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MHNA Checks In

The announcement, appearing below, Mt. Hope Neighborhood News appeared in the Community News section of the East Side Monthly.

Nothing but luck and best wishes to the new leadership at the MHNA, but if they characterize "gentrification" as "Bad" and "Affordable Housing" as in "Subsidized" as "Good" well, there is a need for dialogue about these characterizations.

I hope the MHNA is willing to also address the very real problems of drug dealing, loitering, littering, and gang violence, including the ongoing feud between youth factions of Mt. Hope and South Providence which have lead to many "Shots Fired" in our lovely and much improving Mt. Hope neighborhood.

None of the above issues were addressed in the MHNA announcement. I hope these issues are not on their back burner but rather front and center.

The new leadership at the MHNA seems eminently qualified to lead the organization in a new direction, which will help Mt. Hope reach its true potential as a neighborhood in harmony, not only with its diverse population, but with the environment, and to help Mt. Hope taxpayers get their money's worth in city services, including street cleaning, park maintenance, and law enforcement.

From the East Side Monthly.

Mt. Hope Neighborhood News By Michelle Wilson

New Leadership at Mt. Hope Neighborhood Association

Chris D. Lopes has been elected as new Chair of the Board of Directors of the Mount Hope Neighborhood Association (MHNA). Lopes is a lifelong resident of the East Side with third generational ties to the Mount Hope community. A graduate of Hope High School, Lopes attended the University of Rhode Island (URI) and where he received a bachelor's degree in Economics and Communications. While at URI, Lopes was President of Uhuru Sa Sa, a minority student organization, and was instrumental in moving the organization in a positive direction. Over the years, Lopes has held progressively responsible positions as a software engineer for the State of Rhode Island, Lifespan (RI Hospital), and Atlantic Data Services. He also served in management positions for PricewaterhouseCoopers and Citizens Bank. Currently, Lopes is employed at Fidelity Investments in Boston.

In 1986, while serving as Campaign Manager for Councilman Donald J. "Danny" Lopes, Lopes developed a passion for public service. In his role as Board Chair, Lopes believes MHNA is at a cross roads were the organization is favorably positioned to align itself not only with the needs of the community but also with the residents it represents. He plans to refocus the centers efforts by strengthening organizational capacity, expanding the mission of MHNA, and restoring the Association's commitment to community empowerment. States Lopes, "We will create a business model, goals and bench marks that will help guide MHNA's efforts as we work to introduce new, effective programs that fit the needs of the community." Additional priorities include streamlining costs and establishing more effective communication channels to the community.

Raymond L. Watson also joins MHNA as the newly hired Executive Director. Watson is one of the community's own. Raised in the Mt. Hope area until the age of thirteen, Watson also has strong generational ties to this historic East Side community. A graduate of Classical High School, Watson received his undergraduate degree in Political Science from Union College in Schenectady, NY. He continued his studies at the University of Rhode Island where he graduated with a master's degree in Community Planning.

Watson has ambitious goals for MHNA. He sees the task of rebuilding and strengthening those services that address the needs of residents as key to the agencies growth and sustainability. Watson notes that "as Executive Director, I describe my vision for MHNA with the phrase "Hope and Pride." "I hope not only to continue to build the neighborhood's confidence in the Center but also share my sense of pride and excitement for the organization with residents of this community."

Moving forward, there are several social/community issues Watson intends to address. His focus will include expansion of employment and training opportunities for youth, increasing the availability of elderly services, the development of a community needs assessment, and a major study on how gentrification has impacted this neighborhood. "Although Mt. Hope has managed to survive, unless immediate steps are taken to address the affordable housing needs of the neighborhood, we may see what happened to the Benefit Street section of Providence occur here in Mt. Hope - that would be a grave travesty as Mt. Hope has deep roots in the history of the city of Providence."

"This is a very exciting time for MHNAÓ says Watson. MHNA is currently in the process of restructuring and refocusing its energy and resources to ensure that we are serving Mt. Hope in the best way possible. I think that I jumped on board at an excellent time."
Residents of the Mt Hope are invited to meet Lopes, Watson and members of the Board of Directors at the Association's upcoming community open house scheduled for Saturday, March 3rd from 10:00 am - 12:00 p.m. For more information or to R.S.V.P, please call 521-8830.

Posted by: John Twomey

Posted at March 6, 2007 11:01 AM

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Posted by: James at March 10, 2007 12:39 AM