ADVANCING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES: MAKING LEMON GROVE CLEANER, SAFER AND MORE FAMILY FRIENDLY

By David R. Shorey, East County Program Manager, Institute for Public Strategies

September 3, 2023 (Lemon Grove) -- Lemon Grove’s main business corridor on Broadway is the center of commerce, but the physical environment of the area is suffering. Community leaders recently took to the streets to conduct a comprehensive assessment of their neighborhood along Broadway. It was an inspiring display of community engagement and commitment to positive change to shed light on issues like drug and alcohol harm, blight, walkability, and other areas needing of improvement. This June walk on a Saturday morning reflects the strong sense of community among Lemon Grove's residents and underscores the urgency to address pressing concerns through collaborative efforts.

Institute for Public Strategies organized the assessment and included Lemon Grove City Councilmember Jennifer Mendoza, the Lemon Grove Collaborative, the Lemon Grove Clergy Association and local residents. It exemplifies the power of grassroots action in fostering positive change. By physically traversing Broadway, we gained a firsthand understanding of the challenges that have been affecting the neighborhood. The goal was to inspire community engagement and elevate public awareness around issues like alcohol retail density.

We identified several areas of concern as we walked about a mile along both sides of Broadway from Harris Street on the west, to Washington Street on the east. There was blight, blacked-out windows and doors of liquor stores, graffiti, litter, empty beer, wine, and liquor bottles, as well as instances of vomit and human waste. This underscored the need for immediate attention to create a safer and more inviting environment for everyone.

One striking observation was the noticeable disparity between the areas cleaned by the City and privately-maintained shopping areas. The well-maintained spaces cleaned by the City stood in stark contrast to the vandalized and litter-strewn properties maintained privately. Working with limited resources, the City of Lemon Grove offers this cleaning service free of charge. City officials have indicated that certain business owners have refused this. The property and business owners, though, don’t take care of their properties themselves. This discrepancy highlights the importance of collaboration between city authorities and private businesses to ensure a cohesive and attractive community environment. Additionally, it highlights the need for property owners to increase their efforts to take responsibility for their properties if they choose to not take advantage of other services available.

We noticed that the cleaner storefronts of markets that do not sell alcohol, in comparison to businesses like the 7-Eleven, which displayed alcoholic beverage containers and trash around its premises. This observation draws attention to the correlation between alcohol retail and the visual upkeep of storefronts. There was also a positive impact of proactive measures in maintaining a cleaner environment. An area near Home Depot, inhabited by day laborers, demonstrated cleanliness because of the placement of trash bags. Strategic interventions can effectively combat blight and encourage responsible waste disposal.

One concerning discovery during the assessment was the state of Gas Spot, located adjacent to a new apartment complex under construction on Broadway. Litter, human waste, and paraphernalia showed the need to address the environment around establishments that sell alcohol. It’s important to note that civic groups in Lemon Grove frequently perform community clean-ups. However, without the active engagement of business and property owners, the efforts act as a Band-Aid for blight. Their resources and time are limited. Everyone including the City, community members, and business and property owners, is part of the solution.

The outcomes of this community assessment serve as a need for meaningful change in Lemon Grove. IPS intends to present the information at upcoming meetings to draw the attention of decision-makers and policymakers to the immediate issues that need addressing.

The assessment series will continue, encompassing other high-traffic areas in Lemon Grove. This proactive approach showcases our commitment to systematically identify and rectify issues that impact the well-being of residents. Through these assessments, the Lemon Grove community is taking a significant step toward creating a safer, more inviting, and harmonious living environment for everyone. By engaging with these issues on a grassroots level, Lemon Grove residents are paving the way for a more comprehensive community change strategy. The insights from the assessments will provide a robust foundation for evidence-based decision-making.

Environmental assessment efforts raise awareness and lay the groundwork for a collaborative strategy that encompasses local authorities, businesses, and the community at large. Lemon Grove is well on its way to becoming a more vibrant, thriving, and united community.

IPS works alongside communities to build power, challenge systems of inequity, protect health and improve quality of life. IPS has a vision for safe, secure, vibrant and healthy communities where everyone can thrive. To learn more about IPS East County, follow us on our social media platforms: IPS East County Facebook, IPS East County Twitter, and East County Youth Coalition Instagram. Our website is at IPSEast.org. Resources and services are available to assist with screening, treatment, and recovery for individuals with a substance use disorder. The Access & Crisis line is open year-round, 24/7 at (888) 724-7240.