Stark County is characterized by a diverse mix of development patterns including older urban cities, suburban townships and rural areas with small villages. During the past two decades, the central cities have declined in population and have increased in the percentage of elderly, minorities and low-income households. Population growth in the county has largely been in the suburban townships. The suburban townships have had an increase in housing construction since the 1970’s. The populations of the suburban townships are predominantly white with middle to upper incomes and higher educational attainment than are the populations of the cities or rural townships and villages. The rural townships and villages are predominantly located along the southern, western and eastern borders of the county. The populations in these rural townships and villages are predominantly white with moderate to lower incomes and lower educational attainment than the populations in the suburban townships.
The definition of “neighborhood” varies. Residents of Stark County’s larger cities tend to describe their neighborhood as the surrounding blocks, while the residents of the small cities and villages may refer to their city or village as their neighborhood. Those living in the suburban townships identify the township as their neighborhood. Apartment complexes or individual buildings can even be considered by their residents to be their neighborhoods. Regardless of form, successful neighborhoods are those in which the residents invest their time, effort and money. These neighborhoods have the leadership, connections and neighbor interaction that sustain the neighborhood. Successful neighborhoods also have low resident mobility and/or a high percentage of home ownership. The majority of the neighborhoods in Stark County are successful neighborhoods.
The maintenance of housing has an impact on a neighborhood as a whole. Where there is more investment, especially in areas of high rates of owner occupancy, neighborhood residents are more inclined to participate in the upkeep and maintenance of the neighborhood. Other neighborhoods with high levels of transients often fall into disrepair. High levels of foreclosure and vacancy present challenges to already struggling neighborhoods throughout Stark County. The issue of home repair is not limited to the elderly but also the disabled and the unemployed. Local programs help the elderly, disabled or unemployed repair homes but the scope and available funding is limited.
Neighborhood associations in Canton, Massillon and Alliance have been actively working to improve neighborhoods through the efforts of residents. Alliance is just beginning to develop neighborhood associations. Neighborhood associations have been successful in creating an increased sense of community. The associations provide a point of contact for residents who care. One neighbor’s efforts to care for his/her property can encourage others to maintain their properties. Neighborhood associations have provided a platform from which concerned residents can advocate for change from government. People coming together though neighborhood associations can be a step toward larger systemic change. Systemic change requires the collaboration of various entities, government, community organizations and concerned residents. All of these groups coming together builds the capacity of a neighborhood. Capacity building is a long term issue.
Some neighborhood groups are attempting to reverse neighborhood decline through neighborhood revitalization projects. Locally there have been a variety of approaches to neighborhood revitalization, such as housing, economic, infrastructure and resident leadership development with crime prevention and the (re)establishment of social connections playing critical roles. It is, however, too early to draw any hard conclusions regarding the best approaches.
Stark Community Foundation |
