June 8, 2009

Hello, neighbors!
Attached is the Vision Plan and Mission Statement that created from your responses at the two workshops in May. Please look them over and plan to talk about them at the next meeting on Tuesday, June 16, at 7 p.m. in Good Hall Recital Hall (the same place the workshops were held).

Proposed Neighborhood Vision Statement

The University Heights (UH) neighborhood is a community where homeowners and
renters work in unison to create an atmosphere that mimics the sociable ambience, beautification efforts, and safe environment of years past. This commitment contributes to an escalating pride of place that encourages longtime residents to remain and younger residents, many with families,to establish new roots.
The UH neighborhood is an established community where homes were built with character, such as including porches and yards to encourage neighbor interaction. Residents engage in friendly conversation and welcome the continued diversity of homeowners. Tree-lined streets with sidewalks make it a walkable community and easy access to downtown Indianapolis and major highways is an added convenience. The University Heights Neighborhood Association was established to give the residents a common voice, to deal with problems as they arise, and to revitalize the neighborhood.
The UH neighborhood is adjacent to the University of Indianapolis, which adds resources for residents’ use and various other support services, such as police patrols. In recent years, rental property owners have been lackadaisical in the upkeep of their homes and in monitoring their renters’ actions, so current residents have complaints about the lack of ownership renters place on these rental properties. Because of this concern, the University requires certified housing qualifications to be met for its students by following these steps:
  • Rental property owners sign a contract and abide by its rules of conduct, maintenance, and service.
  • Students sign a contract and abide by its rules of conduct, maintenance, and service.
  • Action is taken by the University against students who do not show initiative in the maintenance of the property and/or who do not abide by the rules stated in the contract.
The land that was occupied by the University’s apartments on the corner of Castle Avenue and
Edwards Street is now a park-like setting that includes green space and picnic tables for area
residents.

As the University Heights neighborhood begins its renewed interest in the future of this
close-knit community, businesses and restaurants will move back into the area as they see
opportunities to participate in the revitalization of the area.

University Heights Neighborhood Mission Statement
In order to achieve this vision, we require positive actions by a strong neighborhood association,
committed neighbors, and strong partnerships with the University of Indianapolis and other area businesses.