Grier Heights Community Improvement Org

Grier Heights State of the Neighborhood

History

Driving down Seventh Street approaching Monroe Road, one can’t help but notice a quaint community of nearly 3000 residents to the right of Lupie’s Caf?©. This quaint community named after resident Arthur Grier (Grier’s Funeral Home), is called Grier Heights. Grier Heights (formerly known as “Griertown”) is located 3 miles southeast of Charlotte. Most residents are awakened by the sound of the train whistle as the Seaboard Coastal Railroad binds the community. Of the 3000 residents, 100 are Hispanic and a small percentage Vietnamese.

There has been an active neighborhood association in the area since the 1940s. Fellowship between residents included sharing hotdogs, picnics, and games of horseshoes and baseball. “We are family” maintains part of the neighborhood’s vision and holds true, since the majority of homeowners are related. Most of Grier Height’s community leaders attended Billingsville Elementary. Today, those residents sit in that same classroom at the GH/Billingsville Community Center for monthly community meetings. Part of the school was renovated to create more meeting space and to house the Grier Heights Economic Foundation and its mission to provide housing development and job opportunities.

CURRENT STATE

A tour of the community provides views of stately brick houses and beautifully landscaped yards. However, the number of single-family, owner occupied houses remains a small percentage as compared to the number of rental or multi-familyunits. In fact, there are approximately 849 multi-family units and 186 single-family units. Although concentrated code enforcement has been conducted throughout the community, more training is needed to help tenants and landlords understand their responsibilities for bringing housing up to code.

Most single-family housing meets Community Improvement (Solid Waste)code standards, however. In fact, Grier Heights received the 2000 Charlotte Clean City award. Residents now take a more proactive approach to trash removal and illegal dumping has been greatly reduced. Residents still need to call in bulky items and organize neighborhood clean ups more often. They should continue to request literature from Community Improvement for distribution to neighbors, particularly those who do not speak English (including Hispanics).
Although the Charlotte Area Transit Service (CATS) is available in the community, traveling to nearby retailers and health facilities is inconvenient. Existing routes require passengers to travel downtown first,
for example. Before an anti-theft cart system was implemented, neighborhood shoppers walked to the nearby Food Lion and carried purchases home in shopping carts that were subsequently discarded lots and side yards. This practice cost Food Lion over $2000/month. The community has petitioned for EZ Rider transportation to access nearby human services, medical agencies, and retailers along Billingsville, Wendover, and Randolph Roads.

Some shopping is convenient to the neighborhood. A small strip-shopping center known as “Ron’s Grocery”, provides residents with enjoyable shopping, fellowship, and beautiful hairstyles. Across from the shopping center, the Grier Heights Memorial Park was recently completed through a Neighborhood Matching Grant to maintain the community’s historical character. It is beautifully landscaped with a gazebo, memorial plaque, and benches for residents to enjoy history and tranquil moments.

The 2000 Quality of Life Index lists youth opportunities as high in Grier Heights. The Partners for Out of School Time committee has organized several activities for children. Other organizations such as the Over 40ty’s Club, Grier Heights Athletic Association, GH Steppers, and the faith community have contributed to community revitalization. The overall violent crime in Grier Heights has decreased significantly (20 %) over the past four years.
The success of this community is based on the following:

Community leaders have undergone several trainings in leadership and problem solving and have volunteered to serve as Block Captains and help lead committees;
Partnerships between the neighborhood, city, county, private/public agencies and the faith community continue to grow;
Improved relationships with landlords help promote affordable, descent and safe housing;
Community clean-ups through partnerships between the Sheriff’s Department and proactive residents; and
the implementation of the Crime Stoppers Program, Crime Stopper signs, neighborhood newsletter, and informational bulletin boards to help maintain awareness and promote involvement.


Continued communication with Police to report criminal activity, suspicious behavior and suggestions for reducing repeat calls for service;
Residents taking more proactive roles in organizing neighborhood clean-ups and distributing literature to their neighborhoods about community improvement ordinances;

NEXT STEPS

The 2000 Quality of Life survey rated Grier Heights as fragile when compared to other Charlotte neighborhoods. To keep the community moving up the hierarchy to a stable rating, community leaders and partners feel that the following must take place:

Continued training in problem solving, technology, and leadership for capacity building;
Continued communication with Police to report criminal activity, suspicious behavior and suggestions for reducing repeat calls for service;
Residents taking more proactive roles in organizing neighborhood clean-ups and distributing literature to their neighborhoods about community improvement ordinances;
Continued training in landlord and tenant responsibilities to help maintain descent and safe housing;
Continued partnerships for bringing various services to the community;
English and Spanish Classes for the community to help bridge cultural differences; and
EZ Rider transportation to local retail and health facilities.

In addition to a strong neighborhood association and economic foundation, Grier Heights has formed various committees to help maintain the positive physical and social changes within the community. Although residents will continue to be proactive in spear heading these efforts, they have been advised to seek city, county and other resources and training when needed.