Stefanie Robel with her dog at the Norwood Market at the Trolley Stop

Most Norwood residents know that Norwood has a lot to offer. In addition to the neighborhood’s tree-lined boulevard, scenic homes and yawning porches, there’s a strong sense of collective ownership in the community, a grassroots feel. It’s a place of promise that invites community participation while maintaining a strong hold on neighborhood needs. It is this foundation of active involvement that drew residents like Stefanie Robel to the neighborhood:

“I love the coherence of the neighborhood…the willingness of many neighbors to work together and make this a great place to live for everyone,” she says. Though, Stefanie points out, Norwood still has its challenges, citing the number of abandoned houses and lots in the neighborhood as one of the most evident.”

However, with strong community assets and an abundance of active residents, Norwood stands at the cusp…