North Lawndale Community Coordinating Council
Revitalizing North Lawndale through bold, community-driven initiatives.
Photo of Superintendent Eddie Johnson from the Washington Post.
We thank Andrew Born and Leroy Duncan for forwarding a link to the new CPD Use of Force Policy. http://policy.chicagopolice.org/policyorder-review-regarding-use-of-force-draft/
Exactly a year ago today, (June 24, 2015) NLCCC submitted an application to CMAP for technical assistance to complete a comprehensive plan for the North Lawndale community. On June 15, 2016, we submitted our letter to LISC, expressing interest in becoming the lead agency to facilitate continued Quality of Life Planning (QLP) in North Lawndale. If we are successful, the QLP process will be done in tandem with our comprehensive planning process. This will allow us to focus on developing the physical environment while strengthening our ability to improve the capacity of local residents, organizations and businesses to take advantage of the changes the plan will bring. The QLP process will highlight those areas that are not currently emphasized in the CMAP comprehensive community planning process, including education, public safety, arts and culture, technology and health care.
We are very fortunate to have received 36 letters of support from various stakeholders to back up our letter, including: Alderman Michael Scott Jr., New Covenant CDC, Lawndale Christian Development Corporation, Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, Valerie F. Leonard, Chicago Youth Centers, Congressman Danny K Davis, Commissioner Robert Steele, Commissioner Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, Frank Bass, BBF, Celestial Ministries, CCA Academy, Jane Addams Hull House Museum, Deer Rehabilitation Services, Inc., DRW College Prep, Free Spirit Media, Foundation for Homan Square, HSI, JPA, Kathy Powers, Old St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, K-Town Historic District Association, Chicago LAMP, New Age Services Corporation, The Night Ministry, NLEN, State Senator Patricia Van Pelt, Sankofa Safe Child Initiative,Sinai Health System, St. Agatha Family Empowerment, The Learning Center, Theresia Thurman, UCAN, WestCare, St. Anthony Hospital.
We thank you for your support to date, and the support you will provide. Because of your efforts, and those of people who have laid the foundation for this work, North Lawndale has hit the “reset button”, and is turning the corner. The work is not easy, but every effort is valued and moves us closer to realizing our vision of North Lawndale as a healthy, vibrant community with a diversified and innovative economy, competitive work force, engaged citizens and infrastructure that supports long term, sustainable growth. A copy of our packet has been embedded below.
There are 77 community areas in Chicago. According to the Chicago Tribune Crime in Chicagoland page, as of June 13, 2016, North Lawndale ranked #7 in violent crime, #29 in property crime and #4 in quality of life crime, according to the Chicago Tribune Crime in Chicago page.
What strategies do you know of that have been proven to reduce crime and violence? Can any of those strategies be replicated in North Lawndale? We posted these questions on Facebook, and got the following responses so far.
“I don’t know if it’s been proven but giving people in the community jobs, that benefit the community. For instance, jobs that clean up the vacant lots, by build playgrounds and gardens; or opening more centers for the kids to play and provide young adults/teenagers with jobs. Having accessible mental health facilities, to break the stigma and help people cope with the community violence.”
“For as much as I’m not a fan of Pastor Corey Brooks, I admire how he has brought the rival gangs together and called a truce. We need our churches to become more involved, get out in the community and befriend the gangbanger. In the neighborhoods, there is a church on almost every corner. I think it’s time the pastors to start getting together stratigizing. It’s time for the churches to give back to the communities by showing they care. It might take bringing in others like the Alderman and talking to the police chief but it has to start somewhere.”
Some people shared links to useful articles.
http://nij.gov/journals/273/Pages/violence-prevention.aspx
What say you? Feel free to post in the comment section. We would love to hear from you.
North Lawndale Community Coordinating Council 