Polytechnic
Heights, with more than 12,000 resident was developed in the
1850's. It flourished in the 1930's as faculty housing for the
emerging Texas Wesleyan University. It is now a diverse community
representing mostly service employment with largely African American
and Hispanic families
Its
burgeoning rebirth can be perceived in several powerful
changes: first and foremost, the Poly Empowerment Association,
fostered
by NHS, now has full fledged Community Development Corporation
status and is building new homes. NHS Board Member and
Treasurer Pearline Jeffery is Executive Director of the PCDC,
and has earned
$1.4 million in grants for Poly as a model blocks program. "Poly
is beginning to show important signs of revitalization and a
rebirth of strong community," Jefferey says. "It
presents a challenge, but our goal is to encourage longtime
residents
to want to stay, and young business people who have grown
up in Poly, to want to come back to live and make it an
exciting
and vital place."
The
new Boys and Girls Club is another sign of rebirth. The facility
will serve hundreds of community youth and become a hub for family-style
community activities. It is located at the corner of Vaughn and Rosedale,
right in the heart of the redevelopment village.
And,
TWU's renewed commitment to the area presents a positive signal for
partnership. TWU has committed time and resources to the rebuilding
projects, and NHS Board Member Quentin McGown, counsel for the University
says, "We have a natural affinity for the Poly area, and as
a member of the community, Texas Wesleyan is committed to the growth
and continued revitalization of Poly."
