Natrona revitalization draws initial good marks

Residents trying to revitalize Natrona believe they're off to a good start.

Bill Godfrey, a local artist and spokesman for the grassroots organization Natrona Comes Together, said the group members are satisfied with the results they've achieved so far.

Godfrey said a clean-up day offered in late October not only made a dent in sprucing up the town but also helped get the word out that Natrona Comes Together exists.

Since that day, he said the group's monthly meetings have attracted upward of 40 attendees.

"The clean-up day was absolutely wonderful," Godfrey said. "I think we pulled 12 tons of garbage out of this town."

In addition to filling up 12 trash bins with rubbish, Godfrey said volunteers combed the alleys in pickup trucks and hauled out more garbage, including about 100 tires.

"It was a hideous day," Godfrey said, recalling the weather. "But it was a great day."

The group sponsored a thank-you party afterward, which they believe further spread the word of their efforts.

"We've been trying to do two things," Godfrey said. "We want to clean up the town and have more social activities for the community."

Godfrey said crime watch signs should be arriving any day and will be distributed on telephone poles and residents' windows.

"We have a loose web of neighbors walking the streets to keep an eye on things," Godfrey said.

Godfrey said township officials, including commissioners, Code Enforcement Officer Ron Misejka and the police department, have been helpful in fighting crime and absentee landlords.

"They are really working with us," he said.

Godfrey said cards are available for residents to report crime or code violations anonymously.

Harrison Police Chief Mike Klein said the anonymous tips have been helpful. Some resulted in arrests and others are assisting the police in ongoing investigations, Klein said.

Godfrey said the group also plans to meet with District Judge Carolyn Bengel to see if people ordered to perform community service can have an opportunity to work in Natrona.

Godfrey said a representative from the Community Technical Assistance Center will again speak to the group at their December meeting to offer more advice.

"We're trying to keep the momentum going," Godfrey said.