Sylvia Bradshaw
STAFF WRITER
The University of Houston served as center stage for Houston's Mayor Lee Brown Wednesday at the University of Houston Hilton's Main Ballroom. Over 150 participants joined Brown in the First Annual Community Development Forum sponsored by the 3rd Ward Redevelopment Council.
"The 3rd Ward is a success story in the making," said Brown. "I want to congratulate the TWRC for leading the community to committing to a shared vision. In order to have neighborhoods that work, the city needs its neighbors involved in determining what their community needs."
Brown emphasized the importance of neighborhood activism. City and state officials including City Comptroller Sylvia Garcia and State Representative Sylvester Turner looked on as Brown outlined his strategy for increased neighborhood involvement.
"I believe that all agencies of city government should work with individual neighborhoods and determine what the problems are in that community and begin to find resolutions to those problems," Brown said. TWRC members feel they are pioneers in the African-American community, as they have decided to take charge of the future of their community. Committee Chairperson Angenita Davis said that the TWRC has been working for several years on improving the quality of life in the 3rd Ward.
"Our mission is to plan and coordinate the revitalization of the Greater 3rd Ward with respect to housing, economic development an human and social development," said Davis.
Inner-city residents are often apprehensive about new development projects because historically they have displaced the residents of that particular community. TWRC offers an alternative by allowing residents a participatory role and opportunity to purchase new housing in their area. TWRC is a nonprofit umbrella organization representing more than 40 entities, including Texas Southern University, University of Houston and the Texas Medical Center. The Council is comprised of residents, businesses, universities, churches, civic associations and other community-based groups working toward a common goal.
"The Forum is our way of spotlighting the planned and ongoing development in 3rd Ward," said Davis. "It also allows us the opportunity to recognize community stake-holders that have committed themselves to making this community the best it can be."
Ada Edwards, a community activist, said that the forum was a large step toward building a greater Houston. "We have to get involved in all the affairs of our lives. We cannot simply say, 'Why don't they do something about crime in our community, or the garbage in our streets or the vacant building on our block?'" she said. "We are the solution to our problem, and together we can make a difference."
Also speaking at UH on Wednesday, former Houston Mayor Bob Lanier spoke in an adjacent Hilton Ballroom about the importance of Houston's growth and development.
"I want UH students to know that there is a great future ahead," said Lanier. "We need more students to get involved in the planning and infrastructure of the city. Engineering and architecture students should know what's happening downtown and be involved in planning and creating great things for Houston."
Echoing Lanier's call for increase student involvement, Mayor Brown spoke of the vital role students play in community projects. "If there's one message I want to give UH students, that is get involved in the community. Volunteer to become mentors for younger children; help organize or participate in cleanup efforts in the community. You're here getting a wonderful education and skills. Give some of those back to those who need them."