Theresa Terrace residents hope neighborhood center means new beginning

West side residents are hoping a new neighborhood center will change the feel of the community around Theresa Terrace.

Dozens poured into the Theresa Terrace neighborhood center Wednesday night to celebrate a new beginning.

For the last three years, community advocates and leaders have worked tirelessly to bring the crime-plagued street a neighborhood center.

Many residents say the historic crime in the area over the years has left little to celebrate, but a new neighborhood center has them hopeful.

Madison Mayor Paul Soglin, Alderman Matt Phair and Madison Metropolitan School District Superintendent Jen Cheatham officially opened the center Wednesday night.

“(It’s) a place that kids can come, get tutoring, be with mentors, be with their friends,” Phair said. “Also then be connected to other services around town.”

Phair worked with city leaders over the last three years to get the community center open.

Residents said they hope the new neighborhood center will focus on eliminating the crime problems that have plagued the west side neighborhood.

“I’m happy because the kids need somewhere to go,” resident Annice Davis said. “And now they don’t have an excuse, saying they don’t have anything to do. Oh yes you do now. You have this center.”

The west side of town also celebrated the opening of the new Meadowood Neighborhood Center Wednesday night.