Sumner T. McKnight Mansion Proposal to Phillips

By Robert Larson

The 2200 Park Ave. McKnight mansion needs a new use. My proposal for this former Native American property:

The idea is to convert it into a Neighborhood Garage in memory of Muriel Simmons. It would be for the benefit of families in need of affordable personal transportation repair and maintenance. I am well aware of the financial burden when a vehicle breaks down and you have to afford expensive repairs. What does a family do when they are on a fixed income? Do they resort to public transportation, family, friends, and neighbors to get around? How about a taxi? Is there a loner car provided when your car is being repaired? Getting your family to an appointment or shopping is difficult when your car is broken down. Do you take your children on the bus or walk to a scheduled appointment? Families are in need of an affordable alternative.

I believe this concept is vital to a thriving community. The end result will help support affordable transportation repairs and safer vehicles on the road. There are many tasks:

• Purchase the building.
• Convert one structure to a multi-stall garage.
• Update the mechanical systems.
• Attain a Human resource employee, or volunteer,
• Establish client guidelines.

Anchor Family CHAT includes Daisy and her family

Daisy”'s family and Anchor CHAT team members listening to a letter of gratitude being read from Councilmember Glidden: From left to right: Ray Thompson (Anchor Family CHAT), Fifi, Kathy,and Daisy Buenrostro with mother Angelica, Lee Younger (Anchor Family CHAT) and Andrea Jenkins, aide to 8th Ward Councilmember Elizabeth Glidden.

Through the Backyard Initiative Assessment process, it became apparent that families in the BYI area are experiencing isolation and lack of resources to sustain health and well-being. There is a clear need to rebuild the web of relationships that will mend the fragmentation that families are experiencing. It is also necessary to restore the family bond with our youth to increase their sense of belonging and interconnectedness. Connecting them to elders and mentors in the community will provide guidance and direction. An Anchor Family acts as catalyst for increased interconnectedness, building community through community rituals, gatherings and relationship-building activities surrounding cultural customs, individual achievements and personal or family grief and loss. For more information about the Anchor Family CHAT, please call Khusaba at 612-721-5745.

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