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Resident urges action on District 3 revitalization, seeks city help with trees, blight and land‑bank properties
Summary
A District 3 resident appealed to the council for neighborhood revitalization assistance, asking the city to replant crepe myrtles, maintain public trees, help with blighted properties and connect her to land‑bank resources; council members responded with offers of support.
A Gadsden resident asked the city council on Tuesday to help revive a District 3 neighborhood, requesting replanting and maintenance of crepe myrtle trees, assistance with blighted houses, and access to land‑bank property and volunteer resources.
Jennifer Greenwood said 49 crepe myrtle trees had been cut down and that the stumps had not been ground. She told the council she had raised the issue with Mayor Mary Ford and that city crews subsequently ground the stumps; she asked that the city plant replacement trees and provide ongoing maintenance to prevent decay and overgrowth.
Greenwood said she is renovating homes in the neighborhood, has volunteers and contractors willing to assist, and that she opened her property for an open house to demonstrate the potential for investment. “I’m not just a sayer. I’m a doer,” Greenwood said.
The nut graf: Greenwood asked the council to coordinate city assistance — including guidance on land‑bank properties, supplies for exterior repairs, and volunteer support — to reverse long‑term disinvestment she and others say has depressed property values in parts of District 3.
Several council members praised Greenwood’s leadership and offered to work with her. Councilman Avery and others discussed historical disinvestment and the need for coordinated public and private action; Councilman Robinson and Councilor Wilson noted recent visible improvements on North Eighth Street and encouraged continued partnership among residents, private investors and the city.
The council did not adopt a formal policy at the meeting but acknowledged the request and directed staff and council members to follow up with Greenwood about land‑bank procedures and possible volunteer or supply partnerships.
