The University Area Commission met Oct. 19 in the Northwood High building to discuss whether to go forward with and recommend the Weinland Park Neighborhood Plan.
The borders of the Weinland Park neighborhood span from Chittenden Avenue to the north, High Street to the west, Fifth Avenue to the south, and the Conrail railroad tracks to the east.
According to the 2004 Weinland Park Market Study and the 2000 U.S. Census, 50 percent of the Weinland Park population is below the poverty level, and fewer than 10 percent of the housing is owner-occupied.
Todd Singer, the representative that presented the plan to the UAC, said the general thought behind the plan was to "revitalize the neighborhood gradually and prevent gentrification."
The plan was created to address everything from safety, traffic, economic environment and education to aesthetics, community pride and morale. If approved, the revitalization plan would be in effect for the next 15 to 20 years.
"It's no secret that Weinland Park has a lot of challenges," Singer said. "It also has a lot of positive aspects."
The strategic approach to the plan is outlined in a 50-plus page document that addresses certain areas but also has projects for the entire neighborhood.
"Our hope is to create a very mixed-income neighborhood ... we would really like to encourage investments by professionals," Singer said.
Singer went on to outline the plan to the commission members, then the floor was opened for questions and comments.
Ron Hupman, president of the commission, asked if anyone would like to speak in favor or against the plan. The feeling in the room quickly went from a neutral discussion to a heated debate by a few.
The argument was started by Roger Deal, Zoning Committee chairman and second vice president, who opposed additions of trees in the places mentioned in the plan because they were counterproductive to parking and sidewalk accessibility.
Commissioner Berdawn Hutchinson, who resides in Weinland Park, then began avidly speaking against the plan.
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