City Grant Helps Chandler Tradition East Neighborhood

Debra Ludlow had lived in the Tradition East neighborhood for 15 years but didn't really know all of her neighbors.

But things began to change last year when some of her neighbors began to band together to improve things in the community near Chandler Boulevard and Cooper Road. The group applied for a Chandler traditional neighborhood grant and used the money to spruce up common walls, get dumpsters for neighborhood cleanup and even held a block party that got people out of their homes and into the street mingling with one another.

"After 15 years there were people in my cul-de-sac that I had never seen," Ludlow said. "They'd drive their cars into the garage and go into the house through the garage. I knew what their cars looked like, but not the people. Now I see people in the grocery story and we're going, hey, I met you at the party last year. You're my neighbor." <script type="text/javascript"></script> <script type="text/javascript"></script> <script src="http://gcirm.azcentral.gcion.com/RealMedia/ads/Creatives/OasDefault/azc_circ_newscontent_home/TFSMFlashWrapper201.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript"></script>

The funds, up to $10,000, can be used for things like improvement of common areas of the neighborhood, crime prevention or even social events such as a block party.

The grant process at Tradition East began last year when resident Penny Ross decided she would see what the city could do to help her neighborhood. She attended a grant request workshop and after that set about trying to get her neighbors involved.

She started by simply walking the streets of the neighborhood and knocking on doors.

"It was rough," Ross said. "I canvassed the community three times. I had people yell at me and slam doors in my face. (Ludlow) got cursed at."

She said some neighbors were concerned they were trying to organize a homeowners association. But eventually, residents could see the value in what they were trying to accomplish and joined their efforts.

"I was impressed by the initiative," said neighbor Derek Jacobs. "I wanted to thank them for what they're doing. I think the entire neighborhood benefits from it. It's a positive, contagious thing."

Neighbors who first met at the block party are now doing things together like forming walking groups. City officials say that kind of social investment makes neighborhoods stronger.

"When you get to know your neighbors you look out for each other," said Neighborhood Programs Administrator Stefanie Garcia. "You know who should be in your neighborhood and even who doesn't belong there."

More Tradition East residents are coming out and putting together a plan to apply for another grant (communities are limited to one grant per year) when they become eligible.

"If one person can get it started, maybe two more will get involved the next year and more the next," Ludlow said. "Then you can pass the ball on."

About the program: Chandler's neighborhood grant program provides up to $10,000 for traditional neighborhoods, or up to $5,000 (in matching funds) for neighborhoods with HOAs, depending on the age of the neighborhood. The funds can be used for things like improvement of common areas of the neighborhood, crime prevention or even social events such as a block party.

How to qualify: The basic criteria are that the neighborhood be registered with the city, that residents put in at least 250 hours of sweat equity and also go through one of the city's grant request workshops.

More information: Call the office of Neighborhood Programs at 480-782-4320 or go to that department's link on the city's Web site, www.chandleraz.gov.