“On our block, there was once a house infamous for selling drugs alongside crab dinners. They even had the audacity to promote their so-called “business, Dopeland,” with flyers distributed up and down the street. What followed was predictable—bad actors drawn to the area, crime creeping closer to our doorsteps, and a constant feeling of unease in our own neighborhood.But the story didn’t end there. When that house eventually burned down, what was left behind was not just an empty lot, but an opportunity. Neighbors came together, determined to reclaim what once brought shame and turn it into a source of pride. Today, that same lot has been transformed into a place of joy and connection—a central spot where families gather, barbecues sizzle, and community celebrations fill the air.

What was once Dopeland has truly become Hopeland—a testament to our resilience, unity, and the power of reclaiming our neighborhood.”
Barbara McMillon, Block Ambassador