Person to person: Neighborhood Forum is Wednesday, August 9; Study Circles discussed.

Much to the chagrin of certain anonymous denizens of the benumbed local trogosphere, specifically those who can’t be bothered with conceptual thinking and the realm of ideas even as they hilariously pretend to be academics trained to think and act in these terms (see: TheNuttyProfessor.edu), a spirited dialogue continues to assist in the gradual transformation of New Albany.

It is an earnest discussion that originates in the city’s neighborhoods, and one that focuses on actions and strategies to revitalize these basic building blocks of the urban area. Why talk it out? Because success in any endeavor seldom occurs without a plan, and planning for the future is the object of these community forums, such as the next Neighborhood Forum, which will take place on Wednesday, August 9, at the White House Center.

If you are a city resident, you are cordially invited to participate and to share your vision.

Even you, Erika – is there a neighborhood association where you live? Would you join a study circle? Part of the problem, or part of the solution?

Please come and explain why you believe that dialogue, discussion and the exchange of ideas threaten your vision of “free speech.” We're all ears.

Consultants sought for neighborhood talks; Study Circles would mix residents from different backgrounds, by Eric Scott Campbell (News-Tribune).

Several New Albany residents hope a national resident-forum group can help them solve some city problems.

The Study Circles Resource Center, through the local neighborhood development nonprofit New Directions Housing Corporation, is considering sending discussion leaders to the Louisville area this fall at no cost. The consultants would help organize and direct 8- to 12-person forums consisting of people from different demographics, including race, income, neighborhood, religion, and renting versus homeownership.

“The idea is to take someone out of their comfort zone,” said resident Jeff Gillenwater.

And ...

Love Thy Neighbor; Residents say neighborhood associations make a difference, by David Mann (News-Tribune).

Neighborhood organizations — widely popular in the cookie-cutter neighborhoods of suburbia — have found a home in Southern Indiana’s towns and cities. For many, they are organizations residents can use to gain leverage with local councils, attract economic interests and beautify and maintain communities.

Greg Roberts, president of New Albany’s E. Spring Street Neighborhood Association, said similar organization has managed to accomplish many positive ends in its five years of existence.

“We’ve managed to have several allies paved, gotten grants and held clean up days” among other activities, Roberts said. “What we wanted to do was make a sense of community,” he said, as well as give residents a responsibility to the neighborhood.