Charles Gaeta
They have been studying ways to help neighborhoods for a year, and now the Lynn Housing Authority and Neighborhood Development (LHAND) and neighborhood improvement group Impact Lynn plan to meet with Sagamore Hill, Oakville, and Minot street residents.
The Sagamore Hill meeting will be held at the Lynn Museum, 590 Washington St., on Monday at 6 p.m. The Oakville/Minot meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, 6 p.m., at LHAND’s 10 Church St. offices.
LHAND and Impact Lynn commissioned an independent housing market study conducted by RKG Associates last year to identify ways to improve the city’s housing market. The research started with a resident survey that produced revealing results.
Residents said they wanted to see roads repaired and less crime. Many had positive things to say about their neighborhood and the degree of safety and sense of community they enjoy.
LHAND Executive Director Charles Gaeta said the survey and additional RKG research provided an information gold mine.
“The market study really helps us get an idea what needs to be improved, especially in these two targeted neighborhoods. It tells us what types of developments need to be brought into these neighborhoods, and the surveys let us know what types of improvements residents are interested in seeing in their community,” Gaeta said.
He also praised Impact Lynn’s involvement in the housing study. The group brought together residents, businesses, nonprofit organizations and legislative representatives who have agreed to focus efforts and work together to improve education, income levels, and increase community engagement to help create a city in which every neighborhood is a safe and desirable place to live.
Impact’s goals dovetail with LHAND’s. The group wants to improve and expand residents’ housing stability with housing strategies for affordable living as well as expand early childcare opportunities and make neighborhoods safer.
“Impact Lynn isn’t just another organization being started, but it’s a group of organizations across the community and city coming together to focus on the same mission and measure data and progress toward that vision,” said Lynn Economic Opportunity Inc. representative Lilian Romero.