City government and local businesses plan to give the deteriorating neighborhood a shot in the arm through a comprehensive program of beautification and crime reduction. The Partnership to Enhance Neighborhoods is a collaboration between the mayor's office, Yale University, St. Raphael's Hospital, area banks, local non-profit developers, and various community organizations. The PEN group plans to expand to a total of 24 houses in the Dwight neighborhood.
Ownership is a key aspect of the plan's philosophy.
We have seen in the past that home ownership provides stability and pride. Aware of the difficulty in purchasing a new home, PEN will provide financial support and advice to potential home buyers. The area banks involved in PEN will help first-time home buyers through attractive loans and counseling on the loan application process, said Barbara Johnson, senior vice president of People's Bank. Johnson, who bought her first home through a similar program, said the project is good business. PEN will not only address financial concerns but will address quality of life issues as well.