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WNIJ's summary of news items around our state.

City of Rockford To Hold Public Input Sessions On Neighborhood Revitalization

City of Rockford

The City of Rockford is looking for public input on ways to revitalize local neighborhoods.

City officials consulted with the National Resource Network, a D.C.-based group that assists with urban strategic planning. They analyzed different Rockford neighborhoods to come up with plans to improve buildings and services.

Matthew Flores is the city’s Neighborhood Stabilization Supervisor. He said one area the group examined was tenant and landlord relations. Flores suggested emulating what has worked in Wisconsin. 

"Milwaukee was mentioned as a municipality that has a really nationally recognized voluntary landlord and tenant training program," he said, "and figuring out, 'ok, how can we personalize this for our people?'"  

Neighborhood Specialist Barb Chidley added that each neighborhood will require a different approach.

“It’s not just about how many homes are habitable," she said, "but it’s also about transportation needs and accessibility to various services, retail, retaurants.”  

Chidley said these ideas are still in the preliminary stage, and the City wants public opinion to help shape them going forward. To that end, she encourages Rockford residents to attend Thursday's meetings.

The first meeting takes place at 1 p.m. on the third floor of Crusader Clinic at 1200 West State Street. The second meeting is a 6 p.m. in Police District 3 headquarters. That is located at 557 S. Newtowne Drive.