TAKOMA 2010

Takoma 2010 Final Report

To The Citizens of Takoma Park;

There are many things that we can be proud of as citizens of Takoma Park. We work well together; we have respect for our diverse cultures; we care about the environment; we are progressive; and we have a strong community.

The purpose of Takoma 2010 was to expand upon those strengths, to identify and discuss weaknesses, opportunities and threats that you feel our community must address. We have developed a set of recommendations for City Council based on the Takoma 2010 Focus Groups.

Our hope is that the Council will address the recommendations and set up a process for evaluating and revisiting this report on a regular basis. However, it is important to note that government alone cannot address all the issues we have listed - it will take the cooperation of citizens, businesses, and community agencies. We believe that this report is the critical first step. Council in conjunction with the Committee should review the progress toward meeting the goals every six months.

For a copy of this report or more in-depth information about this process, visit the City's web site at www.cityoftakomapark.org or contact the City's Community Development Team at 301-270-1700.

Sincerely,

The Community Advisory Committee

Members

Dan Robinson, Co-Chair
Howard Kohn........	Sandra Filippi........	Gregory Cichy........
Rodges Ankrah, Co-Chair	Simeon Euell........	Alison Martin........
Menchu Martinez........	Rudy Arredondo........	Frank Farley........
Lee Feldstein........	Mary Stover........	Kimichelle Boseman

Acknowledgments

The City Council in May 1996 charged the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) to "obtain maximum citizen input in order to develop consensus on short- and longer-term community goals...that can assist in the allocation of scarce resources. Council has determined the establishment of a Community Advisory Committee composed of members who bring a wide range of community perspectives provides the most effective body for providing recommendations to Council."

The Community Development staff provided CAC members with dozens of Strategic Plans and Community Visioning projects from cities and counties across the country. After studying the various strategic plans and projects (including Gaithersburg and Rockville) and meeting with the Mayor and Council; the Committee decided that a series of town meeting/focus groups would be the best way for the Committee to gather the information Council requested.

The Council concurred and allocated $1,500 for expenses from the Council administrative budget. The CAC decided to name this process Takoma 2010.

The CAC completed their series of Takoma 2010 Town Meeting/Focus Groups on June 18th, 1998. Each Councilmember sponsored a Town Meeting - participation was not limited to specific ward residents - and over 200 residents, business, and property owners attended the sessions.

For the first hour of each event, the councilmember hosted a Town Meeting in the Council Chambers at City Hall. The format of each Town Meeting varied according to the number of participants that were in attendance.

The councilmember generally would begin the Town Meeting by describing the status of legislation or events that were relative to the ward and/or the City in general. Residents talked about local issues specific to their ward such as streetlights and also discussed much broader issues such as diversity. Ideas were shared on how to strengthen the sense of community that makes Takoma Park a unique place to live.

After the meeting, participants gathered upstairs for refreshments. CAC members then facilitated a Takoma 2010 Focus Group. Participants were asked to discuss the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to Takoma Park.

The discussions were lively, often there were opposing views, but every comment was written on flip charts by CAC members. Pages from the flip charts with participants comments written on them were then taped to the walls, and each participant was given four "stars" to place on the issues that they felt were most important to them.

The rules were simple. Each participant received four "stars" and could vote any way they chose. They might decide that one of the weaknesses that were discussed should be addressed and place a star on that issue, or they might feel that one of the strengths of Takoma Park was so important to maintain that it deserved all four of their stars.

CAC members worked hard on outreach to the community. Most apartment complexes received flyers, many neighborhoods were canvassed, all community associations were contacted prior to each meeting, flyers were printed and distributed in Spanish and Vietnamese, business owners and property owners were contacted and invited to attend the meetings.

An outreach breakfast was held with area universities, churches, news media, and social service providers. The outreach breakfast has resulted in internship opportunities and service projects in the City.

The Takoma Voice, the Takoma Park Gazette, the Newsletter, and the Hispanic media covered the progress of the process and publicized the meeting dates. The Takoma Park cable TV station listed the meeting times and replayed the Town Meetings several times.

These meetings required tremendous commitment from the CAC members and the community participants. Some of the focus groups went on for over two hours on a weeknight. The people who attended were serious about discussing issues and should be commended for caring about their community.

City Government

High taxes were the main issue. Stagnant property values and a low tax base were also cited. Having a separate municipal structure apart from the county was considered an asset although questions about the library and duplication of county services were also discussed. A lack of outreach activities, and relations with neighboring jurisdictions were also issues.

Safety

Crime in the Takoma/ Langley area was the main concern of Ward 6 participants. Ward 2 participants agreed. Lee Avenue was the primary concern of Ward 4 residents. Participants from every ward mentioned the Police Department as a strength of the community.

Economic/Community Development

Piney Branch/Flower, the New Hampshire corridor, the International Corridor, and gateways to the City emerged as priorities during this discussion. Participants in every ward were concerned about the economic development strategy of the City. There was consensus for continued improvements to the Old Town, and Takoma Junction Corridor.

Traffic/Transportation

The level of traffic in the City was distressing to all ward participants. Speed bumps were an issue, evenly split, for and against. The access to public transportation was considered an asset.

Housing

Code enforcement was viewed as a weakness in Wards 5, 6, & 2. The disinvestment in multi-family housing, and rent control dominated the discussions in this category.

Recreation

Lack of recreational space and youth activities were the main issues in this category.

Parks

The green spaces in the City are considered to be an asset to the community.

Environment

The amount of green space is viewed as an asset to the community, and a program to save and/or reforest areas was discussed.

Diversity

Diversity was viewed as an asset to the community but many feel there are pockets of segregation, and a lack of communication between groups.

Community Identity

This category generated the most discussion. Residents like the community events, the Farmers Market, and the Library and its programs. Residents enjoy the sense of community Takoma Park provides, there is some fear that this will be threatened in the future. Participants mentioned the level of volunteerism, the neighborliness, and the unique business community, the newspapers, schools and the people as strengths.

Analyzing the data resulting from the Citizens' Focus Groups was difficult. The Committee has worked to gather the statements into allied groups and to balance any conflicts.

In reviewing the make-up of the focus groups the Committee found that there was very good representation of women and men. Most of the representatives were Caucasian or African-American. Despite outreach efforts minority representation was below expectations. Outreach efforts varied from ward to ward but usually included bilingual (English/Spanish/Vietnamese) flyers delivered door-to-door, letters mailed, posting of notices in apartment foyers, notices in the Takoma Voice, the Takoma Park Gazette and telephone calls. However, the Committee is of the opinion that the results are representative of the community's feelings.

This section of the report covers all the wards of the City and discusses the items designated as significant by the focus group participants. The level of significance was determined by the number of stars participants placed next to the issue. Where there was no such indication but where numerous people from the several wards had made similar statements they will be noted. A list of all the issues with associated stars can be found in the appendix. A list of all the issues can be found on the City's homepage at www.cityoftakomapark.org/.

SAFETY

The overriding concern of the community was safety and the fear of crime particularly in Langley Park, the New Hampshire Avenue corridor, Lee Avenue and Maple Avenue and along Eastern Avenue (twenty-four "stars"). In the discussion of this problem some people indicated that they were afraid to venture out after dark and a few were not too sure of their safety during the daylight. Four people felt that the appearance of the Lee Avenue apartments attracted people attracted to crime and that crime bleeds over from other areas of the City and from outside of the City to Lee Avenue. Several people felt that the City, with Langley Park on the north and the District of Columbia to the south, was surrounded by crime that spilled across the borders. Some citizens felt that there could be more liaison with authorities in the adjoining areas.

Some of the participants (three stars) felt that the City police are misinformed and do not understand the issues of the Lee/Maple neighborhood. The lack of trust of the police by the local residents were judged as significant (two stars) and some citizens (three stars) felt that cooperation with the police department might result in retaliation.

In general the participants felt that the Police Department and the Fire Department are strengths which must be maintained.

TRAFFIC

Participants assigned thirteen "stars" to traffic problems and many other people noted it as a problem but did not put it in the more important category. The problems noted were: excessive traffic; high speed of the traffic, particularly on New Hampshire Avenue and University Boulevard; cut-throughs especially by commercial vehicles; a continuing growth of traffic as the city and surrounding area grows. Some people noted a shortage of parking places in parts of the City.

In the discussions concerning speed bumps there appeared to be about as many for as against speed bumps. One group felt that they served to cut down the speed of traffic and tended to reduce cut-through traffic. On the other hand, some felt that they deterred emergency vehicles and damaged their cars.

ECONOMIC/COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

As in many of the topics discussed in the focus groups there were diverse opinions as to Takoma Park's situation. Eleven people indicated that they felt strongly that there has been a deterioration/decline in Langley Park and along New Hampshire Avenue corridor, especially at the Ethan Allen intersection. There were negative comments about lack of sidewalks, locally oriented and owned businesses, restaurants and coffee shops for social interaction, commercial diversity, good locations for businesses and a lack of the right mix of shops such as grocery stores, hardware stores and gymnasiums.

There was also a strong realization that the City needs a solid economic development plan and has several opportunities to make positive steps to implement an economic development strategy. The improvement of gateways into the City generated wide support. Specifically, (six stars) developing the Flower Avenue/Piney Branch Road gateway and the Flower Theater (not in the City). There were five "stars" assigned to develop Takoma Junction including desires to see long term comprehensive planning with an eye to setting up something there to attract and assist teenagers. Two stars were assigned to clean up and develop the New Hampshire Avenue/Ethan Allan intersection. There were two "stars" assigned to develop the Metro Gateway and to strengthen the area from Metro to downtown .

There were four "stars" assigned to enhance the International Corridor which extends from Piney Branch Road to University Boulevard and 23rd. Street.

CITY GOVERNMENT

Taxes (eleven stars) are the citizens' biggest issue with City government. They believe that taxes are too high, and the tax base is too small to support our civic needs and desires. Two "stars" supported the statement that the City government is generally beneficial despite the high taxes.

The citizens value having a local government that provides many of the City's essential services and gives people a sense of independence from the distant county and state governments. Nine people supported this value. There were some negative feelings: several participants commented about the ineffectiveness of outreach efforts; one recognized that we are not totally independent since the county controls the schools and zoning/land use; one thought that the City might lose the library; one felt that the City Council is overworked; one believed that there is too much duplication between the City's and the County's efforts.

The people saw opportunities too. Two people felt that the mayor and City Council could have more influence with the County in the areas of school decisions, land use and general county government functions now that the City is unified in Montgomery County. Two people believed that the City should restructure its bureaucracy and two more felt that we have an opportunity, being a relatively small government system, to bring diversity into government. Cooperation with the adjacent areas of Silver Spring received one "star." An opportunity to improve the future planning of the city the through the master plan review process also received one "star."

Although not assigning "stars" to these following items, the citizens in the focus groups had a generally positive attitude toward the City citing: the police and fire departments; snow removal; recycling; openness of the mayor and council; and garbage pick up.

HOUSING

Rent control was identified as a big issue. Six people "starred" the idea that the City should remove the obstacles to private investment in multi-family housing and three more noted that multi-family housing wasn't attracting investment. Four "starred" items spoke directly to rent control, citing it as a weakness and one person felt that rent control limits economic growth and "ghetto-izes" certain areas. There were no "starred" items speaking to the positive values of rent control but people did feel that there has been a decrease in the amount of affordable multi-family housing; others noted a high turnover of citizens and an increase in transients or apparent homeless people.

Code enforcement, or lack of it, was the problem "starred" by twelve people. The main problem cited was evidence of multiple families living in a single dwelling. One person indicated that proper enforcement of the City codes would be an opportunity to improve the condition of the City. There were four votes for the statement that a repair and upgrade of the apartment on the intersection of Lee and Hancock Avenues would be an opportunity to make a significant contribution to the neighborhood.

There was one "star" each assigned to the following items: a real estate property price increase; an increase in property values; an increased shift from owner/occupied houses to rental units. One person feared that the increase in prices would result in the gentrification of the City.

RECREATION/PARKS

A lack of recreation programs (nine votes) for teens and for the lack of areas in which teens could socialize except for the library where the usual noises of socialization would be a distraction to those studying and working. It was noted that if a center were to be set up some staffing would be required.

Under weaknesses, the citizens indicated (four votes) that the Recreation Department should develop programs for teens, actively reach out to them and use the Takoma Community Center on New Hampshire Avenue for teen activities. One person voted for the City to channel the entrepreneurial energy of kids into productive and healthy activities.

The parks were found to be a strength for the City although only one vote was cast for that item. Several items were noted with the general theme that the parks, hiker/biker trail, green spaces etc. were sources of strength.

ENVIRONMENT

The parks and city greenery in general were felt by four people to be significant strengths. Two votes were cast for making the city and its people environmental leaders. One vote was cast for membership in Cities for Global Protection/looking toward the future. Two votes were cast to start community reforestation, noting that many of our trees are very old and are starting to die.

COMMUNITY IDENTITY

Takoma Park's community activities were viewed as great sources of strength for the city. The folk festival, street festivals, walking tours, the library, 4th of July parade, TPSS Food Coop, Farmers' Market and Old Town received five stars and were mentioned several times. They tie in with another set of social feelings, a sense of belonging, of knowing ones neighbors and even some pride in Takoma Park's quirkiness and uniqueness. These feelings were starred nine times.

The citizens willingness to volunteer for programs that benefit the community as a whole received four stars and two stars indicated that getting teenaged volunteers to assist in community activities would be a significant opportunity. One star indicated that our image of active participation is a false one.

One person felt that our City had knowledge and power as a community. One person felt that Ward 4 has strength of community, being mostly renters, as opposed to sections of the City composed primarily of homeowners.

There were several negative "stars". The location of Takoma Park was perceived as a threat because of its proximity to Langley Park and Washington, D.C. and this issue received four "stars."

DIVERSITY

Second to rent control, the issue of diversity brought out the greatest differences of opinion. A willingness to accept others received four votes. Six stars indicated that diversity is a strength. One person noted that the City is friendly to gays and lesbians and these people feel comfortable here. Two stars indicated that diversity is a threat to the City and one felt that it is a double edged sword creating a problem specifically in the area of language.

On the negative side one person "starred" the statement that the different ethnic and cultural groups are not well integrated and tend to keep to themselves. A few participants mentioned that the City was not integrated but segregated. Another three noted that there is not much interaction or communication between the groups. Animosity by homeowners toward tenants received two stars.

Again, on the positive side one person voted that we have a great opportunity to make Takoma Park a model of how to deal with diversity. Four people voted to say that yuppie-fication was pushing the city away from diversity and affordable housing.

The following are additional comments that received stars:

a) two people indicated that Takoma Park having control of telecommunications (television) reduced the gap between rich and poor and allowed all people to be equally well informed.

b) two people felt that we have an opportunity to set up a Native American month.

c) three people felt that the city has an excellent opportunity to support families and that there is an aging population with an attendant baby boom with a growing need for assistance.

d) one person felt that we should take the opportunity to sanction/condemn Pakistan and India for proceeding with their nuclear weapons programs.

e) one person noted that over development of the outer suburbs was drawing interest and resources from the inside of the beltway areas.

Each of the wards had their own focus group, usually eight to twelve people. There were often differences of opinion between homeowners and tenants. This effect will be discussed in some of the following paragraphs. Note also that while most of the council persons attended the focus groups after the Town Meetings, all did not actively participate in the discussions.

WARD 1

This focus group was held on May 28 1998. The ward is situated in the southwestern section of the City and includes the city hall, library, the Takoma Old Town Section, a major portion of the East-West Highway route through the City and the Takoma Park section of Montgomery College.

Ward 1 registered more "stars" for strengths than did the other wards. Four "stars" were assigned to community events and street life, citing the Folk festival, Street Festival, Farmers' Market, library and Old Town as the strengths. One vote was cast for the strength held by the knowledge and power of the people as a community and one was cast for the strength brought by having a local government. Two "stars" were assigned to the strength resulting from the City control of the access to the television station since it tended to reduce the gap between rich and poor keeping information available to the public. Two "stars" were assigned to the economic development surrounding Takoma Park as in Silver Spring. Two people perceived the City's green space as a strength and one felt the City's transit plan is a strength.

This ward also saw several weaknesses. Participants voted three "stars" to the lack of investment in multi-family housing. One person indicated that the real estate price increase was a problem. Three votes were cast for the item "public works could use more crispness. More diversification of shops and restaurants received two "stars.". Lack of recreational programs for teens drew three "stars" and lack of recreational space drew another. One "star" each was assigned to the following items listed under weaknesses:

a) taxes are too high

b) the city council is overworked

c) the city has no control over school decisions and zoning/land use

d) coordination and cooperation between our police department and those of the surrounding communities are lacking or very weak

e) speed bumps

f) lack of recreation space

Two "stars" were assigned to the item under opportunities calling for the establishment of a Native American Month and one "star" was assigned to a call to condemn and sanction India and Pakistan for their developing and testing nuclear weapons.

The Ward 2 focus group meeting was held on March 26 1998. This ward is in the east central part of the City and includes the Ethan Allen-New Hampshire Avenue intersection with its shopping strips and a large part of the East-West Highway route through town.

The focus group from this ward awarded one "star" each under strengths to the sense of community in the City and to the City being an example of democracy in action including a great deal of volunteerism.

Under the threats grouping this focus group listed with one "star" each:

a) the possibility of losing the library

b) increased property values resulting in increased housing costs and possible gentrification

c) overdevelopment of the outer suburbs draining resources needed inside the beltway

d) architectural gateways that are very noticeable are needed on Route 410/New Hampshire Avenue to help deter speeding and other traffic problems and to define the city boundaries

e) recreation (apparently a lack of sufficient recreation programs)

f) a need for citizens on patrol as a means of preventing crime.

Three "stars" were assigned to the high crime rate in the Takoma/ Langley area.

In the weakness area there were many "stars" assigned. Five "stars" were assigned to the deterioration/decline of commercial properties, e.g. the Ethan Allen/New Hampshire shopping area, with the attendant lack of cleanliness. One "star" each was attached to the following:

a) the gateway to Takoma Park is "yucky"

b) there is lack of locally owned and oriented businesses

c) there is a lack of sidewalks

d) multiple jurisdictions at our borders cause problems controlling direction of commercial development

e) lack of commercial diversity citywide

This ward outshone the other wards in its optimism. It had more opportunity items than the other wards. Five "stars" were assigned to the opportunity for developing the Flower Avenue/Piney Branch Road gateway even though most of the gateway area is not actually in the City. Three "stars" were issued for an item calling for the City to produce and implement an economic development program in the City. Two "stars" were cast for the development of the Ethan Allen Avenue/ New Hampshire Avenue gateway. Two votes were cast to erect identifying signs at the City limits showing our borders.

Recreation opportunities included, two "stars" for utilizing the Takoma Community Center on New Hampshire Avenue for teen activities and two more "stars" were assigned to establish a teen program with outreach efforts by the Recreation Department.

Two "stars" were assigned to the opportunity now with unification in one county for the mayor and city council to influence school decisions, land use and county government decisions. Two "stars" were also voted for the City to become an environmental leader. One "star" each was awarded to the following items:

a) we should work cooperatively with Silver Spring inside the beltway

b) we should attract businesses of the type we want

c) we should develop the Metro gateway

d) we should strengthen the area from Metro to downtown Takoma Park

e) we should enforce the City building codes

This ward forms the southeastern section of the City. It is bounded on the southwest by Eastern Avenue and by New Hampshire Avenue on the east. It extends through Takoma Junction and includes the Takoma Coop. The focus group meeting was held on February 19 1998.

Ward 3 issued four "stars" for our strength in being independent of the County and three "stars" for our volunteers. Two "stars" were assigned to the city's taking advantage of growing diversity to deal with race relations at the local level. One strength "star" was given for the diversity of the population both culturally and ethnically.

Smaller scale development in the City was "starred" twice as a strength as was the amount of greenery in the City. Our parks and the Police and Fire Departments received one "star" as strengths.

Three weakness areas were noted: six "stars" were assigned to traffic- too much, too fast; two "stars" were assigned to the problem of increased pressures on parking as certain development occurs; and crime, especially along the Eastern Avenue corridor, which made people uncomfortable.

Three "stars" were assigned to the threats brought by growth in the County and metro area increasing the traffic and bad development making it difficult to keep Takoma Park a pedestrian friendly town. Allowing major traffic arteries to act as boundaries was also seen as a threat and received one "star".

Under opportunities, seven items received at least one "star". The highest number of "stars" in this area was the six assigned to the item stating that the City should remove obstacles to private investment in multi-family housing and encourage affordable housing. Three "stars" were given to the beginning of the revitalization of Takoma Junction with the proviso that decisions are unified, long term and comprehensive. The planners were advised to think "ahead of the curve". Two "stars" were assigned to the opportunity for the City to find uses at Takoma Junction that give teenagers something to do and to make the planning of the Takoma Junction area development comprehensive. In line with the Takoma Junction planning for youth, two votes were cast for making use of teenager volunteers. Two votes were cast for the opportunity for the community to set up a reforestation campaign to prepare to replace the older trees in the city which are now dying off and there was one vote for the City to become a member of Cities for Global Protection, looking forward to the future. One "star" was issued for the opportunity to take care of a baby boom as younger couples move to the City.

Ward 4, geographically the smallest of the wards, is in the central part of the City and includes the athletic fields behind Pine Branch School, the old Takoma Middle School area and several high rise apartments. This focus group met on December 13 1997.

This group feels a strong sense of community (four stars) described as: a sense of belonging here; tending to know your neighbors; family oriented; pulling together; socializing such as having barbecues; willing to accept others. Two "stars" were voted for knowing each other, knowing your neighbors. Public transportation received one "star" as did the sense of control of the government, the police and the library with a feeling of having an impact on important issues. One "star" was assigned to the quirkiness and uniqueness that help form the identity of Takoma Park.

Under weakness, the largest number of "stars" was given to rent control. Four "stars" were assigned to rent control and one "star" indicated rent control limits economic development and ghetto-izes certain areas. Lack of places for youth to play, talk or socialize, except for the library, was noted by five "stars". The need for programs with staff involved, security and space was noted. Two "stars" were assigned to the need for economic development plans.

Again, under weakness several items received one "star":

a) stores are not in the right place

b) many people talk about Lee Avenue as hopeless

c) we don't have the right mix of retail stores to serve everyone, e.g. there are no hardware stores nearby nor is there a gymnasium

d) we feel that people who have been vocal here just want to get rid of lower Lee Avenue near Maple Avenue

e) a lack of communications among cultural groups. Missing is a sense that everyone is invited to participate

f) listed as weakness is the "starred" item that Ward 4 has strength of community that homeowners" areas do not have

Much of the threats that Ward 4 feels relates to crime and housing. In the area of crime, four "stars" were assigned to the proposition that Lee Avenue, because of its appearance, attracts people who want to commit crimes. Crime bleeds over from other areas of the city to Ward 4. Three "stars" were applied to the statement that the City's community oriented police are misinformed and do not know the issues of the Lee-Maple area. Two votes were cast for the idea that people are minding their own business on Lee Avenue because they are worried about retaliation and two more "stars" were placed on the statement that the residents of Lee Avenue do not trust the police. One "star" was placed for the statement that drugs on Lee and Maple Avenues are brought in by outsiders. If police are called, residents fear retaliation by the drug dealers. Finally, there was one "star" assigned to the statement that crime bleeds over, especially from the District of Columbia and this bleed-over ends up on Lee Avenue. The people on Lee Avenue take care of each other; they are not the problem.

In the housing area there were two items "starred". Two "stars" were assigned to a reduction of affordable multi-family housing and one "star" was assigned to the high turnover of citizens.

Ward 4 listed many opportunities, some of which spoke to the threats and weaknesses noted above. Four "stars" were assigned to the proposition that the City or a private concern could fix up the building at Lee and Hancock Avenues and make something worthwhile out of it. One vote was given to the police department working with the residents of Lee/Maple Avenues on security issues and on the Takoma 2010 project. The openness of the councilmember from this ward was described as an opportunity to have your ideas heard. Two "stars" were given to the opportunity for the city to support families and parenting. One "star" each was assigned to the following propositions:

a) the City can channel the entrepreneurial energy of the city's youth

b) the City has the opportunity for setting up a recreational center for youth

c) the county master plan for this area is being revised. We have the opportunity to prepare and present our ideas for this.

Ward 5 is the northern most of the wards with Sligo Creek and Flower Avenue providing much of the bounds for the ward between the old Prince George's County and Pine Branch Road. The ward contains the Washington Adventist Hospital and Columbia Union College. The focus group met on June 18, 1998.

Five items in the strength column received at least one vote. Three votes were assigned to our having our own mayor and city council. Two votes were given to the proposition that we have a beneficial city government despite the high taxes. One "star" each was assigned to:

a) the City is friendly to gays and lesbians

b) the City is diverse in may ways

c) the City is an active community

Under weaknesses there were six items that were "starred". Two "stars" were awarded to the lack of outreach by the City to the citizens and two were awarded to high taxes. Two more "stars" were assigned to the statement that there is animosity by homeowners toward tenants. One "star" each were assigned as follows:

a) there is a duplication of services with the county

b) the City is not integrated

c) there is a lack of restaurants and coffee shops which can serve as meeting and socializing places

d) there is a lack of economic development

There were only three items in the threat column that received "stars". Four "stars" were assigned to yuppie-fication, pushing away from diversity and affordable housing and moving toward high priced stores. There were also four "stars" assigned to rent control. The other threat, also seen in several other wards, was one "star" assigned to the spillover of crime from other areas into Ward 5.

Four "stars" were applied to the opportunities that may become available with the proposed development in Silver Spring. Two votes were cast for our chance to influence the revision of the new county master plan for the area. One "star" was assigned to the revitalization of the Flower Theater. Two "stars" were applied to the statement that because the city government is small it can successfully support diversity in the city and in the city government. The City's opportunity to restructure the bureaucracy received two "stars".

The Ward 6 meeting was held on June 11, 1998. This ward is situated in the northeastern section of the City adjacent to Langley Park. It includes the Langley Park shopping area south of University Boulevard including shops and a motel along New Hampshire Avenue.

Note that this ward did not "star" any issues as strengths.

The representatives of this ward saw crime as the main problem. Ten people "starred" as a weakness the high crime rate in the Langley Park/New Hampshire Avenue corridor. One "star" was assigned to an increase in crime in the area and another person "starred" the decreased comfort level in the area. Four people indicated that the location of the City next to the District of Columbia, Langley Park and some run-down sections of Silver Spring and Hyattsville was a significant problem.

Seven "stars" were assigned to the item "lack of code enforcement", five to "multiple families in a single dwelling", one "star" each to "increased shift from owner-occupied to rental" and "increased level of transients."

In the economic and community development area there were four "stars" assigned to the deterioration of Langley Park, one to the vacant stores there and one to a perceived weakness in the lack of diverse entertainment establishments as exist in the Adams-Morgan area. On the positive side, three "stars" were assigned to improving the area by supporting the International Corridor group.

Some participants (two stars) felt that the diversity in the area is a threat because of the language problems and cultural differences. Two "stars" were assigned to an item stating that there was not good interaction between the cultures. One "star" was assigned to the idea that we have an opportunity to be a model of how to deal with diversity.

Four "stars" indicated that we were not looking far enough for other sources of revenue. Three assigned "stars" indicated as significant our stagnant tax base and one "star" was assigned for the statement that we have champagne tastes on a beer budget.

Three "stars" were assigned to a commercial traffic problem. Specifically, they mentioned cut through traffic when people try to avoid the multiple traffic lights on New Hampshire Avenue and University Boulevard.

Transfer interrupted!