June 24, 2008

 As I take the time to reflect over the past three months, I realize I am privileged to serve as Evanston’s Community Council President at this exciting time. As I travel around in the community, I am elated about the promise of our community’s future. I am observing some of the positive changes that are taking place, such as; decreased litter, improved landscaping, rehabbed homes and new organizations and businesses, namely; The Flavor of Art Studio, Metro Scooter, the Neyer Office Complex, and Marathon Gas Service Station.

 There is so much to look forward to and future of Evanston is promising. As we travel through our community one can take notice of The Flavor of Arts Studio at work, engaging our youth in positive activities, the education committee working with the Cincinnati Public School system in the planning and development of a state-of-the art educational center that will serve Evanston youth and our families for generations to come. The Community Council, Cincinnati Police Department and the Business Association are working diligently to reduce crime and disorder in the community’s business districts and consistently addressing the needs of our community. The new Metro Scooter, Neyer Construction and the Marathon Gas Service Station are serving our residents and Xavier University is hard at work planning and developing the minds of our citizens. Committees are planning the revitalization of our parks and the city is monitoring the progress of our well defined community plans. It is visibly clear that Evanston is a great place to live, to attend school on any educational level, work, worship, play and enjoy a pleasant and conducive atmosphere.

 Although there is a lot of positive energy, we still continue to grapple with issues that affect all communities including crime, loitering and blight. This can be solved by joining together to create solutions to these problems. As we continue the implementation of our Urban Renewal Plan and elimination of the blighted areas, we recognize it requires hard work, dedication, funding resources, and committed positive residents and business owners who are willing to delve into the planning and commit to working on various committees as we begin to renew the Evanston community.

 The Executive Board and I are requesting that you, as residents and business owners get involved in working on various committees as we begin to launch forward in implementing our planThe Executive Board and I are requesting that you, as residents and business owners get involved in working on various committees as we begin to launch forward in implementing our plans. Our community goals are as follows:

• To enhance and rebuild our educational institutions, rehab our houses, eliminate blighted areas, restore our parks and enhance our businesses.ess owners by website and newsletter
• Ensure the safety of our residents and business owners by implementing “Block Watch Clubs”, “Citizens on Patrol” and a “Neighborhood Enhancement Program”.
• To work diligently to reduce loitering, littering and criminal activities
• To promote recreational and educational activities for our youth, adults and senior citizens
• To recruit volunteers through “EvanstoNow!”

 We need the residents and business owners to put forth a unified effort and seriously get involved so that we can reach our goals as a community. We encourage you to become a member of the council and attend the council meetings, which are held on the third Thursday of each month, from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm. We pride ourselves in starting and ending the meeting on time.

 Finally, I would like to express my thanks to our hard working and dedicated executive board as well as former board officers. I would also like to thank President Michael J. Graham, staff and students of Xavier University and the Community Building Institute who are working intensively with our community.  A huge thank you to City of Cincinnati Planning Team, Keep Cincinnati Beautiful, Cincinnati Police and Fire Departments, the staff and director of the Evanston Recreation Center, our donors, schools, businesses, and the residents of Evanston who serve on various committees.

 Once again, Thank You!, Thank You!, Thank You! for all you have done, for all you do and for all that you plan to do in the very near future to make Evanston a great place to live, work and play.

 Respectfully,

Anzora Adkins

Evanston Community Council President

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