get them to consider a move to the Center City Neighborhood, many of those who said they would consider such a move indicated that visual conditions would have to be dramatically improved. Vacant/run-down property, absentee landlords, and negligent landlords were also identified as significant problems. Gangs and drugs were singled out as the primary criminal activities. Parking lots were also identified as a problem in the neighborhood (again, because the survey respondents represented more residents than business owners). The comprehensive survey results are included in the Appendix on page 59.
The top six 'Most Important Development Initiatives' as ranked by survey respondents were:
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Renovation of existing buildings for apartments,
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New construction of single family homes,
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Commercial/retail development,
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Public improvements- sidewalks, trees, streets, etc.,
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New construction of apartments, and
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Parks/recreation facilities.
Many survey respondents said they are married and have three or more children, which may indicate why a majority said they have no desire to live so close to Downtown, despite the services and amenities offered. Respondents did indicate they would like to see yards provided in new Center City housing which may offer design challenges within this traditionally dense neighborhood.