The Martin Drive Neighborhood organization was formed in cooperation with Milwaukee City Government and Neighborhood Housing Services to promote and stabilize and improve the neighborhood in the late 1980's. The block group grew out of the police department's block watch efforts of the early 1980's and which was initially a crime prevention program. As aldermen and City Development officials began seeing an urban decline in property values and an eroding tax base, efforts were being made by the city to determine a solution to these problems. NHS recognizing these changes stepped in to organize and align the neighborhood by using Block Grant funding to organize neighborhood groups and set up housing stock improvement efforts. Some of the successful programs were the paint rebate, outside security lighting, low cost home improvement loans and rebates. In the Martin Drive Neighborhood the old Police Block Watch program members were the first contacts used by NHS to develop, organize and train neighborhood leaders.
This was the beginning of the Martin Drive Neighborhood Association. Read about the formation of the association as gathered from one of the early organizers here.
Training and seminars were offered to community members
in the early stages by NHS. In these seminars, neighborhood members learned how
the programs would be used to benefit the neighborhood. The neighbors also
learned how to structure and
organize a neighborhood group. Discussions of other neighborhood efforts
and programs were explained and examples of these programs were discussed.
The home improvement rebates and housing paint programs required that a
contract was drawn up by the home owner and the organization to complete the
work by a certain time. The materials for the job would be provided or low
cost loans granted as defined by the program.
Neighbors worked to define an identity for this geographic area known as the Martin Drive Neighborhood. Today's street signs are the mark of this effort. The benefits of the Martin Drive Neighborhood Association began to be realized over the next couple of years as people became informed and aware of the home improvement incentives. In the beginning, meetings were held occasionally, but as time passed they were held more frequently as new program offerings and rebates were established. City leaders and city service managers were brought in to educate the neighbors at these meetings and explain city services. The Police Department and County Departments were also represented at these meetings. Owner occupancy was targeted for improvement in the neighborhood, and we have seen that happen in a positive way..
Today the organization is involved and promoting activities in the neighborhood. Different committees within the organization oversee and execute the many events and services. An example of some of the events are the all-neighborhood rummage sale, safe night time Trick or Treat, the annual meeting, newsletter publishing and distribution, agenda notification, organization treasurer, liaison for City, County and West End organization, coordination of city services for neighborhood clean up, property surveys, police liaison and graffiti removal.
In 2004, Pat Mueller presented Frank Kopenski with a plaque as the Volunteer of the Year award in the Martin Drive Neighborhood. NHS through the MDN association recognized Frank, for his persistence in eliminating graffiti in the MDN by his constant watchfulness. In the past, Frank also encouraged other neighbors to become involved in their blocks.
All of the above efforts have made the Martin Drive Neighborhood a great place to live!