Additional answers from 7th Ward Residents.

WRITING QUESTION: What are some of the schools, parks, churches, businesses, or other places special to your neighborhood?

“My parents house, 1210 Kensington, Whittier and Flint Central, Gilkey Creek” – Dayne Walling

“Cultural Center, Library, MCC, Kearsley Park (even though not technically in our neighborhood), Pierce Elem, Woodside Church playground, Applewood” – Erik and Lata

“Closest school is Pierce, Gilkey Creek, Jehovah Witness Church, Woodside Church” – Nelle Pinkney

WRITING QUESTION: What are a few things that your neighborhood is missing that you would like to see?  List as many as you like. (Examples: Groceries / fresh food, afterschool activities, public transportation, employment, shopping, safe streets, parks, public schools, cultural events, social services, etc.)

“Dog Park, Former Mitchell’s market” – Dayne Walling

“On street parking for residents, (real) grocery store” – Erik and Lata

“Fresh food” – Nelle Pinkney

WRITING QUESTION: Do most of your close friends and family live in your neighborhood or elsewhere?  When you go to see them, how do you travel? (Examples: Bus, car, walking, etc.)

“Parents live in the neighborhood, we occasionally walk, often drive” – Dayne Walling

“Family and friends don't live in our neighborhood, we travel by car to visit” – Erik and Lata

“Car and walking” – Nelle Pinkney

WRITING QUESTION: Pretend you've got a visitor from out of town, who has never been to Flint before. Draw a map of your neighborhood from memory.  Include only what you think is most important.

“My neighborhood is a wonderful traditional American neighborhood with tree canopies, quiet streets, large parks, and friendly people. We are right in the center of the city next to Mott Community College and the Cultural Center. The houses are all shapes and sizes.” – Dayne Walling

WRITING QUESTION: What neighborhoods are just past the borders of your neighborhood?  How often do you go there?  Why do you go there? Do you have close friends or family in the surrounding neighborhoods? When you go there, how do you travel? (Examples: Bus, car, walking, etc.)

“Central Park. My oldest son has a good friend there. His family is also involved in the neighborhood association so I end up there a number of times each year. I drive.” – Dayne Walling

“Kearsley Park neighborhood – bike a few times a year, Central Park – bike or walk, bike or walk 2-3 times/week, ? Name – W of Gilkey Creek – bike or walk once a week” – Erik and Lata

“Lapeer Park – Christ the King Church, car or walk” – Nelle Pinkney

WRITING QUESTION: Was your neighborhood affected by the flood last year (May 2012)?  What happened?

“NO” – Dayne Walling

“Some houses had flooded basements. Some were sanitary sewer.” – Erik and Lata

“NO” – Nelle Pinkney

WRITING QUESTION: Are you happy with city services in your neighborhood? What is good? What could be improved?

“Of course I understand that City services are the best that can be provided given the circumstances. I do think it is important to recognize the role of Mott Community College and also volunteers in increasing the safety and security of the neighborhood.” – Dayne Walling

“Trash pickup is good. Recycling is good. Improve snow plowing. Cut down dead trees. Improve general maintainance (pot holes and storm sewers)” – Erik and Lata

“Bus Service – Happy with, Garbage and Leaf Pickup – Happy with, Potholes at end of driveway – not happy with” – Nelle Pinkney

WRITING QUESTION: Is your neighborhood important to the rest of the 7th Ward?  Is your neighborhood important to Flint as a whole? Is your neighborhood important to Michigan, the United States, and the larger world?  Why?

“Our neighborhood is a classic example of a 1940s American neighborhood. It is one of the most beautiful places in the country.” – Dayne Walling

“Our neighborhood is important because it is one of only 2 or 3 neighborhoods in Flint that working people find desirable to live in. It houses the College and the Cultural Center.” – Erik and Lata

“Yes, because we keep the economy going by paying taxes as homeowners and utilizing the businesses near us” – Nelle Pinkney

WRITING QUESTION: What are you proud of in your neighborhood? What would you like people from other neighborhoods to come and see or do?

“Mott Community College has a number of great amenities. I would like to see the community utilize the field house, art gallery, café, and regional technology center even more than they do now.” – Dayne Walling

“Applewood, College, Cultural Center, Nice – well-maintained homes, Well maintained yards, friendly neighbors, Impressive neighborhood watch program” – Erik and Lata

“My neighbors, who aren't afraid to shovel your walk when you're not around.” – Nelle Pinkney

WRITING QUESTION: Where is the highest hill in your neighborhood?  Where is it lowest?  Is there a stream, river, or lake?  How do you use these features?

“Gilkey creek is the lowest. It is a nice place for a run or walk, especially along the naturalized space between MCC and Applewood. Highest place is probably the MCC RTC. It is a nice location to view the creek and the sculpture at Applewood.” – Dayne Walling

“Like – Green spaces, quiet at night. Dislike – late night noise, trouble, traffic” – Erik and Lata

“Belmont Street, lowest on Brookside Drive. There is a creek at the end of Belmont and Wellington” – Nelle Pinkney