North Columbia residents meet with city for second time to discuss problems in area

North Columbia residents discussed ways to fix problems in their neighborhoods.

Nearly 40 people came to Thursday’s meeting, which was held at Derby Ridge Elementary.

Lack of youth activities, crime, community resources, resources for younger parents and transportation were all concerns that residents in North Columbia talked about tonight.

Thursday night marked the second meeting for residents and the city as part of the city’s strategic plan. The format was more of a intimate cafe-style setting.

Event organizer, Carolyn Sullivan said the reasoning behind it is to allow residents to address their concerns on a more personal level.

“We want to hear what is on their hearts, what’s on their mind and how they want to improve their neighborhood and how we might work together to get that done tonight,” Sullivan said.

Residents wrote their concerns on paper and hung them on a wall for other residents and city leaders to see.

One resident who ABC 17 News spoke with says that one of the biggest concerns for him was having more activities for the young kids so they don’t get into bad habits.

“On hand, there isn’t a lot of recreation for the young kids in the neighborhood,” Marcel Lambert, North Columbia resident, told ABC 17 News. “It’s something we touched on at the last meeting and I’m coming to see what the followup is on it.”

Although many of the residents agreed that change wouldn’t happen overnight, Lambert said there have been benefits from being at the meetings.

“The last meeting they were talking about the need for bus drivers and I put in my application. On Monday everything came thru so I’m waiting to start my training,” Lambert said.

Lambert says more money in his pocket will mean more activities for kids.

Organizers say they will gather all the information collected tonight and present their findings at their next meeting on February 7.