Birmingham residents concerned about crime and vacant homes

One of America’s most famous neighborhoods is in need of a little TLC.

The Birmingham Ethnic Neighborhood of East Toledo, a Hungarian cultural center for 120 years, has been the subject of a number of books and articles written by local authors. Now, it is the subject of a survey that explores what is right and what is wrong with the community.

Bob Krompak, economic development specialist with Neighborhood Housing Services/NeighborWorks (NHS), will present the results of the survey of 200 Birmingham residents to the public at the East Toledo Club’s luncheon this Thursday.

Two responses struck Krompak as being of “significant” concern to residents. First, about 30 percent of respondents were victims of a burglary or vandalism to their home or auto in the last six months and about 50 percent knew of someone who was. Second, residents were concerned about the number of vacant, dilapidated houses and at least one commercial building—The Playdium.

Krompak said vacant properties can be havens for drug use and criminal activity. He estimates there are about 20 vacant homes in disrepair. In the case of The Playdium, Krompak said a partially collapsed wall and a caved-in floor present a danger to curious kids.

On the bright side, Krompak said the survey shows that a majority of residents are satisfied with their homes, the friendliness of their neighbors, city services and their schools Birmingham Elementary and Eagle Academy. The Birmingham Library also drew praise.

NHS conducted the survey to establish a baseline to evaluate its upcoming work in Birmingham. The non-profit organization specializes in weatherization programs, renovating older homes, building new homes and providing low-interest loans for home improvement projects. The group also works with local government and social service agencies to improve the quality of life in urban neighborhoods. In the last decade, it has invested $6.5 million in East Toledo to provide housing alternatives including the construction of 24 new homes and the renovation or a dozen or so dilapidated homes.

Krompak said the survey, which was conducted earlier this year, has already provided NHS and the Birmingham Development Corporation with direction. To address the crime issue, a meeting is being scheduled with Toledo Police Chief Derrick Diggs and other East Toledo Block Watch leaders to help “beef up” the local Block Watch program. In addition, NHS has secured $220,000 of government money to provide loans to residents who want to upgrade their homes. Krompak said one woman borrowed $20,000 at 3.5 percent interest to rehab a home on Genesee. Another man borrowed to repair his roof and foundation.

The loans are based on income eligibility. Krompak said a large percentage of those who would qualify are “single senior citizen women who are home rich and cash poor.”

A significant percentage of residents would also like to see:

•Speed bumps around Birmingham Elementary School to slow traffic;

•Reduced truck traffic on Consaul;

•More visible police patrols;

•Transportation provided to the East Toledo Family Center and the Boys & Girls Club so youth would have more recreational activities;

•The reopening of the Ravine Park Pool.

On the plus side, Krompak said most respondents called their neighborhood a “welcoming, friendly place” and most knew who their neighbors were and regularly talked to them. In fact, 35 to 40 families regularly work the Birmingham community garden at the corner of Front and York. Krompak said the group this year harvested 150 pounds of honey from the beehives.

Survey workers only interviewed the head of the household. Nearly 87 percent said the housing is in good condition, while only 12 percent said minor repairs are needed. Fifty-one percent of the respondents have lived in the community for 11 plus years and 50 percent are homeowners.

Krompak said a similar survey is scheduled next year for the Garfield neighborhood.

The power-point presentation will be given at 12:30 in the room next to Michael’s Bakery located in the Weber Block, Front and Main. The public is invited.

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