AN INCLUSIVE TABLE | In greater Glenwood, people are the heart of my community
My late grandparents claimed the greater Glenwood neighborhood as their home in 1975.
Like myself and my family, the most beautiful thing about the greater Glenwood neighborhood is that it belongs to those of us who call it home. And I don’t just mean that figuratively: A recent survey conducted by the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation found that 79% of those who live in my neighborhood are homeowners.
Strengthening that feeling of ownership is the fact that many of the people who live in these neighborhoods off Glenwood Avenue have been here all of their lives.
For this reason, the neighborhood has been able to keep a sense of community, even in the roughest of times economically. Because, like many predominantly Black neighborhoods across the country, we’ve seen some rough times. Economic hardships have left a blight of abandoned buildings, leading to a rise in crime and a decline in hyper-local resources.
But when I say the Glenwood corridor belongs to its residents, I’m speaking beyond the names on property deeds, to the sense of accountability and responsibility myself and my neighbors feel towards each other and our community at-large.
YNDC’s recent survey was a pulse-check of sorts — an opportunity to check in with neighbors to make sure that the proposed changes coming to the area were in alignment with the wishes and needs of the people who live there.
And the results reiterated what we all intuitively already know. An overwhelming number of Glenwood residents feel that their community has improved in the last few years, but there is still much work that needs to be done.
Community aesthetics and overcoming blight
If a book is judged by its cover, then at first glance one would assume that my community lacks pride and care. This couldn’t be further from the truth.
Abandoned properties, cracked sidewalks and nuisance properties, for example, all impact the quality of our lives. But they aren’t always what they seem. Findings from the report indicated that not only are these components important to residents but that those residents are appreciative and excited about partaking in several YNDC initiatives to improve the look of the community.
Those surveyed have made it clear that they are committed to all things that will foster an even greater sense of satisfaction and community identity in their neighborhood. From repairing homes to reclaiming vacant spaces and improving access to public transportation and recreational areas, the people of this area want to enjoy a certain quality of life without having to go too far from home.
Glenwood Fresh Market alleviates food crisis
At the time of the survey, many neighbors noted that the improved quality of life they were looking for could not happen without a neighborhood grocery store. That wish was granted earlier this month with the grand opening of the Glenwood Fresh Market.
Not only has the property brought high-quality fruits, vegetables and healthy foods, but it is providing that food at no cost to those who need it most: Low-income families and those predisposed to illnesses like obesity, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and other conditions tied to diet and nutrition.
Prior to the opening of the Glenwood Fresh Market, this area was a food desert, meaning it had few healthy food options. But beyond offering access to the food, the Glenwood Fresh Market also aims to teach its members how to take care of their bodies and families through nutrition and cooking classes.
Because what good is a more beautiful greater Glenwood neighborhood if we’re not around to enjoy it?
This story was originally published April 29, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
