Keystone, Millersville is located in the North East part of Washington township which has the characteristic of the city post-war residential and commercial development. A neighborhood with disproportionately high levels of unemployment, poverty and crime in the neighborhood is in need of an infusion of commercial enterprises and support agencies to supply the demand for neighborhood-oriented consumer and social services needs. As indicated, the passage of time and shifting economic have levied a costly toll on the area. What was once a thriving suburban retail/office and residential area is now one of Indianapolis’ declining communities. The complexity of the neighborhood’s problems necessitates the employment of a comprehensive development strategy to combat the economic, social and physical predicaments that currently stifle possibilities. Therefore an effective neighborhood revitalization plan should focus upon the neighborhood’s physical, social and economic environments. Also to encourage an alliance among government, businesses and neighborhood residents and social service organizations in a cooperative effort to activate the neighborhood’s productive capabilities that now lie dormant.
The Keystone Millersville Neighborhood Association put together a focus group of neighborhood residents that developed outcomes for the circle. Some of the outcomes of KMNA that would come out of the circles would be increased participation within the organization. KMNA is seeking to find out about programs, activities, and resources that are available within the Keystone Millersville area for youth and senior citizens. KMNA will use study circles to begin asset mapping in our community to become more strategically focused on issues that pertain to the health and safety of youth and senior citizens in the keystone Millersville area. KMNA is currently engaging the Marion County Health Department, United Northeast CDC, Mayor’s Neighborhood Liaison and the IMPD North District. KMNA’s hope is to connect to the residents that don’t normally come out to participate by going door to door. Making sure they know that their input is valuable which will help them feel ownership of their neighborhood.
The Keystone Millersville Neighborhood Association is proposing to do one study circles that focus on getting higher participation from residents, businesses and faith-based institutions. KMNA neighborhood boundaries are Fall Creek to the north, 38th Street to the South, East is Rural Street and Keystone to the West. The circles will be held at the Marion County Health Department conference Room 3838 N. Rural Street. KMNA plans to market the circles by passing out Flyers door to door and will send letters to all the businesses and Churches in the area