Plan seeks neighborhood leaders in capital city
Toolbox
By Sarah Hinckley Times Argus Staff - Published: August 26, 2008
MONTPELIER – Nearly 75 residents gathered Monday evening from 14 designated neighborhoods to figure out how to keep their neighbors safe and warm this winter.
The meeting was part of Montpelier's CAN! – Capital Area Neighborhoods, an emergency planning project to aid the city in responding to emergencies this upcoming winter season.
"What we're really worried about is this is going to be an urgent situation that is going to creep in and affect all of us, not just some of us," said Mayor Mary Hooper to the crowd. "You all are the beginning of our effort to bring about neighborhood associations."
With rising fuel prices, Vermont is preparing for a winter that is likely to affect everyone in one way or another. What may seem like a small crisis in most situations is likely to be exacerbated in the economic conditions that face many, Gwendolyn Hallsmith, director of the city's planning and community development department explained.
"This is the type of emergency that doesn't fit the typical model," she said, highlighting the financial squeeze that leads to more crime, increase demand for food shelters, heating with alternative methods and maxing out credit cards. "All of these things can lead to the perfect storm… One of the things about emergencies is nobody ever thinks its going to happen to them."
"Here's what I would like to see;" she said, "every single person in the city to be contacted once by one of their neighbors."
Hallsmith listed several ways those attending could engage their neighborhoods and meet their neighbors. Suggestions included canvassing, organizing a coffee hour, pot luck or event such as a block party, or sending electronic information and invitations.
"We tend to forget not everyone has digital penetration like we do," said Dave Katz about reaching out to everyone via the computer.
One woman in the audience asked if there could be training for canvassers going door to door introducing themselves and explaining their mission. Hallsmith explained that canvassing may not be appropriate in every neighborhood.
"It seems like we need to build the relationships now so that people feel comfortable enough (asking for help)," said the woman.
Another man suggested using neighborhood gatherings as a 'best practices' exchange where people share ideas about cost savings, energy efficiency and other preparations. Resident Bethany Pombar suggested organizing weatherization weekends where people help one another make their living spaces more energy efficient.
"The whole point of the outreach is to let people know that their neighbors care," said Hallsmith, who offered a number of resources at the meeting.
Attendants were asked to divide by neighborhood, to identify a neighborhood leader and pick a time when their group would gather again.
"I did not expect this many people," said Hooper about the group squeezed into the Lost Nation Theater lobby, as they prepared to create a closer community.
For more information about Montpelier CAN! contact Gwendolyn Hallsmith at 223-9506 or ghallsmith@montpelier-vt.org.
Contact Sarah Hinckley at sarah.hinckley@timesargus.com.
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