and there is more of a sense of belonging to a community. In the Randolph-Roanoke neighborhood where I live, we pretty much know one another and have made new friends through our association. Yes, we have different views with different perspectives, yet we still get along and work on common goals.
Today we have neighborhoods that are strong and active. We also have several neighborhoods that have a need for more members and one that really is not active. So, if you are one who either prefers to sit on the porch or doesn’t care, that’s fine; but if you are interested in participating in one of our West Bluff associations, please consider joining. The rewards are greater than what little time is needed. Each neighborhood association has different meeting schedules, from monthly to bi-yearly, with other events throughout the year.
Crime in the West Bluff, just like other communities, is an important topic of concern. I have seen the strong neighborhoods address this issue better than those areas that have little participation.
We have set up the email wbneighborhoods@yahoo.com for you to send your contact information. We then can put you in touch with the appropriate leaders.
Let’s make NEIGHBORHOODs STRONG!
— Rick Burdette, West Bluff Council, Randolph Roanoke Residential Association