Adkins said these meetings were designed to get information out to the various community stakeholders on housing issues.
However, some residents are seeking to be involved in the decision-making process.
Karen Bell, an 18th Avenue resident, said in the weeks since Adkins gave his housing presentation last month at the Middletown Community Center, a group of people have come together to discuss the information presented. She said the residents had concerns about demolition and development proposals and wanted the community to be included in the development of plans and their desire to be part of the decision-making process.
Bell said the group, Community Aligned for Real Equity or CARE, has been formed and asked to be on the Oct. 3 agenda so they could have ample time to prepare some questions on the housing study that was done and any plans the city intends moving forward. She said the group would prepared and forward the questions to council so there would be time to actually discuss them.
Adkins said that no action had been taken and council has not been given anything as no plans have been developed or proposed.
Bell said she understood that, but CARE still wanted to be on the agenda. She said even if their questions can’t be answered at that time, perhaps council could consider them at a later date so they would be thought of when those decisions are being made.
“Our goal is to help you in the process,” she said. “We needed to express that we’re interested.”
Mayor Larry Mulligan said that city is early in the process and are just beginning community discussions. He invited here to contact council via email if there were questions.
Wanda Glover, a CARE and Second Ward Community Council member, raised concerns about senior citizens in the community being excluded or being displaced if their homes don’t meet code. She reiterated the group wanted to be included and wanted to give council some things to think about. Glover also expressed concerns about making sure residents are aware about any demolitions on their street.
Adkins said he was asking a lot of questions now and that the city does not have any answers right now.
“We have not started that process,” he said. “We’re at step zero starting step one in the process.”
“That’s why I came to you all and said, ‘I wanted your input and I want you to do this with me’,” Adkins said. “… So I know you have trust issues, I get that but we have to do this together folks. But we’re at step one of the process …Let’s do this together and figure out whats right for the city and for the neighborhood.”
Adkins said it may not be until 2019 or 2020 until a housing plan is actually developed.
He added that this is similar to when the chronic nuisance ordinance was being developed and the city’s landlords were upset at first. However, Adkins said they worked together to develop that ordinance that would be helpful to the city and the landlords.
After the meeting, Bishop Mark Monroe told this news outlet that he does not believe Adkins and has been organizing community meetings to share information as well as encouraging residents to attend City Council and other community meetings.
“We don’t want to be left out of the process,” Monroe said. “He said there’s nothing on the table yet. I don’t believe him. …We want the community to be involved.”
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