Neighborhood Ambassadors

The MSCDC Neighborhood Ambassadors use a community-based approach to create a safer and more welcoming experience in and around the Main South commercial corridor.

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At the start of 2022, the Main South CDC piloted its Neighborhood Ambassador program, an innovative and unique public safety program based on evidence-backed principles of community-based violence intervention. The Ambassadors approach community safety through the lens of reclaiming public spaces through diverse interventions such as establishing a reliable, friendly street presence, creating attractive public spaces through daily cleanups and beautification projects, and strengthening networks of community organizations and community members. The Ambassadors focus their efforts on Oread-Castle Park and a stretch of the Main Street corridor running from approximately University Park to Jacob Hiatt Magnet School.

The MSCDC Neighborhood Ambassadors are responsible for a variety of neighborhood improvement efforts, both visible in everyday life in Main South and behind the scenes. The Ambassadors are behind the “Main South” painted and landscaped planter pots and trash cans lining Main Street, and they make sure that the Main Street corridor and Oread Castle Park remain free of litter and hazardous materials. They ensure safe school crossings at the beginning and end of the school day at the Claremont and Main intersection, the Freeland and Main intersection, and the King Street school bus stop. Ambassadors also promote public safety through twice daily walkthroughs of the Main Street corridor and Castle Park, deescalating situations and politely asking those engaged in antisocial behavior to move along. They collaborate with other local partners on a variety of neighborhood beautification and public safety initiatives and stay connected with Main South residents and businesses through everyday interactions and leadership in the Beacon-Brightly Neighborhood Association.

Spot the MSCDC Neighborhood Ambassadors sporting the colorful Main South logo and say hello next time you see them! Join them for their free annual community events in Castle Park – Reclaiming the Castle (late August) and the Haunted Castle (Halloween).