Ronald Coleman is 67 years old and has lived in East Parkside for the majority of his life. Throughout the years he's seen the neighborhood change from a booming lively area to its current state, only a mere shadow of it's former self. The residents of East Parkside had a lot to say about their neighborhood and the feeling of abandon they have from the city government. "Things are happening," says Coleman. "But as for the revitalization of the neighborhood, that is one of our main goals." The East Parkside Residents Association, which Coleman is treasurer, has been working in the Parkside area to clean up the neighborhood and make sure that they are being noticed by the city officials. Coleman continued to speak about the need for a community center in the area. Currently the senior center, located in the heart of East Parkside is the only new establishment to have been built for the community. "What we really need is a place where the kids can go after school and where we can have events and community activities."
East Parkside is unfortunately one of the areas in the city that has been lacking city funding. The two main bridges leading into the neighborhoods, the 41st and 42nd streets have both been out of commission for over 16 years. It's things like these that residents wish could be fixed and that would change the community for the better. If the two bridges were to be fixed, it would change the entire dynamic of the neighborhood by creating a easy route to center city and encouraging building, and new businesses to enter the neighborhood. But until the city can find it in the budget to change the sad state of affairs in East Parkside, the residents can only continue to fight for the sake of their neighborhood and hope that the rest of city will listen.
Maureen Costello, Mary Coyle, Group 6, Mantua/Parkside
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