City of Danville looking to revitalize Schoolfield neighborhood

DANVILLE (WSLS 10) - Danville's community development department is ready to use grant money to revitalize the Schoolfield neighborhood, but before the city spends any money city leaders want to know what the neighborhood needs.

The city ultimately hopes to increase the homeowner rate in the neighborhood and create a stronger sense of community within the neighborhood association.

That's why the city is hosting a cookout at Hylton Avenue Park at 6 p.m. on Thursday night, serving up hot dogs, popcorn and cotton candy.

Community development block grant funding is now available for use on various projects in the neighborhood.

But, what the city wants to know is specifically what projects residents in the neighborhood want to see.

"Do more for the kids to keep them out of trouble," said resident Tiara Williamsbrok.

"The best use of the money is to help each person, not just one street," resident Patricia Dudley emphasized.

Dudley said regardless though, she's just glad to see the neighborhood finally getting some attention.

"Just to know that they came out into our Schoolfield community, it really touches my heart," Dudley said. "I've been here a very long time and we're all very important to our city."

Two different surveys are also available online.

Jackie Wells, the city's housing and community development specialist, says the city currently has no plans of its own, so city leaders will be all ears at the cookout.

"Redevelopment could mean money for infrastructure or home rehabilitation. Anything in that area," Wells explained.

She added that the neighborhood is not a bad area, it just needs a little help.

"It's a neighborhood that has some really strong homeowner rates and also a lot of rental properties," she explained. "But, it has experienced some deterioration in the past few years so it's a neighborhood that we think would really benefit from this inflow of funds."

As far as a timeline for any work beginning in the neighborhood, Wells said it just depends on what the residents want done.

Find out if you're eligible for the City of Danville's Home Rehabilitation Program: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DT9TZZ3

Give your opinion on the Schoolfield Village: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DHHPNCK