The Frederick Douglass Family Park Center buzzed with lively discussion as Martindale-Brightwood community members gathered for a town hall addressing key issues such as housing, the environment and neighborhood concerns on July 27.
The event provided a platform for residents to voice their opinions and collaborate on solutions, highlighting the community’s commitment to shaping a better future for their area.
The town hall was centered around a 48-page Quality of Life Implementation Plan created by the community. The plan focuses on 10 areas:
- Arts and culture
- Housing and infrastructure
- Neighborhood engagement
- Economic development
- Workforce development
- Public safety
- Youth engagement
- Health and wellness
- Environmental
- Education
Delma Williams, who spoke on behalf of the neighborhood engagement pillar, brought attention to the need to speak up when problems arise.
“We have talked about our four neighborhood associations. They are awesome,” Williams said. “The neighborhood association is how we find out what’s going on.”
Each pillar had a table at the event to share more information with residents. These organizations gave presentations, and afterward, residents had time to browse the stations.
Eunice Trotter, director of the Indiana Landmarks Black Heritage Preservation Program, spoke on the importance of preserving Black churches.
“Our mission is to preserve Black history sites,” Trotter said. “The churches are evidence of our existence.”
The closing remarks were from Alex Haverfield from Citizens Energy Group, who spoke about the lead pipe replacement programs for the Martindale-Brightwood area.
“We’re really excited about this program,” Haverfield said. “We have fast-tracked all of the projects in Martindale-Brightwood, so resident should be receiving notices soon.”
All announcements of the town hall were met with enthusiastic applause as citizens were encouraged by the content of the Quality of Life Implementation Plan.
To learn more, visit facebook.com/onevoicemb.
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
