Jul 2, 2009 6:24 pm US/Central
Tragedy Stricken Neighborhood Gets A Makeover
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
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Volunteers work to restore Englewood's historic treasures
CBS
In a neighborhood that has seen too many tears and too much grief, CBS 2's Derrick Blakley looks into a push to cleanup the crime-plagued streets of a neighborhood where just last week a 9-year-old girl was shot to death. Contrary to the recent tragedy, recent activity in the neighborhood is very positive.
The goal is to beautify the neighborhood, give it a green makeover and drive out gangs. Volunteers have been working hard to bring a hint of natural beauty to Englewood, creating a green space they call Heritage Park. This project has been the dream of Englewood resident Terina Cranshaw for 3 years.
"Getting people to work in urban garden settings, help in urban agriculture, and grow food for our community are things we need to get our communities back together."
Residents are looking to restore a buried treasure around the neighborhood. What has, for many years been nothing but an eyesore, a dumping ground in the middle of the neighborhood park, actually holds historic significance. High above the park site, the old 63rd street rail station was an important gateway to Chicago for African Americans moving north.
John Paul Jones of the volunteer group, Sustainable Englewood, notes that the rail station is also where Emmett Till left for Mississippi.
Workers are planning a mural that will recall this history. They hope that the changes made to the park will provide green jobs and a nursery for plants and seedlings.
Zorayda Ortiz of the volunteer effort, Imagine Englewood, hopes this new initiative provides a positive alternative for the younger residents in the neighborhood.
"Staying inside, playing videogames, standing on the street corner… there's better things to do."
The next step for greening up Englewood are plans to turn over six-miles of abandoned rail lines that run between 58th and 59th street into biking and hiking paths and recreation space.
These hopeful residents believe they can revitalize Englewood, one brick at a time.
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