Diversity Magazine Southern Indiana June 2022 | Page 7

Calling for Change

Claysburg residents see need for improved housing , investments in neighborhood
STORY BY BROOKE MCAFEE PHOTOS BY BILL HANSON

When Carol Moon walks around the Claysburg neighborhood , she envisions a brighter future for her community .

She envisions housing options where a resident doesn ’ t know the income level of the person living next door . She envisions the beautification of the streetscape and buildings throughout the community .
She envisions sweeping investments that would transform her neighborhood in a positive way .
Moon is among the members of the Claysburg Neighborhood Association pushing for revitalization in the traditionally Black neighborhood in Jeffersonville . She is the president of the association and a homeowner who has lived in Claysburg for most of her life .
Residents say decades of decline have plagued their neighborhood , and they want to see it thrive with better housing options , more businesses and more opportunities for residents . For far too long , they say , the neighborhood has been affected by blight , poverty and crime .
Moon doesn ’ t have to live in Claysburg , but she chooses to live in the community she loves , she said . She describes growing up in a community focused on “ family , respect and love .”
“ That ’ s what Claysburg was known for — a great school with a great recreation center for kids to be active in the summer and in the evenings ,” she said . “ Churches always had their doors open for vacation Bible school . So that ’ s what you did in Claysburg . You rode your bicycle and growing up as a kid , you just had fun .”
<< CAROL MOON IS ALL ABOUT FAMILY , RESPECT AND LOVE AS SHE PROMOTES A BETTER LIFE FOR THE RESIDENTS OF THE
CLAYSBURG NEIGHBORHOOD .
2022 Diversity Magazine 7