About 100 Five Points residents and stakeholders joined Knoxville's Community Development Corporation (KCDC) staff on Thursday, Sept. 13, for a Five Points Forum to brainstorm available resources in the neighborhood and to continue discussion on revitalization of Five Points.

"As we move through the redevelopment process for Five Points, it is crucial that we have the input and support of the Five Points community," said Alvin Nance, KCDC executive director and CEO. "This is our third forum, and these meetings are essentially an 'ear to the ground' in the neighborhood as we continue this process."

The meeting focused on the concept of the neighborhood as a whole, including what residents are looking for in education programs; opportunities for business growth and employment; and public safety.

Superintendent of Knox County Schools Dr. Jim McIntyre presented on the Community Schools, a program which provides additional resources to the students and families at the school site. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Poole spoke on the Safe Neighborhood program, the consequences of gun crime and how the violence can be prevented. Pellissippi State Community College President Dr. Anthony Wise presented higher education options available at the nearby Pellissippi State Magnolia Campus.

After each presentation, the speakers accepted questions from the audiences. Then, the residents and stakeholders brainstormed about each neighborhood topic and discussed the presentations. Responses were captured on flip charts by KCDC facilitators.

"We received great responses from our brainstorm on the Five Points neighborhood," said Nance. "The residents and stakeholders are proud and passionate about this community. We all need to come together if we're going to see a change in Five Points. That's what these meetings are all about."