…to the Chico Avenues Neighborhood Association (CANA) website.
The CANA website is back up and running…at least for the time being. We considered taking the site down and replacing it with a Facebook page but we are not sure at this point where we want to go as an association. Most of the Board members are old and grey so CANA is looking for new blood to help us move forward.
In 2003, the Chico Avenues Neighborhood Association (CANA) coalesced as a grassroots advocacy group for the Chico Avenues neighborhood. Key concerns identified at that time included traffic, safe passage to school, preservation of neighborhood character and other quality of life issues. An Avenues Neighborhood Improvement Plan was adopted by the City Council in 2008 as an element of the City’s General Plan. Unfortunately, as various funding sources dried up, so did implementation but we still have the same goals.
Through the years, Avenue residents continue to become involved in CANA for a variety of reasons. Initially, and probably most importantly, it was because of the Enloe Hospital expansion. Other issues of concern today involve the recently drafted Enloe Parking Plan but also neighborhood road improvements in the Avenues and particularly the numerous potholes that never seem to get filled, particularly on older collector Avenue streets and in alleys. Tree work and alley improvements in city rights of way doesn’t happen unless a major limb falls, a right of way is blocked, or an emergency situation occurs. Development and density concerns are also continuing to impact the Avenues and the recently updated CSU, Chico Master Plan has potential neighborhood traffic concerns.
The greater the participation by Chico Avenue residents, the greater the impact that you will have on your neighborhood and its quality of life. As a recognized neighborhood organization, the City of Chico has given CANA a voice so we should use it.
The CANA Board of Directors is open to additional board members who are interested in shaping our future. We are not a political organization; rather, our ideals are neighborhood driven. So… if you are interested in joining us, please submit your contact information via email to John Whitehead, CANA Board President, at president@chicoavenues.org.
John Whitehead, CANA Board President