December 26, 2024 – The Coalition of Neighborhood Organizations has released a year in review for 2024 to highlight the successes of the organization.
The purpose of CONO is to support the formation, development, and empowerment of grassroots neighborhood organizations within the city boundaries of Decatur.
In 2024 the organization purchased seven Little Free Libraries that were placed in four different neighborhoods. These were located in these neighborhoods Park City, Millikin Heights, SIA and the West End. Each library has a steward who maintains the contents of the library for their neighbors. CONO also hosted a community safety seminar for the community at the Decatur Public Library. Dozens attended the event and the public was encouraged to ask questions of the representatives of the Sheriff’s Department, Police Department and the State’s Attorney’s Office.
The organization also granted over a dozen grants to neighborhood organizations. These projects included an Easter Egg hunt in the inner city, a mental health and wellness fair, beautification projects, arts and crafts, a sock giveaway, neighborhood brochures & banners, cookie bake, recreational fun days in neighborhoods and National Night Out.
To address safety, Decatur Police Lt Erik Ethell was assigned as a Decatur Police liason to CONO. Lt Ethell presented layered maps showing areas with the highest crimes to assist CONO’s committee to focus on neighborhood involvement which would also help the police department. CONO then made guidelines for participants and purchased over 120 BLINK doorbell security cameras to be given to neighbors and organizations to help with security concerns. These cameras were given to residents, two historical sites, and churches. They are required to have internet and to register the cameras with DPD.
CONO meetings are open to the public and are on the third Tuesday of each month at 5:30pm in the Madden Room at the Decatur Public Library. The next meeting will be January 21st. Citizens are encouraged to follow the Coalition of Neighborhood Organizations Facebook page for more neighborhood details.
