• public safety/crime,
• affordable and available child care,
• job training and employment,
• access to arts and cultural amenities,
• poor perception of the public education system, and
• existing correctional facilities.

These are major issues that do not have quick and cheap solutions. It seems that a couple of these issues are ones of public perception about the neighborhood that could often be dismantled with improved marketing and new investment in the neighborhood. Often times when an area is devoid of housing structures, park/green space, and neighborhood activity, some negative elements will settle in or are thought to exist just because the neighborhood lacks a certain appearance.

These concerns and perceptions should be addressed by some of the key players in the community. The City and C.O.R.E. should convene a group of service providers and other institutional entities to explore how to best address problems such as employment, training and public safety. The existence of a number of agencies located in the neighborhood will make this task easier. It will be important to learn what capacity exists, who is being served, where the gaps are, and what other resources are needed to address problems. The local United Way has identified many of the community's needs and this information should serve as a starting point for the Center City area. Likewise, creating and expanding relationships and partnerships with law enforcement and school officials will help to provide effective solutions. C.O.R.E. can broker these relationships in the beginning, but ultimately, neighborhood residents should share this responsibility.

As a new neighborhood emerges, needs will surely change. Now is the time to anticipate, what type of social support infrastructure systems need to be in place to best serve those for whom housing is being built. At the same time, attention has to be given to problems that currently exist and could serve as a barrier for attracting new investment.