From work on the Marina District to plans for a massive new metropark, Toledo's east side is on the upswing.

"I think we're more of a hidden gem that's just starting to get polished up," said resident Leslie Eff.

While good things are happening the pocket of the city also has its problems, particularly with crime. The most recent incident happened on March 11 when Alexia Carey, 16, was shot and killed in broad daylight on Nevada Street.

"To have the shooting that happened there two weeks ago is unacceptable," said Toledo councilman Peter Ujvagi. "To lose a young life is unacceptable."

In the wake of that shooting community leaders are looking at ways to prevent other tragedies. Thursday they gathered with neighbors at Waite High School to talk solutions.

"We need to step up a little more and help prevent things from happening," said resident James Meyers.

From the clerk of courts to the county prosecutor to police officers nothing was off limits for discussion. The conversations are something that neighbors say they need to have more of to curb violence and promote growth.

"There's other people who are younger than me and these things, education, all that is impacting them and that's on the decline," said Meyers. "So we have to start to bring it back up a little bit more."

As development continues leaders hope the positive traction will eventually move into the neighborhoods and limit the violence on the streets.

"Those things that are challenges—we want to change those into opportunities and into positive things," said Ujvagi.

Leaders in East Toledo plan to hold more community conversations around topics like development and crime. The next one is set to take place on April 30, 2019.