Community Meeting #1 (September): Assets, Challenges, and Opportunities

We had an exciting Community Meeting 1 held at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park on Saturday September 6th from 12:00 to 2:00 pm. Approximately 40 participants attended including residents from the neighborhood, residents from the target public housing site as well as the Choice planning team with members from the City of Joliet and Housing Authority of Joliet.

Thank you to all the attendees, the Bicentennial Bluffs Neighborhood Association, and the Bicentennial Park staff for all their support to host this meeting!

The meeting format included open engagement activities through stations displaying materials and prompts for resident input; it also included breakouts for small group conversations and collaborative activity guided by a worksheet.

The goals of this meeting focused on:

• Sharing about the Choice Neighborhoods planning process and showcasing the engagement activities that will be designed throughout this process for input and feedback. 

• Identifying community assets, challenges, and opportunities through diverse interactive activities and group discussions.

• Launching the Resident Needs Assessment Survey and increasing awareness for resident participation.

• Share information about existing plans and initiatives in the Bicentennial Bluffs Neighborhood.

The meeting engagement strategies included the following:

Voting: Residents were asked to prioritize the top three (3) assets, challenges, and opportunities in their community.

Resident survey: HAJ residents had the opportunity to complete a digital or printed Needs Assessment Survey.

Interactive Map: Residents were asked to provide their input through notecards related to community assets, challenges, and opportunities.

Breakout Groups: Residents discussed, documented, and reported back about their selected top three assets, challenges, and opportunities.

What We've Learned

Below are the top three topics voted for at the meeting of each category:

Assets:

1. Grocery Store

2. Public Transportation

3. Beautiful homes

Challenges:

1. Lack of affordable housing

2. Stray dogs

3. Difficult access to food

Opportunities:

1. Safety

2. Transportation

3. Food Security

Key Findings

Residents of Bicentennial Bluffs highlighted both challenges and opportunities across the neighborhood based on their personal experience. Limited grocery and dining options underscored the need to expand the food security network by supporting local businesses. Public transit access is highly valued, but unreliable service and weak cross-river connections challenge mobility. Assets like Bicentennial Park are deeply appreciated, yet residents call for more family-oriented green spaces, shaded seating, and community gardens. Safety concerns focus on vandalism, substance abuse, and slow responses, while health and education gaps emphasize the need for local services, youth programs, and wellness activities. Residents value social ties but seek stronger community life, career pathways, and affordable, well-maintained housing.

Additional insights from breakout discussions are highlighted below:

Assets

• Arts, drama, and cultural events in the park

• Live entertainment on Thursdays

• Friendly neighbors and strong community ties

• Churches and the Bicentennial Bluffs Neighborhood Association

• Food pantry at St. Peter & St. John supporting residents

• Street lights, cameras, and safer buildings in parts of the neighborhood

• Nearby hospitals and health services

• Convenient access to public transit, Pace, and Metra connections

• Bus service to local destinations like Walmart

• Plentiful job opportunities in the area

• Pride in well-kept yards and secure homes

Challenges

• Lack of nearby grocery stores and affordable restaurants

• Sidewalks, crosswalks, and potholes require repair

• Rising rents and communication concerns

• Noise, parties, and unsafe behavior in and around buildings

• Incidents of overdose, vandalism, and property damage

• Limited visibility and unsafe sightlines due to vegetation

• Vacant and abandoned properties, homelessness, and lack of upkeep

• Bridge closures affecting access

• Lack of family spaces and activities for children

• Slow housing authority response to maintenance issues

• Problems with plumbing, water pressure, and heating

Opportunities

• Extended business hours and frequencies, including Sundays for public transportation

• Expansion of community gardens with diverse crops

• Affordable and well-maintained housing options

• Greater accessibility and activities for seniors in public spaces or buildings

• Improved access to laundry, grocery, and fresh food stores

• Health, fitness, and tenant-focused programs

• Stronger security: lights, cameras, elevators, and guards

• Cultural activities, arts, crafts, and community events

• Expanded youth programs and social activities

• Housing that is affordable, accessible, and resilient

• Enhanced public spaces with lighting, seating, and shade

• Increased resident support programs (SSI, Medicare)