Concerned Association of Russell Residents (CARR)

Solomon Morgan Jr.
Email: russellresidents@yahoo.com
1535 West Broadway
Louisville KY 40203
Home: 502-772-9132
Office: 502-561-6830
Fax: 502-568-4663

Concerned Association of Russell Residents (CARR)

WHO IS CARR?

In 1999, the Louisville Urban League (LUL) convened a group of residents to address the long-term sustainability of the Russell neighborhood. This same group of residents has been meeting ever since and hence formed a neighborhood association entitled CONCERNED ASSOCIATION OF RUSSELL RESIDENTS, OR CARR for short. The association focuses on efforts that improve the quality of life within the Russell neighborhood.

CARR was created from a grassroots effort of 10 people that had purchased homes through the LUL's REBOUND Project. REBOUND is the acronym for REbuilding Our Urban Neighborhood Dwellings. REBOUND served as the LUL's innovative housing development initiative during the mid 90's.

Since the inception of CARR, members have worked closely with the LUL's Housing Services & Neighborhood Revitalization Department in an effort to concentrate on resident recruitment and relationship building. This collaboration has helped the LUL to extend its level of service to the community and has allowed for the fledging association to utilize available resources.

CARR'S MEMBERSHIP

The initial focus for CARR was centered on common concerns that homeowners express dealing with their individual properties as well as other neighborhood issues. Through word of mouth, these residents quickly learned that many other Russell residents shared the same sentiments that they did concerning the overall neighborhood. This group of residents began to meet to discuss these issues and thereafter evolved into CARR. As a result, CARR's membership has steadily grown. The current members consist of resident representation throughout the entire Russell neighborhood including homeowners, renters, and organizations. Although there are currently no businesses represented in CARR, businesses are both encouraged and welcomed to join.

PROJECTS COMPLETED BY CARR

In the summer of 2000, CARR conducted its first Russell Neighborhood Assessment and actively pushed towards addressing vacant lot maintenance, alley cleanliness, sidewalk conditions, and deteriorating buildings. This assessment was unique because it was resident-driven and concluded in a formal report, which included pictures, written documentation, and recommendations. CARR's efforts have provided residents a chance to meet government officials, work with other community leaders, and promote community service.

CARR conducted a 2001 Russell Neighborhood Assessment during the months of June and July and presented it to City of Louisville officials in August. The Annual Neighborhood Assessment has become one of CARR's major projects.

CARR is passionate about the quality of life for all residents throughout the entire Russell neighborhood.