North Center Revitalization Assoc. (NCRA)

North Center Revitalization Assoc. (NCRA)

NCRA Mission Statement

The mission of the North Center Revitalization Association is to create a clean and healthy neighborhood to promote pride, stability, and mutual respect We affirm a common interest in a safe neighborhood that preserves property values. We are committed to working together for the common good of all members of our community.

NCRA

NORTH CENTER REVITALIZATION ASSOCIATION (NCRA) is a neighborhood volunteer group working to create positive changes in an established, diverse Mesa neighborhood. The NCRA neighborhood boundaries are Mesa Dr. (east), Country Club Dr. (west), Brown Rd. (south), and McKellips Rd. (north). You are a member of NCRA just because you are our neighbor! NCRA is not a dues-collecting homeowners association.

NCRA was founded in March of 1998 in response to TriCity Behavioral Services, a nonprofit agency, attempting to house some of their clients in the neighborhood on East Ingram Street. The area is unfortunately laden with crime such as drugs, gangs, prostitution, and other criminal activity, and the neighbors along with TriCity staff feared these new residents would be at risk living on Ingram Street. TriCity partnered with concerned neighbors to address common goals for revitalizing the community and
thus NCRA was formed. NCRA's concerns focus primarily on crime prevention, maintenance of properties, absentee landlords, traffic issues, and activities for youth.

Realizing the positive results of partnering, NCRA collaborates with TriCity Behavioral Services, Housing Opportunities Unlimited (HOU), the Neighborhood Economic Development Corporation (NEDCO), Mesa Community Action Network (MesaCAN), Kerr Elementary School, Mesa United Way, Mesa Police Department, the City of Mesa Neighborhood Services Department, City of Mesa Code Compliance, and many other significant partners to revitalize the North Center neighborhood.

NCRA neighbors have seen, and continue to see, successes in numerous ways. NCRA's initial accomplishment involved implementing after-school and summer neighborhood youth programs in partnership with Kerr Elementary School. With the help of MesaCAN, NCRA and Kerr were awarded over $100,000 in grant monies from the Arizona Governor's office and Mesa United Way. The North Center Early Intervention Program (NCEIP) / KidsCAN programs included recreational activities,
educational opportunities, counseling services for youth and families, and programs that addressed the health issues of all the NCRA neighbors. These opportunities were available to the entire neighborhood. Another success story of NCRA neighbors working together resulted in a meth lab bust on East Inglewood Street. For several months, two NCRA neighbors worked closely with Mesa police officers providing
information on suspicious activity. Then one Friday morning in April 2000, the neighbors realized the fruits of their efforts. The Mesa PD along with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) did what they do best and eliminated the problem!
NCRA continues to receive support from the Mesa Police Department. A NCRA neighbor researched rental property owner information for East Ingram and West Inglewood Streets. The information was shared with the Mesa PD and has prompted them to utilize the criminal nuisance abatement law which holds rental property owners accountable for repetitive criminal activity on their properties. In the fall of
2000 the Mesa PD held meetings for Inglewood and Ingram rental property owners to encourage them to join the Mesa Crime Free Multi-Housing program and inform them of their legal responsibilities as owners..In the year 2000, NCRA was very fortunate to receive local and national recognition for taking a holistic approach to address neighborhood concerns and mobilize residents to find solutions. Jane Hull, Governor
of Arizona, presented NCRA with a certificate for their efforts to provide youth activities in the community.

Chief Jan Strauss and the Mesa Police Department also recognized NCRA with a Certificate of Appreciation for their efforts to improve the community. In May 2000, NCRA was a winner in the national Neighborhood of the Year competition at the annual Neighborhoods USA (NUSA) conference. NCRA was one of 12 finalists out of 60 applicants and won third place in the category of Multi-Neighborhood Project
Partnership. Then in June, the Mesa City Council honored NCRA for their achievements as a Neighborhoods USA (NUSA) award winner as well as their neighborhood revitalization and improvement efforts. Mayor Keno Hawker presented NCRA with a plaque and matched the monetary award they received as a Neighborhood of the Year winner.

In addition to recognition from national organizations and political institutions, NCRA has been blessed by the generosity of Photronics, a leading manufacturer of high precision quartz plates containing microscopic images of electronic circuits. Photronics donated more than 30 computers to NCRA. NCRA in turn shared some of the computers with Women in New Recovery (WINR) and awarded some to deserving children enrolled in NCEIP.

Most recently, NCRA obtained an office location. In April 2001, HOU agreed to donate one of their vacant apartments on Ingram (138 E. Ingram, #C) to be used as an office location by HOU and NCRA along with other registered neighborhoods in the Central Police Department Division #38. The apartment is rent-free to the neighborhood groups. Each group of PD officers (CAT, bike, patrol, etc.) in the Central Division will
also get keys so they can use the facility as a substation. NCRA also received donations of office furniture and supplies, including desks, file cabinets, phones, a fax, a copier, a computer, etc.

NCRA's revitalization efforts have just begun. Their successes didn't happen overnight and positive results will not continue without the commitment and active participation of fellow NCRA neighbors. In March 2000, some NCRA neighbors under the guidance of NEDCO and MesaCAN did long-term visioning and designed a comprehensive neighborhood plan. To help implement the plan and identify resources, NCRA needs your help. All NCRA neighbors are encouraged to become involved, connect with your community and make a difference.

If you would like more information about NCRA, have any neighborhood concerns, or if you are interested in volunteering to make a difference please call 480-834-9170 or email: richandkathy@fastq.com.

Email us
earniejohnson@msn.com

About our association

NCRA Mission Statement

The mission of the North Center Revitalization Association is to create a clean and healthy neighborhood to promote pride, stability, and mutual respect We affirm a common interest in a safe neighborhood that preserves property values. We are committed to working together for the common good of all members of our community.

Email us
earniejohnson@msn.com