It is very difficult to describe these areas by comparing them with census information or school district delineations, since the boundaries of the 14 foot patrol areas were designated and requested by community leaders and residents. Moore Street, Myrtle, and Sonny Avenues run east and west in this neighborhood. The streets Donnelly, Keyes, and Race, and Milbourne Avenue run north and south in this neighborhood. The population within the larger Merrill School attendance area was approximately 6,756 in 1979. No large, or even medium-size churches are in the area, but there are a number of smaller ones.
Area one has a considerably larger black population now than when the foot patrol program began.
There are many seniors and couples with children. Target area one has maintained the same foot officer since the inception of the program. Presently Merrill has 13 block clubs. Several were established by the Neighborhood Foot Patrol Officer who works closely with the North Flint Coalition of Block Clubs. Bryant Jr. High School is located in this area.