Loretta Powell has lived in East Canfield Village since 1967. She remembers growing up in a close-knit community where neighbors supported one another, volunteered together, and took pride in their homes. Today, while the community remains caring, neglected property maintenance and more transient residents have left some homes and streets in poor condition.

One of her biggest concerns is the increase in industrial truck traffic on residential streets. Trucks pass through her street about 14 times, releasing pollutants, damaging roads, and creating noise and safety issues. Loretta has had a lung scar since age 16 and now suffers from high blood pressure and kidney disease. With a family history of cancer and asthma, she is especially worried about how nearby industrial activity may be affecting residents’ health. She often stays indoors when trucks pass to protect herself and her family.

What Real Change Looks Like to This Resident

For Loretta, real change means stronger enforcement to keep trucks out of neighborhoods, a truck ordinance, and relocating industrial plants at least two miles away from residential areas. She hopes city leaders will prioritize long-term residents’ well-being, listen to community concerns, and engage more directly with neighborhoods. She wants to be kept informed about updates regarding neighborhood safety, health, and infrastructure.