Context

Large number of Foreclosures High Percentage of Renters

Hickory Hickory
Grove Grove
Road Road
Hickory Grove Ro Hickory Grove Ro
ad ad
Dr

Dr
od

od
o

o
igw

igw
EW

EW
Cr a

Cr a
TH

TH
rr Rd

rr Rd
d Pl

d Pl
arri

arri
woo

woo
sB

sB
Ln

Ln
O

O
ence

ence
lvd

lvd
Dog

Dog
lpine

lpine
Lawr

Lawr
M cA

M cA
d d
n Oak R n Oak R
Wago Wago

Ba Ba
rcl rcl
iff iff
Dr Dr

E WT Harris Blvd

E WT Harris Blvd
Wa Wa
lla ce lla ce
Ave Ave

Where have we come from?

E
le R
d Legend E
le R
d
ap

ap
mar mar
E WT Harris Blvd

E WT Harris Blvd
r

r
Significant
aven D

aven D
Albe Albe
Regal Oaks Dr

Regal Oaks Dr
Farm Pond Ln

Farm Pond Ln
Albemarle Rd Albemarle Rd
Foreclosure Police Events 0 225 450 900 1,350 1,800
0 225 450 900 1,350 1,800
Winterh

Winterh
Feet
Feet Property Foreclosures
1 inch = 1,000 feet 1 inch = 1,000 feet

Young and Diverse

Population

Unstable Property Values

Farm Pond

Significant Crimes Unemployment Hickory

Hickory Grove
Grove Road
Road
Hickory Grove Ro Hickory Grove Ro
ad ad
r
dD
Dr
od

woo
o
igw

ig

EW
EW

Cra
Cra

TH
TH

d Pl
d

Pl

Orr R

arri
Orr R

arri
ood

woo

sB
Ln
sB
n
ine L

ence

lvd
Dog
lpine
ence

lvd
Dog
lp

Lawr
McA
Lawr
McA

d
Oak R
d n Oak R
Wago
n Wago

Ba Ba
rcl rcl
iff iff
Dr Dr
Farm Pond
E WT Harris Blvd
E WT Harris Blvd

Wa Wa
lla lla ce
ce Ave
Ave

E E
Legend
1 Armed Robbery Legend
d
d le R
ap

rle R mar
E WT Harris Blvd
n Dr
ap

E WT Harris Blvd
r

ma Albe
aven D

1 Assault with a Deadly Weapon 8.85% - 10.05%

Regal Oaks Dr

Albe
Farm Pond Ln

Albemarle Rd
Regal Oaks Dr
Farm Pond Ln

Albemarle Rd
ave

0 225 450 900 1,350 1,800 0 225 450 900 1,350 1,800
Winterh
Winterh

Feet 1 Missing Person 10.08% - 14.61% Feet

1 inch = 1,000 feet 1 inch = 1,000 feet
 History
Eastland Mall Opening Day (A. Morwell)

Lawrence Orr (A. Morwell)

Uptown
Charlotte

Farm Pond
return to pay their tab. Many older folks say the town would
close down for the July Fourth Parade and other festivals.
Historic Charlotte newspaper articles state that the area was
full of wilderness, country roads, and large ponds, which have
since been drained and graded. Many residents miss the quiet
and intimate life before Charlotte Annexed Hickory Grove and
built Eastland Mall.
3 miles

Four Seasons Neighborhood Construction

Where have we come from?

Where is Farm Pond? What is the history of Farm In the 1970s, Charlotte annexed Hickory Grove, although
The City of Charlotte describes Farm Pond as a Neighborhood
Statistical Area bounded by Hickory Grove Road to the
Pond? many residents fought it. Annexation of East Side
communities cost about $1.6 million. a new mall, Eastland
north, East WT Harris Boulevard to the east (Highway 24), John Orr Plantation became the local hot spot, so lively that it was hard to find
Albemarle Road to the south, and Farm Pond Lane to the parking around Christmas.
west. Recorded history dates
Schoolhouse (A. Morwell) Erwin Construction built the Four Season neighborhood.
back to time after the
Farm Pond was once an incorporated part of Mecklenburg Civil War. The John Orr Four Seasons was an attractive neighborhood that gave first
County, called Crab Orchard Township. Crab Orchard Plantation, known as Orr time home buyers the option of buying a condo or a single
stretched from Old Concord Road to Monroe Road and Quarters, was located in family home. Four Seasons’ patio homes and split-level homes
included a small community called Hickory Grove, which is Farm Pond. Although attracted two types of families: those who wanted a more
where Farm Pond is today. there is little history urban lifestyle with maintenance free common areas, and
J.L. Carter Store (A. Morwell) about the Orr Quarters, those who desired suburban land tracts.
after emancipation, the land was divided up and given to the
Residents recall the family-friendly Homeowners’ Association,
slaves. One of the slaves, Alexander Orr, received land located
which offered many amenities like swimming lessons and a
off Hickory Grove Road. He raised thirteen children and
well-maintained greenway system. A ballpark, which is now
then divided the property among them. One of the children,
nearly impossible to access, was built in Campbell Creek Park.
Lawrence Orr bought land that is now part of the Farm Pond
Many residents enjoyed playing games there on weekends,
community. Lawrence Orr’s first home remains on Johnette
and children played in the streets. Residents even went fishing
Drive, and his grandchildren hope to restore it to retain
in a pond where the Wallace Creek neighborhood is today.
history of the community.

After Emancipation East Side Decline

Between 1980 and 1990, Residents attribute the decline to
Lawrence Orr seeing racism an issue,he formed a brotherhood
Map of Crab Orchard Township (A. Morwell) the phenomenon of IBM employees purchasing properties
with many former slaves. The organization helped to develop
in Farm Pond and the concurrent revitalization of Uptown
a voice in the community. The Brotherhood was important ,
Charlotte. The mass purchase of Farm Pond properties by out-
because this area had a high concentration of black property
of-town-ers led to many homes becoming rental properties.
owners, and they actively participated in life in Hickory Grove
community. The Brotherhood helped construct a school for Residents also believe that bad lending practices in the 1980s
black students, who previously attended church for education. and 1990s led low-income residents to believe that they
The school was open for 20 years before being closed. could own homes. The bad loans caused many foreclosures
in Farm Pond. Many Farm Pond residents recall that at first
Hickory Grove Community the changing demographic shift in Farm Pond was not a
problem. However, it became clear that the neighborhood had
Hickory Grove was a small community located around the changed when apartment rents declined from $900 per month
square at Hickory Grove and Delta Road. Many residents to around $400 to $500. Break-ins and shootings became
who lived in Hickory Grove fondly remember the close knit commonplace, and the Four Season Homeowners’ Association
community. Residents reminisce about how people lived by homeowners selling to absentee landlords.
the honor system; store owners trusted that patrons would

Summary
Opportunities Challenges Challenges
Hickory Hickory Hickory
Grove Grove Grove
Road Road Road
Hickory Grove Ro Hickory Grove Ro Hickory Grove Ro
ad ad ad
Dr

Dr

Dr
ood

ood

ood
igw

igw

igw
EW

EW

EW
Cra

Cra

Cra
TH

TH

TH
d

d Pl

d
d Pl

d Pl
Orr R

arri

Orr R

Orr R
arri

arri
woo

sB

woo

woo
n

sB

sB
Ln

Ln
ine L

ence

lvd
Dog

ence

ence
lvd

lvd
Dog

Dog
lpine

lpine
lp

Lawr
McA

Lawr

Lawr

2
McA

McA

d
n Oak R Oak R
d
Oak R
d
Wago Wago
n
Wago
n

Ba Ba Ba
rcl rcl rcl
iff iff iff
Dr Dr Dr

1
E WT Harris Blvd

E WT Harris Blvd

E WT Harris Blvd

Wa Wa Wa
lla ce lla lla
Ave ce ce
Ave Ave
Farm Pond

E le R
d
E d
E d
ap

mar le R le R
E WT Harris Blvd
r

ap

ap

mar mar
E WT Harris Blvd

E WT Harris Blvd
aven D

Albe
aven D

aven D
Regal Oaks Dr

Albe Albe
Farm Pond Ln

Albemarle Rd
Regal Oaks Dr

Regal Oaks Dr
Farm Pond Ln

Farm Pond Ln

Albemarle Rd Albemarle Rd
0 225 450 900 1,350 1,800
Winterh

0 225 450 900 1,350 1,800 0 225 450 900 1,350 1,800
Winterh

Winterh

Feet Feet Feet

1 inch = 1,000 feet 1 inch = 1,000 feet 1 inch = 1,000 feet

Farm Pond is already well served Legend Challenges in Farm Pond include crime, This map shows that there is no clear
by transit. The Campbell Creek 1. Four Seasons Greenway and Campbell
Creek Park
foreclosures, the high percentage of renters, correlation between areas with absentee
Park connects to the Four Seasons 2. Hickory Grove Baptist Church and out-of-state ownership. As this map landlords and significant police events.
greenway (1) and walking trails. Bus Stops with 10 minute walking shows, there is no clear correlation between A lack of clear relationship also exists
radius
If extended, the greenway could areas with high foreclosures, significant police Significant between concentrations of rental
Police Events
reach transit on Albemarle Rd. Hickory Grove Baptist Church events, and renters. Foreclosures
properties with absentee landlords and
(2) is another major landholder in the area that could connect foreclosures. Significant
inner homes to transit. Police Events
Foreclosures
 Process

First Farm Pond Neighborhood Meeting Second Farm Pond Neighborhood Third Farm Pond Neighborhood Meeting
On October 2 2010 at the Hickory Grove Public Library,
Meeting On December 11 2010 at the Hickory Grove Public Library,
students at UNC Charlotte facilitated a meeting of residents On November 6 2010 at the Hickory Grove Public Library, students at UNC Charlotte facilitated a third meeting of
from Farm Pond and adjacent neighborhoods. More than students at UNC Charlotte facilitated a second meeting of residents from Farm Pond and adjacent neighborhoods.
20 people attended the meeting, with most attendees being residents from Farm Pond and adjacent neighborhoods. Approximately 20 people attended the meeting,
homeowners in Farm Pond. More than 23 people attended the meeting, with most representing a broader spectrum of Farm Pond residents,
attendees being retired homeowners in Farm Pond. such as people from Eagle Woods, Wallace Creek, and the
The purpose of the first meeting was to gauge interest in homes above Four Seasons Homeowner’s Association.
and facilitate the creation of a neighborhood association. The purpose of the meeting was to maintain momentum
During the meeting, attendees introduced themselves and in Farm Pond for neighborhood organizing, to continue to The purpose of the meeting was to re-examine the purpose
described where they live in the neighborhood and how communicate to residents about City of Charlotte services of the Farm Pond Neighborhood Association, identify goals
long they had lived there for. The conversation during this in Farm Pond, and to learn about Farm Pond issues and for the community, brainstorm actions to reach goals, and
meeting principally focused on the level of crime in Farm concerns from residents. gather ideas for possible activities to undertake during 2011.
Pond.
Katie Lewis (Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department Unlike previous meetings, the discussion with residents
Dr. Janni Sorensen from the University of North Carolina Hickory Grove Community Coordinator), Eugene Bradley shifted away from crime frustration with youth, renters, and
at Charlotte was present at the meeting to help facilitate. (City of Charlotte), and Martina Jones (Community Activist) unkept properties. Instead, residents vocalized a willingness
Virginia Spykerman (candidate for the Board of City attended the meeting and made presentations. to act in Farm Pond and a desire to start doing something.
Commissioners), Katie Lewis (Charlotte Mecklenburg Police
Department Hickory Grove Community Coordinator), and
Kim Barnes (City of Charlotte) also attended the meeting.

Community Feedback Day in the Life in Farm Pond

Where are we now?

Hickory
Grove
Road
1 2
Hickory Grove Ro
ad
Ge
ttin
Dr
ood

Ho gh
igw

me om
EW
Cra

3 wo ef
TH
d

Pl

rk ro
Orr R

arri

m
d

Co
woo

sB
Ln

ok Di wo
ence

lvd
Dog
lpine

ing nn rk
9 PM
Lawr

W
McA

an er
d e atch tim
Wago
n Oak Rd
ati ing e i ng
l ng TV 6 PM e ep ep
hoo W
din Sl sle
Sc alk ne to
Ge r
to rk ttin i ng by
g
wo ba
4 oin gh th
Ba

or om e do he
rcl
G
rt
iff
Dr
f gs
dy Ru
ef fo ts
ing rea ro g
sh
o
p
ee tting
nn
ing
m
sc aitin ut
Sl e a by er hoo W gun g so
G b ra l to do
e
6 AM th
th nd
s ng i th
e
wi g 3 PM st
en g
ttin ing Midnight
Up n in t
as ing Li Le p
e f ee
E WT Harris Blvd

O
p
e ak ork S l
5 s B r W
s se
e g g
u sin p in
o lin i ng
p o k
B o ch al
Sh e s W
m
Wa
lla ce
Ave
H o ep
l e Noon ing afe ille
As n e s rs
v Midnight to 6 AM
ea C ss te
Cl i s e e n
9 AM c h u nr u sin Hu
n S b in - Sounds of gunshots
Lu at o g

E
s t i n
e h k - Lots of youth and “bad guys”
Tre unc a nd oad or
ar L r W roaming the neighborhood in
l l er le R
6 le R
d
Do izza ning mar s ol
the middle of the street
ap

mar
E WT Harris Blvd
r

8 o d
aven D

10 Albe
t P n e l o
Regal Oaks Dr

Ru Alb na sch
Farm Pond Ln

Albemarle Rd

o ing dy’s n o
cD In
0 225 450 900 1,350 1,800
Winterh

7
9 11 Feet G Ted o
M
1 inch = 1,000 feet

During the Second Community Meeting, community members This diagram represents community feedback from the
told us about Farm Pond during a mapping exercise. The Second Community Meeting regarding what a typical day is
blue area approximates what community members perceive like for residents in Farm Pond.
to be Farm Pond’s boundaries. Some people also considered
the area south of Albemarle Road to be Farm Pond, too. The
red outlined areas are generally considered to be dangerous.
The orange lines represent the Four Seasons greenway trails,
which are considered a great community asset.

The following sites were 5. Four Seasons Club House

labelled as memorable assets 6. McDonalds
to the community: 7. Bi-Lo
8. Bank of America
1. Hickory Grove Library 9. Sunrise Cafe
2. BB&T 10. Post Office
3. Hickory Grove Baptist Church 11. Cookout, Taco Bell, KFC
4. Campbell Creek Park

Four Seasons HOA Annual General Eagle Woods Movie Night Eagle Woods Apartment Complex Party
Meeting To ensure that Farm Fond is becoming a socially integrated As a pilot project to bring the Farm Pond Neighborhood
On November 20 2010 at the Four Seasons Club House neighborhood, a community activist, Martina Jones, and Association to apartment residents, Judith Gamboa
(5050 Farm Pond Lane) Four Seasons Homeowners’ her family have been hosting events in their home to get to organized a party at the Eagle Woods Clubhouse on
Association held their Annual General Meeting. know their neighbors. December 10, 2010.

M. Jones began Friday movie nights as a way to engage The Charlotte Action Research Project (CHARP) provided
Farm Pond

Four Seasons Homeowners’ Association was one of

Charlotte’s original HOAs, with bylaws that were imitated youth in her neighborhood and get them off the streets. refreshments, Power 98 played great music, and Charlotte
throughout the state. Movie Nights have been held in October and November and Mecklenburg Parks and Recreation kindly lent the project
have focused on building respect between youth and the leam tables. T
After having experienced setbacks in the Homeowners’ Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department
Association, such as the disappearance of the Association’s The event was a great way to celebrate neighborliness and
reserve funds, Four Seasons HOA is re-assessing its These 2-hour events are a great time for kids to socialize, raise awareness about the Neighborhood Association.
position, improving the appearance of the neighborhood, meet role models in their community, and enter a warm and Involving local businesses and giving residents more notice
and re-establishing leadership in the neighborhood. loving atmosphere.. ahead of time would be ways to encourage more people to
attend future events.
Vision, Goals, and Actions

Accountability
n
ca
e s
lt ur e l
cu fe
d
all an
e
is welcoming... liv f e
sa
Maintenance
Apa a place where I can
rtm ies &
ent i v i t is safe and has
ct leave my doors Beautification
Ma a
are
nag
ers o f and
ll ids curb appeal
hel fu k unlocked
to d he
Vision

i n g acc t

Goals
m r
elco oun
tab fo u th
is w n le yo
ch ildre
n g
you Apartment Managers Safety
Iw
ant
f or to Far treat people
fe m
S a i n g, Inviting to live in be
ap
Po
nd
, rid is lac with respect
in g ids saf et
l k k e, f hat
wa a nd rie
l i ng, ndl
ya
i c yc ng cle nd Resources
b y i an
pla is welcoming to
IS SAFE!
young children

Friendliness

Where are we going?

l y ?
p time
ap con s i s t e n t maintain home
to
w
Ho and place c ode exterior and yard
p o rt
ings Re ns
talk with neighbors
for meet lat i o maintenance
V i o Talk
to V
Shorter Term

Yout neighbors get illa

h Heig
involved hts
Volu Help to get people
nteer ing o Hom
neighborhood calling ther Pic e Ow
s w kin involved ner
tras ith gu Ass
h ca pd ocia
911 when things ns og tion
po
s Ke op
ter ep seem suspicious
ing
let aro peopl
e repo
ws ju
nk rting
Ne un
dy fr NO t code
om rash violat Farm Pond
ou in yar Police presence ions
rh ds! to 311
om yard signage
e in Farm Pond
r
o u t fo
t c h ing
welcoming wa r ing kno
n t e
g e r s e ck
stra n on und
committee p e r ties get doo aro
’ pro peo rs s h
i g h bor s ple and Tra d
n e
t h o me invo k all r h oo
n o t a lve Pic h bo Keeping yard clean
n d g
whe y nei
m

Mak Neighb
e Fa orhoo
rm P d
ond
look Impro
ip vemen
like e rsh t vac
ant
Idle neighborhood Book L ead hom
wild es
Farm Bus kep are
s ines ta
club s ttr
act
Longer Term

Dev ive Renters Maintaining

elop
men
t Mak their homes
More e ou neighborhood
r co
by having block parties play mm
Homeowners City grants grou unit
nd a y watch
or welcoming ttra cre
a ctiv ate doesn’t appear
h e r iz a t io n n d e a gr
Kids w e a t u sab
le flo oup Bylaws
committees wer for you’ve driven onto
+ sa
nd
CP shr
CC Lan ub
Farm Pond

dsc Wilkinson Blvd

con e
str Mor
e su Yard maintenanc apin
uc cce to g Requires
pro tio ssf cre y.
gra n
bus ul th ate slowl
m u n g
ines
ses y o
for
gro
ups d rivi organization
le
gin g cra eop
be lon fts by p u p
sible Pu t
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r e s a t
s nt n
c ity’ m e ild r e
ro ve “ch
Neig imp i g n age
hbo
rho for s
od s
ign
Resources
Case Studies
Casa Familiar, San Diego
Non-profit mediator within community,
architectural practice, & one-stop shop for service
providers. Literal and social community builder.
ArtSpace, Minneapolis
Creates and maintains affordable live-work
space for artists. Property development, asset
management, and consulting.
House Charlotte
Up to $7,500 in downpayment assistance
for qualified home buyers in transitioning
neighborhoods.
Resources in Charlotte
Neighborhood Matching Grant
Quarterly grant program to revitalize challenged
and transitioning neighborhoods through
developing partnerships.
Business Investment Program
Grant
Creation, expansion, and retention of new and
existing businesses.
Big Box Demolition Grant
Grant for up to 50% of total project cost to
demolish big box sites that have been vacant at
least 2 years
Hispanic Housing Development
Corporation, Chicago
Provides people with both new and renovated
homes. Develops and manages real estate.
United Neighborhood Organization,
Chicago
Grassroots empowerment, outreach, activism, and
community revitalization.
Home Ownership Rehabilitation
Program
Low interest loans to low and moderate income
homeowners to address code violations and repairs
Energy Grant Program
5 communities chosen each year to implement
energy efficiency strategies.
Business District Organization
Program
$30,000 matching grant to encourage businesses
to work togetther for mutual benefit
Security Grant
Matching funds for the installation of eligible
security improvements to commercial property
Portland Hotel Society, Vancouver
Canada
Long-term housing for people suffering from
mental illness and addiction. Property developer.
Collingwood Neighborhood House,
Vancouver Canada
How do we get there?
Multicultural exchanges and community building.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Coalition
for Housing
Program to help house homeless population
Mayor’s Youth Employment
Program
Internships for youth aged 16 to 18
Facade Improvement Grant
Remove blight and improved commercial
environment by imrpoving signage, parking, and
landscaping
Farm Pond
Community University
Trains students to become better advocates for
themselves. Provides tools to improve & maintain
local community and businesses organizations.