ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a descriptive overview of the neighborhoods selected for the study. They include the concentrated poverty neighborhoods of Franklinton and South Linden and the low poverty neighborhoods of Hilltop and North Central. Networking has been important as Franklinton officials try to tackle neighborhood housing problems. While neighborhood area commissions are mandated in the Columbus City Charter, residents in specific areas of the city had to accomplish a number of organizational tasks before their respective area commission was approved. However, as indicated by the foregoing opening quotation, in a July 1997 interview given by Helen Evans of the Franklinton Area Commission, neighborhood leaders have not lost hope in their area or in the ability of residents to make positive contributions. South Linden is, primarily, a residential area with a few commercial and industrial sites scattered throughout some neighborhoods.
