Community Involvement in the Whittier Neighborhood: An Analysis of Neighborhood Conditions and Neighborhood Change

• NCJ Number: 117942
• Author(s): R L Smith; T L Anding
• Date Published: Unknown
• Length: 89 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: University of Minnesota
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; University of Minnesota; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Surveys in 1977 and 1979 examined neighborhood conditions and resident attitudes, particularly toward housing and crime, in Whittier, Minn.

Abstract

The building condition surveys showed that most neighborhood structures were in sound condition or in need of only minor repair and routine maintenance. The resident attitude surveys revealed that residents had a generally positive opinion of their neighborhood and perceived that improvements had been made, especially in the area of housing. Yet, residents also appeared to have less of a feeling of personal involvement in the neighborhood. Crime was identified as a significant problem for Whittier residents. In 1977, 35 percent of the respondents considered residential burglary to be the most serious neighborhood crime, and the majority of respondents had been the victims of residential burglary or vandalism during the preceding 2 years. The 1979 survey, focusing on the perception of change in the neighborhood crime rate, found that only 10 percent of the respondents perceived any decrease in residential burglary or in crime generally. Activities of the Whittier Alliance, an umbrella organization representing the interests of neighborhood organizations, businesses, and residents, are discussed. Appendixes contain additional information on the survey methodology and intraneighborhood differences. 17 tables, 13 figures.