



by BRIAN NADIG

Residents will discuss how public art, safer streets and a thriving commercial district can make North Mayfair a more dynamic place to live at a community needs assessment workshop that will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 18, at the Salvation Army Mayfair Community Church, 5020 N. Pulaski Road.

"It will be a significant discussion for anyone looking to how they can become engaged (in the community)," North Mayfair Improvement Association executive board member Michael Stirk said. The association, which was founded in 1929, is sponsoring the workshop.

Stirk said that workshop participants will be asked to sit in on three 20-minute brainstorming sessions, each covering a different topic. He said that the "touch topics" will include schools, parks, infrastructure, public safety and green living.

After an overview of the ideas generated at the workshop, participants will identify issues which they feel should be a priority for the association. Concerns about speeding traffic on Foster Avenue, local crime and the need for improvements at Gompers Park have been the most frequently discussed topics at the association’s meetings in recent years.

The association plans to present a preliminary assessment plan at its Feb. 5 meeting and to hold a vote on a final proposal at a meeting on March 5. The association holds its monthly meetings at 7 p.m. Wednesdays at the Gompers Park fieldhouse, 4222 W. Foster Ave.

Association members hope that the final plan will feature between five and 10 project-oriented goals for 2014, identify leaders for each project committee, and list resources, including government support and strategic partnerships, which can help the group meet its goals.

Stirk said that concerns not listed in the final plan could be addressed in 2015.



