The Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods (OSHN) has been awarded a $100,000 “Love Your Block” grant from the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation to clean and transform 18 blighted alleys in the Shawnee neighborhood.
This competitive national grant, which Louisville secured as one of 16 cities, will fund community-driven projects that promote safety, environmental justice and neighborhood pride. The initiative seeks to address the connection between urban blight and crime, enhancing public spaces to foster safety, mental well-being and connectedness.
According to OSHN Director Paul Callanan, neglected alleys can erode neighborhood morale, acting as hubs for criminal activity and reminders of disinvestment.
“While this is not a million-dollar grant, we know it will have a powerful impact on the Shawnee neighborhood,” Callanan said.
Related
Here’s How Graduating Seniors Can Earn This Prestigious Scholarship From The Louisville Artisans Guild
The project will include:
- Volunteer-Led Revitalization: A “Love Your Block” fellow and an AmeriCorps member will coordinate community engagement and ensure projects align with residents’ needs.
- Transformations by Spring 2025: Plans include converting cleaned alleys into functional green spaces, “Alley Markets” for neighborhood vendors and areas featuring art installations to encourage connectedness.
- City Partnerships: OSHN will work with Public Works and Codes and Inspections for heavy trash removal, graffiti cleanup, and beautification efforts.
A 2021 Urban Institute study highlighted how blight removal strengthens community trust and increases civic engagement.
OSHN will begin the project on November 20, 2024, with a neighborhood scouting mission and door-to-door outreach in the Shawnee community.
The initiative positions Louisville alongside 15 other cities nationwide, including Baltimore, Charleston and Long Beach, as recipients of the grant.
Related Stories
Mid-City Mall In Louisville’s Highlands Neighborhood Is Up for Sale
This article appears in Nov 4-19, 2024.
