Revitalizing Vaughn Boulevard: A Vision for Polytechnic Heights
The Polytechnic Heights neighborhood in East Fort Worth is poised for a transformative change, as the Poly Main Street program seeks to breathe new life into the historic commercial corridor along Vaughn Boulevard. Led by Southeast Fort Worth Inc. and the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, this three-year pilot program aims to revitalize primarily Black and Latino communities by bringing economic stability and new opportunities to the area.
After early missteps, the program has a renewed sense of purpose and is now actively engaging the community to shape its future. Stacy E. Marshall, the president and CEO of Southeast Fort Worth Inc., emphasizes the importance of moving forward “together and in the right direction,” with the support of a newly appointed bilingual Latina program leader set to be announced in January.
The revitalization efforts, known as “Fall in Love with Poly, a Main Street Initiative,” focus on beautifying Vaughn Boulevard, a narrow, two-lane thoroughfare that connects Texas Wesleyan University with the popular shopping destination at The Shops at Renaissance Square. The program’s goals include cosmetic improvements, boosting civic engagement, and attracting new businesses to the area.
Addressing Challenges and Engaging the Community
One of the key challenges facing the Polytechnic Heights neighborhood is the presence of a homeless population, which has contributed to trash accumulation and code enforcement issues. Reba Henry, a member of the Polytechnic Heights South Neighborhood Association, highlights the need to address these concerns as part of the revitalization efforts.
Despite these challenges, the Poly Main Street program is committed to incorporating community input and exploring innovative solutions. For example, the plan includes the possibility of a pocket dog park, which could be located in a parking lot or another suitable area, based on feedback from residents.
Recognizing the importance of preserving the area’s history, the program also aims to address the “four corners” intersection at Avenue J and Vaughn, where historic buildings once housed an extermination business and an automotive repair garage. However, these structures currently face issues such as crumbling infrastructure, asbestos abatement, and environmental concerns, which must be addressed as part of the revitalization process.
Funding and Partnerships
The Poly Main Street program has secured $120,000 in funding for the three-year initiative, with approximately $45,000 available for the first two years and $30,000 for the final year. Additionally, the City of Fort Worth offers grants for neighborhood improvements, which the program encourages residents to explore for their own projects.
Beyond the financial support, the program has forged valuable partnerships, including with Texas Wesleyan University, which has provided assistance. The Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is also leading the revitalization efforts for the neighboring Northside neighborhood, further strengthening the collaborative approach.
Catalyzing a Ripple Effect
The Poly Main Street program is designed to have a ripple effect on redevelopment, as participants often create plans to clean and beautify neighborhoods, preserve historic buildings, and advocate for improvements with local government. Reba Henry, who briefly led the program in 2023, expresses her readiness for more positive changes, stating, “I’m just ready for something to happen.”
As the program progresses, community input will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the Polytechnic Heights neighborhood. Residents are encouraged to participate in upcoming National Days of Service projects, which will involve cleaning up properties, including vacant lots and a little-used park near the university. Additionally, the program will soon unveil its new website, where the community can stay informed and engaged.
The Poly Main Street program’s commitment to collaboration, community engagement, and preserving the area’s historic character sets the stage for a transformative revitalization of Vaughn Boulevard and the surrounding Polytechnic Heights neighborhood. By addressing the unique challenges and harnessing the insights of local residents, the program aims to create a vibrant, thriving, and inclusive community that celebrates the rich diversity of East Fort Worth.
Opportunities for Involvement and Support
Residents and community members in the Polytechnic Heights neighborhood are encouraged to stay informed and involved in the Poly Main Street program. Here are some ways to participate:
- Attend Upcoming Community Meetings: Keep an eye out for announcements of future community meetings, where residents can share their ideas and provide feedback on the revitalization plans.
- Volunteer for National Days of Service Projects: Join the program’s efforts to clean up properties, including vacant lots and underutilized parks, on the upcoming National Days of Service scheduled for November 8th.
- Explore City of Fort Worth Grants: Explore the grant opportunities offered by the City of Fort Worth for neighborhood improvements and submit proposals for projects that align with the Poly Main Street program’s goals.
- Visit the Upcoming Program Website: Stay tuned for the launch of the Poly Main Street program’s new website in January, which will provide a centralized hub for information, updates, and ways to get involved.
- Support Local Businesses: As the revitalization efforts progress, support the local businesses along Vaughn Boulevard, such as Unique Cleaners and Black Coffee, which are receiving improvements through the program.
By actively engaging with the Poly Main Street program, residents can shape the future of their community and be part of the transformative changes unfolding in the Polytechnic Heights neighborhood. Together, the community and program leaders can create a vibrant, inclusive, and prosperous Vaughn Boulevard corridor that serves as a gateway to the rich diversity of East Fort Worth.
For more information and updates on the Poly Main Street program, please visit the Joint Action for Water website.
