Creating and Sustaining Healthy Neighborhoods

By Randy Reed

The future of Fresno must be based on the foundation of strong neighborhoods. Fresno must focus energy and resources in our existing neighborhoods to keep them strong and desireable.

Sidewalks, curbs and gutters need to be repaired on a programmed basis, with the areas most in need receiving first priority. Damaged/aged roadsigns must be replaced, repaired or cleaned on an ongoing basis and graffiti must be covered immediately. Incentives for home ownership, home improvements and home maintenance need to be maintained and enhanced to encourage investment in existing housing and protect property values. Code enforcement is vital to this effort. However, effective and considerate communication of neighborhood standards should be a basic component of our implementation strategy.

City services (street sweeping, garbage collection, weed abatement, road repairs, billing & collection, etc.) should be reliable and of the highest quality. Residents should feel that public employees (and city contractors) take pride in their work and are committed to providing excellent customer service. A yearly survey should be taken to determine customer satisfaction levels with city services and goals set for improvements where necessary.

In addition, policymakers must be active partners with our school system, especially in areas where schools are particularly challenged (i.e. McLane High) to develop solutions and provide support. Good schools contribute significantly to strong neighborhoods, and vice-versa. A neighborhood school is a neighborhood asset and should be treated as such.