McKinley Park Existing Conditions Report

To-date, more than 672 residents and stakeholders have contributed their input to the neighborhood plan. The outreach process has included meetings with the steering committee, confidential interviews with key community leaders, a public kick-off meeting, a focus group with property owners and local businesses, an online survey and social media campaign, as well as other targeted outreach activities.

The engagement process has highlighted a number of recurring themes that include a need to maintain a variety of housing options, commercial corridors revitalization, a shared community vision for the Central Manufacturing District (CMD), and active transportation investments. Most participants expressed a desire to maintain the industrial heritage of the neighborhood but had also expressed health and nuisance concerns related to those uses. The new asphalt plant rose as a major concern related to environmental quality and highlighted the need for improved transparency in the development approval process. The community envisions a new direction for industrial uses and sees public engagement in the development process essential to realizing that vision.

Longtime residents reported their desire to preserve the close-knit and diverse culture that exists in their community. Gentrification and displacement were identified as a priority concern with the need to maintain housing affordability. Stakeholders mentioned the need to support local businesses, particularly along 35th Street, and prioritize economic development along main commercial corridors.

Safety for those walking and biking in the neighborhood is a primary concern, particularly along high traffic corridors like Archer Avenue. Many people would like see designated bike lanes and trails for active transportation, as well streetscape improvements for pedestrians. Community-based programming for all ages was also a key priority for many residents.