Layton Boulevard West Quality of Life Plan Highlights znimilwaukee.org 1 Layton Boulevard West is fast becoming a community of choice for families, young professionals, and small business owners. Bounded by Pierce Street on the north, Lincoln Avenue on the south, Layton Boulevard on the east, and Miller Park Way on the west, the area brings together three historic Milwaukee neighborhoods: Silver City, Burnham Park, and Layton Park. These neighborhoods offer quality, affordable housing, a wealth of retail and recreational amenities, and ethnic and cultural diversity. Just 10 minutes from downtown Milwaukee, Layton Lincoln corridors. This diversity is one of the area’s most Boulevard West encompasses the iconic Mitchell valued assets. Park Conservatory Domes, Miller Park stadium, the Layton Boulevard West also faces significant bustling Miller Park Way commercial district, and the challenges from poverty, unemployment, and foreclosed Menomonee Valley, where 300 acres of brownfields have homes. Neighbors old and new understand these been restored to job-creating productive use. challenges and have come together to take action. The Hank Aaron State Trail, starting at Milwaukee’s Coordinating their efforts is Layton Boulevard West lakefront and following the Menomonee River eight miles Neighbors, Inc., a community development organization west to the county line, allows neighbors to walk or bike founded in 1995 by the School Sisters of St. Francis. to work, while the newly restored Valley Passage at 37th Layton Boulevard West Neighbors stabilizes and and Pierce Streets gives people immediate access to revitalizes the area through grassroots leadership, the Valley’s jobs and recreational opportunities. economic development, homeownership promotion, Layton Boulevard West’s diverse population—66% and housing development and rehabilitation. Latino, 22% Caucasian, 5% African American, and 4% Together, Layton Boulevard West Neighbors, Asian—is reflected in its mix of ethnic restaurants and community members, and partners are developing and distinctive shops along the National, Burnham, and implementing a comprehensive plan to improve the quality of life in the neighborhood. Quality of Life Plan Highlights | znimilwaukee.org 1 WELCOME TO OUR COMMUNITY! WILD FLOUR BAKERY FOOD CART VENDOR Neighborhood Appearance Community Safety Network With a wealth of bungalows, churches, parks, Layton Boulevard West is a community of hard- three commercial corridors, and a historic working and caring people who strive for a more boulevard, residents of Layton Park, Burnham peaceful environment. While violent crime has Park, and Silver City recognize Layton Boulevard decreased in recent years, neighbors involved West’s potential to become one of Milwaukee’s in the planning process stated that property most attractive neighborhoods. Neighbors crimes, such as graffiti, are a challenge to the have begun to uncover and capitalize on these neighborhood’s safety and welcoming spirit. assets. However, with over 75% of buildings Neighbors feel that engaging more people and and infrastructure built prior to 1930, neighbors building trust among residents, businesses, understand the challenges that come with and partners will make people feel safe and maintaining and improving private properties welcome, encourage neighborliness, and and public spaces. Vacant and boarded-up contribute to community safety and confidence. homes and businesses present an additional To support a peaceful, clean, and challenge to the neighborhood’s appearance. well-maintained neighborhood where all To improve the physical appearance of feel safe and welcome, we will encourage the neighborhood, we will promote the neighbors to work together in cleanup maintenance and improvement of private and beautification projects. We will create Layton Boulevard West Layton Boulevard properties and public spaces, and engage and connect block clubs to strengthen the the community in cleanup efforts. We will community safety network. This network will plant trees and flowers, create community improve communication among residents, gardens, and engage young people in creating landlords, business owners, and the police public art for the neighborhood’s open spaces. department; provide a forum for community We will advocate for street and sidewalk repairs, problem-solving; and educate neighbors remove and prevent graffiti, and tend to the about crime trends, prevention, and reporting. appearance of vacant lots and buildings. We will Neighbors will work to strengthen relationships work with homeowner-counseling organizations with external organizations that focus on and public officials to assist property owners community safety, such as the Citywide Block facing foreclosure. Watch Council and the Youth Council of the City of Milwaukee. Quality of Life Plan Highlights | znimilwaukee.org 2 VIENTIANE NOODLE SHOP HANK AARON STATE TRAIL MURAL ARTIST U.S. GRANT SCHOOL Social Engagement Youth Education and Leadership Residents of Layton Boulevard West want to Layton Boulevard West is a community of know their neighbors better, and they want more young people: 33% of the population is under places and opportunities to socialize. They are the age of 18, compared to a citywide average attracted to and value the area’s ethnic diversity, of 27%. With so many residents under the age yet recognize the need for some help in navi- of 18, supporting our youth in achieving gating cultural and language differences. In the their potential, both academically and course of community planning, neighbors personally, and encouraging them to serve highlighted the need to build strong relation- the community as they develop life and ships that develop a sense of community work skills is central to improving the quality of and encourage collaboration. life in the community. We will promote new opportunities for social To prepare our children and youth for interaction and foster inter-generational and purposeful and productive lives, we will partner cross-cultural interaction. We will work to with local schools to improve academic overcome language barriers among our achievement, increase graduation rates, and diverse population by connecting neighbors prepare youth for post-secondary education; to educational resources in English, Spanish, with nonprofits to promote healthy living, and Hmong. We will multiply efforts to organize leadership development, entrepreneurship, Layton Boulevard West Layton Boulevard block clubs, open houses, and special events and community service; and with parents to such as National Avenue’s Trick-or-Treat enable and mobilize parental involvement in Street, Sounds of Summer concerts, and education. We will advocate for additional after- the Annual Neighborhood Gathering. We will school and out-of-school opportunities for skill identify and nurture local leaders who can and character building, leadership cultivation, move the neighborhood forward and create the and workforce development; provide safe relationships that will lead to a more connected places for youth to gather and socialize; and community. attract additional child and youth development organizations to serve in the Layton Boulevard West neighborhoods. Quality of Life Plan Highlights | znimilwaukee.org 3 CONCERTINA HALL OWNER NATIVITY JESUIT MIDDLE SCHOOL STEVE AND GLORIA ESPINOZA, SILVER CITY RESIDENTS Community Identity Healthy Living Neighbors in Silver City, Burnham Park, and Numerous health studies show that Layton Park take pride in the wide array of socioeconomic status and environment exciting destinations that make up Layton affect health outcomes. With poverty and Boulevard West. Biking on the Hank Aaron unemployment levels above the city average, State Trail; trying exotic fruits and vegetables at an aging infrastructure, and limited space for any of the ethnic grocery stores; eating tacos, recreation and exercise, Layton Boulevard West Pad Thai, or ceviche at a local restaurant; or is at a disadvantage. Given these obstacles, touring a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home, throughout the planning process neighbors are all unique experiences within Milwaukee. expressed a desire to lead healthier lives and Add these experiences to what our neighbors recognized that, together, they can work to value most—quality architecture, a diverse improve their personal health, the health of their population, and a strong sense of community— community, and the environment. and one understands why people are choosing To promote and support physical, to live, work and serve in Layton Boulevard emotional, and social well-being we will West. work with community organizations and health Developing and marketing a distinctive providers to offer classes in nutrition, canning, community identity that celebrates Layton and healthy cooking; establish additional Layton Boulevard West Layton Boulevard Boulevard West’s rich history, diversity, community gardens and conduct workshops assets, and market potential will positively on growing fruits and vegetables; and sponsor influence how people outside the area view a new farmers’ market. We will increase the neighborhood. As we promote Layton access to free or affordable fitness, sports, and Boulevard West’s identity and offerings, recreational activities; promote walking, biking, we will attract more homeowners, visitors, and other outdoor exercise; and offer walking patrons, businesses, and investments to the tours that feature “green solutions” already neighborhood. in place, such as our energy efficient