In June 2002, the Greektown CDC developed a concept paper and program implementation. From this, a strategic plan(Volume1) was published. In just 3 short years, most of the elements of this first plan have been implemented. In just five eyars, the organization has moved from strictly volunteer, start-up organization to an independent, professionally managed organization with a sustainable budget.  The Greektown CDC Office The Greektown CDC's mission is to implement an action plan that builds on the assets of the community to bring about a stronger, cleaner and safer neighborhood and to create a fun place to live, work and play. During our first two years of existence we focused on reducing crime and grime. We partnered with Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center to employ off-duty uniformed police officers to supplement the City's services. Thanks to these foot patrolmen and increased cooperation with the Southeastern Police District, crime decreased 40% in 2003 from the year before. We also attacked dirty alleys, yards and streets by working with city government to implement aggressive code enforcement that holds residents accountable for cleanliness through citations and fines. We also encouraged the City to pursue aggressive enforcement on zoning violations, particularly at problem multi-family properties. Now that the neighborhood is safer and cleaner, we are moving into our third year with a focus on housing and economic development, as well as youth programming and community activities. We have assisted four businesses on the highly visible main commercial strip on Eastern Avenue with funding for business facade improvements. We have acquired residential properties which were multi-family dwellings, run down and poorly managed, to rehabilitate for resale to homeowners. We are building a market and drawing attention to our community through positive outcomes, events and media attention. Our strategy is working, but we have a long way to go and we need to maintain our momentum.
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