Where Are Our Neighborhoods?

The News Tribune has a story today about a ‘fresh focus on South Tacoma’ and its known, or forgotten, little neighborhoods.  Fern Hill, Lincoln, and McKinley, are all neighborhoods that have come up on Exit133 in the last few weeks and mean more to us than South End.  The story segues beautifully into several conversations a few of us have been having lately – mostly via email – about the problems with Tacoma’s current neighborhood designations and business districts. 

Our neighborhood councils, historic districts, and business areas overlap or have gaps between them that leave many people wondering about their identity.  I should know where I live, but the lines between neighborhoods and neighborhood councils don’t necessarily follow expected lines.  Where do I live?  North End?  North Slope?  Stadium?  New Tacoma?  Several people have told me that I live ‘downtown’ which surprises me every time.  We have smaller neighborhoods with distinct personalities in Tacoma:  Fern Hill, Oakland, Proctor, Lincoln, Mckinley, Stadium, etc.  We need to begin emphasizing these identities and get away from the overly broad North, South, New, Central, designations that don’t mean much to anybody.  Just my opinion, but from what I can tell a few of you may share it as well. 

What’s next?  I think it’s time to explore a little…

Link to The News Tribune