By Stephanie Johns
Staff Writer

Two community groups were suggested to residents of the Canaan neighborhood in Madison during a recent town hall meeting. Madison Planning Director Monica Callahan suggested both a ‘neighborhood action group’ as well as a ‘neighbor assistance program.’
Members of the neighborhood action group would work with the city to share information, volunteer, and put together a network.
If it comes about, the group would meet occasionally to give input to the city on behalf of the neighborhood.
“This does not need to be top down,” she said. “It needs to be neighborhood up.”
Participants in the neighbor assistance program would need to know which neighbors are in trouble.
Callahan spoke about a similar program in Valdosta in which elderly residents received help from visiting church groups from throughout the state. After a couple of years of having visitors come in and help, people from the Valdosta community began to take over those tasks for their residents.
She said she has spoken to four local contractors who would be willing to participate in this program.
“We’re trying to do things to make the neighborhood a better place for the people who already live here,” she said.

Printed in the December 27, 2012 edition