JACKSONVILLE, Texas (TXAN 24) -- On Sunday, Jacksonville residents, led by Erica Gresham, met at Buckner Park to discuss ideas to help change the dynamics of their town.
The meeting was themed "We are bringing back J'Ville" to focus on getting Jacksonville back to its former glory.
In the late 1990's and early 2000's, Jacksonville was one of the best places to move and live in East Texas.
Over the past decade the town has seen a surge in crime and violence and a decrease in the morale around town and the school district.
Residents left the meeting feeling optimistic about the ideas discussed and look forward to getting more community members on board.
"We are looking for things that are not here anymore that had a great impact on the entire community," said Gresham.
All Jacksonville residents who have ideas on how to help their community are encouraged to reach out to the Facebook group created.
Kudos to the Fred Douglass Community Development Corporation’s leadership efforts and the support of the community for making this project possible!