Resident Survey - East St. Louis Action Research Project ...

Introduction
2002 SOUTH END REVITALIZATION PLAN
4.2 Resident Survey
As part of the comprehensive plan development process, volunteers surveyed the South
End neighborhood regarding their opinions about the neighborhood. The primary
objective of the survey is to build a broad perspective of the resident’s viewpoints and
offer the opportunity for involvement in SENDO.
In February of 2002, volunteers from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
and the South End neighborhood surveyed residents in the South End during a weekend.
Over 60 households are represented in the survey results. The survey consists of 88
questions and assesses general and specific impressions of South End, environment,
housing, community services, shopping and economic activity, household
demographics, planning and community leadership, as well as neighborhood
cooperation.
These results only represent those respondents who participated in the survey. So
SENDO will need to consider these results in context of the neighborhood. Another
consideration for SENDO is to periodically conduct the survey to gauge changes in
perception of South End and issues of importance for the residents.
As appendix B you will find a listing of all questions in the survey and the statistics for
the answers.
Students from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign considered the feedback
provided in the residential survey when developing programs for SENDO to consider as
part of their comprehensive plan.
Topic Information
General
How long have you and your family lived in South End?
Thirty-two percent of the respondents have lived in the neighborhood for more than
thirty years while 53% of the residents have lived than ten years in the area. There are
residents with a strong sense of history and they can draw upon times when East St.
Louis and the South End were part of a vibrant thriving city. SENDO is challenged to
meet demands of those residents who remember when South End was a different place
as well as consider the needs of newer residents who may share less of that sense of
history.
Local Perception 31

2002 SOUTH END REVITALIZATION PLAN
Percentage
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
< 1 year 1 -3 years 4-10 years 11-20 years 21-30 years > 30 years
Figure 1: Distribution of Years Lived in South End
What are the three most significant changes that have taken place in South end since
you moved here?
Respondents indicated that there have been significant changes in South End that
include improved childcare and new housing stock. Other issues include corrupt local
officials, abandoned cars and homes, a loss of population and houses in disrepair.
What are the three best things about living in South End?
Respondents indicated that there positive aspects of living in South End that include
liking the area, being raised there, knowing neighbors, living in a country-like
atmosphere, increasing safety and knowing the people in the area. They also indicated
that the East St. Louis location is ideal for accessing a number of amenities and going to
other places.
What are the three worst things about living in South End?
Respondents indicated that there are negative aspects of living in South End that
includes a lack of a high school, housing, jobs and quality infrastructure. They also are
concerned about the excessive dumping and littering. Other concerns include stray
dogs, unkempt properties, alcohol and drug abuse as well as crime.
During the time you have lived in South End, what events have had the most impact on
the neighborhood and the city?
Residents indicated that several programs of initiatives have improved the living within
their neighborhood, those programs focused on youth. Such programs incorporated
after-school programs, school uniforms, community center and the swimming pool.
Other significant events cited as having an impact on South End and East St. Louis in
general are the flood of the mid 1990’s, white flight, jobs disappeared, active programs
to remove vacant homes and target drug dealers.
32 Local perception

Environment
2002 SOUTH END REVITALIZATION PLAN
How would you rate the overall health of South End’s natural environment?
Most of the residents said that the area is unhealthy at least to some degree, sixty
percent of the respondents said that they would say that overall the area is unhealthy.
40
30
20
10
0
V. Unhealthy Unhealthy Somewhat Healthy Very Healthy
Percentage 18.2 10.9 30.9 32.7 7.3
Figure 2: Responses to Overall Health of South End’s Natural Environment
Is illegal dumping a problem in your neighborhood?
If yes, how serious is illegal dumping?
Two-thirds of the respondents indicated that illegal dumping is a problem in the
neighborhood.
34%
66%
Yes
No
Figure 3: Is illegal dumping a problem in your neighborhood?
Eighty percent of the residents said the dumping is at least somewhat serious of a
problem.
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2002 SOUTH END REVITALIZATION PLAN
40.0
30.0
20.0
10.0
0.0
Very serious Serious Somewhat Not serious Insignificant
Percentage 40.0 26.7 13.3 13.3 6.7
Figure 4: Response to Seriousness of Illegal Dumping
Where is the illegal dumping or other sanitation violation(s) located?
Residents pointed to various properties that are locations of illegal dumping or
sanitation violations. In general, they said that trash, furniture and large objects are
routinely dumped in their neighborhood. There are also problems with parked cars,
petroleum and diesel in the sewer and sewer gas. Specific areas of concern include the
Jackie Joyner Center, Jones Park, Washington Park and all parks in the area.
Is industrial pollution a problem in South End?
The residents are more evenly divided as to whether there is industrial pollution in their
neighborhood. The split between residents is close at 47% saying industrial pollution is
a problem and 53% saying pollution is not a problem.
53%
47%
Yes
No
Figure 5: Is industrial pollution a problem in South End?
If yes, how serious is industrial pollution?
Of those respondents who indicated that industrial pollution is a problem in South End,
75% of them consider the problem to be at least somewhat serious. Only 8% said that
the problem was insignificant.
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2002 SOUTH END REVITALIZATION PLAN
40.0
30.0
20.0
10.0
0.0
Very serious Serious Somewhat Not serious Insignificant
Percentage 38.9 16.7 19.4 16.7 8.3
Figure 6: Percentage of Respondents That Say Industrial Pollution is Serious
Where is the pollution located?
Several of residents identified the Monsanto plants as a source of fumes as well as
Midwest Rubber. They also said that the sewers and pipes are sources of odors, rust and
pollution. Other comments included a need for good recycling efforts and gardens.
Housing
How satisfied are you with your present housing situation?
About 2/3 of the residents are satisfied with their current housing accommodations. The
other 1/3 are dissatisfied, with almost 10% being very dissatisfied with the current
housing options.
40
30
20
10
0
Very satisfied Satisfied Dissatisfied Very Dissatisfied
Percentage 23 39 26 10
Figure 7: Responses to Satisfaction with Housing Situation
Do you own or rent?
If you own, how did you purchase home?
If bond-for-deed, how satisfied are you with your financing option?
Close to 60% of the residents own their own home and most of those homeowners
obtained their home by taking on a conventional loan. There was only two respondents
Local Perception 35

2002 SOUTH END REVITALIZATION PLAN
who utilized the bond-for-debt option; one was satisfied and the other, very dissatisfied
with that choice.
43%
57%
Own
Rent
Figure 8: Do you own or rent your home?
15
10
5
0
Conventional Loan Savings bond-for-deed
Percentage 15 6 1
Figure 9: If you own, how did you purchase home?
Have you or the owner of your property made any home improvements to the property
in the last five years? Have you or the owner of your property applied for a home
improvement loan over the last five years? If yes, were you or the owner of your
property granted a loan? If no, what reason did the bank provide for your denial?
Slightly under 50% of the homeowners or property owners have improvements to the
property in the last five years. Of those persons making improvements, only 17.5%
applied for a home improvement loan. The majority of the improvements were made by
other means. Six of the seven respondents said they were granted a loan. And some
residents commented that the reasons people are denied loans include discrimination,
inadequate income levels and lack of equal opportunity to obtain home improvement
funds.
How would you rate the overall housing conditions in South End?
Of the 53 respondents, 48% said that the housing conditions were excellent or good and
almost 25% said the conditions were poor or very poor. Most of the residents said that
36 Local perception

2002 SOUTH END REVITALIZATION PLAN
everything in the area could stand some improvement especially because the landlords
are irresponsible and housing is not kept up properly. There is also a concern regarding
the high number of abandoned houses and homes that should be removed due to poor
condition. Residents said that the public housing projects in particular are poorly
maintained.
50
40
30
20
10
0
Excellent Good Fair Poor Very Poor
Percentage 3.8 43.3 28.3 18.9 5.7
Figure 10: Percentage of Responses Regarding Overall Housing Condition
Would you like to see new homes built in the area?
Which of the following types of housing would you like to see in South End?
All but one of the respondents (56 total) said they would like to see new homes building
in the South End. Most of them would prefer to see single-family homes with a smaller
number saying that apartments or town homes were desired. No one selected duplex
homes or had any other types of housing in mind.
100
80
60
40
20
0
Single Family Apartments Duplex Mobile / Town houses Other
Percentage 81.2 9.4 0 3.1 6.3 0
Figure 11: Percentage of Responses to Types of New Housing Desired
Local Perception 37

Community
Public Services
2002 SOUTH END REVITALIZATION PLAN
Respondents were asked to rate a series of services. The options were as follows:
“Good”, “Fair”, “Poor”, “Not Available” or “No Opinion”.
Public services such as police protection and sanitation / flooding are considered
different by various residents. The percentages of responses are fairly consistent across
good, fair and poor. Over 1/3 of the residents say that police protection and sanitation /
flooding related services are good. However, a majority of the residents only provide a
“fair” or “poor” rating for these services. Also considered “poor” by 50% of the
residents is building demolition. Snow removal is viewed almost equally as “good” or
“poor”.
40
30
20
10
0
Police Protectionn Sanitation / Snow Removal
Good 37 32.7 39.3
Fair 27.8 34.5 16.1
Poor 25.9 27.3 35.7
Figure 12: Percentage of Good, Fair and Poor Ratings for Police Protection and Sanitation /
Flooding services
Some services are considered good by over 50% of the residents. Fire protection,
garbage removal, bus service and MetroLink are rated “good” by up to 76% of the
population.
100
50
0
Fire Garbage Bus Service MetroLink
Good 55.4 75.9 73.2 71
Fair 30.3 16.7 14.3 14.5
Poor 3.6 7.4 1.8 1.8
Figure 13: Percentage of Good, Fair and Poor Ratings for Fire protection, garbage removal, bus
and MetroLink
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2002 SOUTH END REVITALIZATION PLAN
Those services viewed as being “poor” by residents include building demolition and
animal control. Building demolition was considered to be “poor” by 50% of the
residents. Animal control is considered to be “poor” by 3% of the residents.
80
60
40
20
0
Buildingdemolition
Animal control
Good 18.9 17.8
Fair 24.5 16.1
Poor 49.1 62.5
Figure 14: Percentage of Good, Fair and Poor Ratings for Building demolition and Animal control
Comments from the residents related to the lack of animal control, response to flooding
issues and sanitation clean-ups. Residents also mentioned that snow removal services
could use some more manpower. Residents also noted that the city receives money from
the federal or state government to provide building demolition and yet the responses to
the need for such services are poor or non-existent.
Local Schools
Respondents were asked to rate a series of services. The options were as follows:
“Good”, “Fair”, “Poor”, “Not Available” or “No Opinion”.
Residents noted that the need for computers at all levels of education is needed and they
cite the loss of Lincoln High School as another concern. They indicate that the quality
of education is lacking and the teachers are in need of higher qualifications.
Maintenance of school buildings is poor and the schools need better equipment. Most
residents consider the elementary school and community college to be “good” while
they are less optimistic towards the junior and high schools.
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2002 SOUTH END REVITALIZATION PLAN
30
20
10
0
Elementary
Community College
Good 26 18
Fair 14 9
Poor 9 6
Figure 15: Number of Good, Fair and Poor Responses for School in South End Area
20
15
10
5
0
Junior High
High School
Good 16 11
Fair 12 17
Poor 15 14
Figure 16: Number of Good, Fair and Poor Responses for School in South End Area
Social Services
Respondents were asked to rate a series of services. The options were as follows:
“Good”, “Fair”, “Poor”, “Not Available” or “No Opinion”.
Only one social service received more than 50% responses as “good”; health services
received 40% responses designated as “good” but almost 33% said that health services
were “fair”. The rest of the services are viewed as mostly fair or poor. Some residents
commented that subsidies from the governor were held back and that the services are
left understaffed and under funded. Residents said that most of the day care centers are
better in other nearby cities.
40 Local perception

2002 SOUTH END REVITALIZATION PLAN
60
40
20
0
Day Care Centers
Health Services
Good 52.7 40
Fair 21.8 32.7
Poor 3.6 7.3
Figure 17: Responses of Good, Fair and Poor for Social Services
Other services that received mostly “good” ratings include family planning, senior
citizen’s services and legal services. The distribution between fair and poor is fairly
even for seniors and legal services. One resident commented that the family clinic is
pretty good and that more education regarding sexual transmitted diseases was needed.
With regards to senior citizen’s services, residents pointed to the need for activities
outside of the immediate community such as trips to restaurants, arts events and movies.
As for legal services, residents said the services exist; however, the services are
restricted too much and residents are unable to take advantage of the legal advice.
40
30
20
10
0
Family Planning Senior's Services Legal Services
Good 35.2 34.6 25.9
Fair 22.2 18.2 14.8
Poor 7.4 14.5 16.7
Figure 18: Responses of Good, Fair and Poor for Social Services
Only one service received mostly “fair” responses, youth development. Some residents
said they wanted something like a Boys and Girls Club so the children could direct their
efforts into specific activities. They also pointed out the programs tend to be short-term
and they need longer-term commitments in order to benefit from the youth programs.
Local Perception 41

2002 SOUTH END REVITALIZATION PLAN
20
10
0
Youth Services
Good 12
Fair 16
Poor 9
Figure 19: Responses of Good, Fair and Poor for Youth Services
Residents considered recreation and parks, drug and alcohol programs and job training
as mostly “poor”. Drug and alcohol programs as well as job training were also
considered to be “not available” by approximately 22% and almost 33% had “no
opinion” regarding these services.
Most residents felt that the parks and accommodations such as bathrooms are in
disrepair to point of not being able to use them. They said that money was appropriate
to repair Jones Park, but there were problems with poor construction, no play
equipment, pest control and lack of maintenance as well as grounds keeping.
One resident commented that there is a need for more drug and alcohol rehabilitation
programs and another indicated that most of the programs fail because of deceitfulness
and criminal activities. As for job training, residents say it simply doesn’t exist and that
any federal money to be earmarked for job training is diverted to other programs or
persons.
42 Local perception

2002 SOUTH END REVITALIZATION PLAN
25
20
15
10
5
0
Rec /
Parks
Drug &
Alc.
Job
Training
Good 13 8 6
Fair 12 7 9
Poor 25 10 10
Not Available 0 11 12
No Opinion 5 19 16
Good Fair Poor Not Available No Opinion
Figure 20: Responses of Good, Fair and Poor for Social Services
Health Family
Planning
Rec /
Parks
Day
care
Drug
/ alc.
Prgms
Job
training
Seniors Legal Youth
Development
Good 22 19 13 29 8 6 19 14 12
Fair 18 12 12 12 7 9 10 8 15
Poor 4 4 25 2 10 10 8 9 9
Not
Available
No
Opinion
# of
responses
% of
total
surveys
3 4 0 4 11 12 5 6 7
8 15 5 8 19 16 13 17 10
55 54 55 55 55 53 55 54 53
93.2 91.5 93.2 93.2 93.2 89.8 93.2 91.5 89.8
Table 1: All Social Services
Local Perception 43

2002 SOUTH END REVITALIZATION PLAN
Shopping and Economic Activity
Respondents were asked to indicate where they usually go for a series of goods and
services. The options were as follows: “South End”, “East St. Louis”. Surrounding IL
towns” and “St. Louis Metro Area”.
Very few services and shopping options are located within the South End or East St.
Louis area. Only medical / dental, laundry, pharmacy, banking and legal services were
described as available in South End or East St. Louis. Only laundry services were
indicated as available within South End. Residents said that groceries, child care,
clothing, auto repair, hardware, restaurants, gasoline and house wares are all obtained in
surroundings towns in Illinois. Some amenities residents would like to see in the South
End include an amusement center, gasoline, grocer, gym, restaurants, nice shopping mall
and Wal-Mart.
Services in South End
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Groceries
Medical / Dental
Child Care
Clothing
Laundry
Auto Repair
Hardware
Restaurants
Gasoline
Prescriptions
Houseware
Banking
Legal Services
Figure 21: Percentage of Residents Saying They Access Service in South End
44 Local perception

2002 SOUTH END REVITALIZATION PLAN
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Services in East St. Louis
Groceries
Medical / Dental
Child Care
Clothing
Laundry
Auto Repair
Hardware
Restaurants
Gasoline
Prescriptions
Houseware
Banking
Legal Services
Figure 22: Percentage of Residents Saying They Access Service in East St. Louis
Services in Surrounding Illinois Towns
100
80
60
40
20
0
Groceries
Medical / Dental
Child Care
Clothing
Laundry
Auto Repair
Hardware
Restaurants
Gasoline
Prescriptions
Houseware
Banking
Legal Services
Figure 23: Percentage of Residents Saying They Access Service in Surrounding Illinois Towns
Services in St. Louis Metro Area
20
15
10
5
0
Groceries
Medical / Dental
Child Care
Clothing
Laundry
Auto Repair
Hardware
Restaurants
Gasoline
Prescriptions
Houseware
Banking
Legal Services
Figure 24: Percentage of Residents Saying They Access Service in St. Louis Metro Area
Local Perception 45

2002 SOUTH END REVITALIZATION PLAN
You and Your Household
Sex of respondent, what is your ethnic background? How many adults live in your
household? How many children live in your household?
Most of the respondents were female, 85% and all respondents said they were African-
American. With regard to household compositions, most houses are headed by a single
adult, 44.2%. About 40% of the households have two children and 23% have three
children.
Number of Auldts in Household
Number of Children in Household
25
14
20
12
10
15
10
Adults
8
6
4
Children
5
2
0
One Two Three Four Five or
More
0
One Two Three Four Five
or
More
Education
What is the highest level of education completed for each adult in household?
A majority of the respondents say they have at least a high school education or equivalent
degree. Well over 50% of the adults have some college level courses and several have
some graduate school level education experience.
46 Local perception

2002 SOUTH END REVITALIZATION PLAN
25
Number of Adults
20
15
10
5
Adult #1
Adult #2
Adult #3
0
Grade (0-
11)
GED /
H.S.
Some
College
B.A. /
B.S.
Graduate
School
Figure 25: Level of Education, for Up to Three Adults
Employment
Please describe the employment status of each adult in your household?
A majority of the adults are working full-time and there are also a significant number of
retired adults in the South End households.
30
Number of Adults
25
20
15
10
5
Adult #1
Adult #2
Adult #3
0
Full-time Retired Unemployed
Figure 26: Number of Adults Employment Type
Local Perception 47

2002 SOUTH END REVITALIZATION PLAN
Indicate all locations of jobs.
At most, there were only four respondents to the location of jobs question, so there is
little insight to be gained in analyzing this information. Specific answers to these
questions are located in the Survey Results section.
Income
In which of the following categories does your total household income fall?
Close to 40% of the respondents indicated that their total household income is over
$24,000. Important to note is that more than 40% have an income of less than $8,999.
Over 24,000
1,000 to 20,999
12,000 to 14,999
6,000 to 8,999
0 to 2,999
0 10 20 30 40
Percentage
Figure 27: Percentage of Responses to Total Household Income
48 Local perception

2002 SOUTH END REVITALIZATION PLAN
Which of the following sources contribute to your household income?
Of the 56% of the respondents, over half said they receive their income in the form of
wages. One-third receives Social Security Income as their source of household income.
Percentage
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Wages
Investments
Inheritance
Unemployment
IL public aid
SS
TANF
Doability
Other
Figure 28: Percentage of responses to Type of Income
Transportation
What is your main form of transportation?
Over 70% of the respondents use a car for their main form of transportation, while 11%
rise with a friend. Less than 10% use the light rail or MetroLink systems and no one
indicated that they ride the bus.
Other
Light Rail
Ride w/ friend
Bus
Motorcycle
Foot
Car
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
Percentage
Figure 29: Percentage of responses: Main form of Transportation
Local Perception 49

2002 SOUTH END REVITALIZATION PLAN
Planning and Community Leadership
Are you familiar with South End New Development Organization? Do you attend the
meetings? If never, why?
Sixty percent of the respondents were unaware of SENDO as presented to them by the
surveyors. Of those that were aware of SENDO, 75% said they never attend meetings. As
to why people do not attend meetings, some responses included: unaware of meetings,
just choose not to go and illness.
60%
40%
Yes
No
Figure 30: Percentage of Residents Familiar with SENDO
7%
17%
Regularly
Sometimes
Never
76%
Figure 31: Percentage Attending Meetings
50 Local perception

2002 SOUTH END REVITALIZATION PLAN
What are the three most important outcomes of the neighborhood plan?
Some residents cited large-scale issues such as business development, new housing and
infrastructure. Others mentioned concerns for stray dog removal and better parks.
Respondents also focused on issues for the youth of South End, these concerns included a
youth center, playgrounds, after-school programs and better recreation areas.
Would you or members of your household be willing to assist South End New
Development Organization in achieving one of these goals (referring to previous
question)? Would you liked to be notified of the South End New Development
Organization meetings?
Of the 37 respondents to this question, 90% said they or members of their household
would be willing to assist SENDO and that they would like to be notified of SENDO
meetings.
11%
Yes
No
89%
Figure 32: Percentage Willing to Assist SENDO
Neighborhood Cooperation
Do you and / or any members of your household have knowledge, skills or talents that
you would be willing to contribute to the neighborhood?
Some respondents said they were willing to assist with anything they can. Others
specified that they were a nursing assistant, exterminator and household repairperson.
Are there knowledge, skills and talents that you or anyone in your household could
benefit from?
Residents said that they would benefit from clean-up, computer classes, handy work as
well as construction work assistance.
Local Perception 51

2002 SOUTH END REVITALIZATION PLAN
52 Local perception