The survey results depict the Roseville section of Newark as home to a fairly young and ethnically diverse population. More than half of the residents surveyed were between twenty-six and forty-five years of age. Slightly more than half were Hispanic: 52 percent; with 37 percent black and 11 percent white. Among the 53 Hispanics surveyed, the largest place of origin was Puerto Rico (47 percent) followed by the Dominican Republic (15 percent).

The survey revealed that Roseville has a good mix of short and long-term residents. While 30 percent of the residents had lived in Roseville for less than three years, almost 40 percent have lived in the area for more than twelve years. In addition, roughly 60 percent of the residents are renters. The racial breakdown shows 55 percent of blacks and 65 percent of Hispanics are renters, while 75 percent of whites are homeowners.

The survey results confirm the census results in indicating that the area suffers from high unemployment and low levels of educational attainment. Of the residents surveyed, 23 percent were unemployed. In addition, about 35 percent of the residents did not have a high school diploma. Altogether about 70 percent had a high school diploma or less (see Appendix 2b).

The survey was segmented into four major categories: 1) Perceived Community Strengths; 2) Priorities of Community Problems; 3) Perceived Community Needs; and 4) Community Involvement, the results of which are presented below.

In the first section of the survey, residents were asked how actively involved they thought various institutions were in improving their community. HDC can use this information to build on the institutions which are indicated as assets to the community. Possible responses were "a lot," "some," and "no" active involvement in improving the community. Some residents were confused by this question as they were not sure what the term "active involvement" meant. For instance, one resident stated concerning the hospitals: "When I call 911 they come. Does that mean active involvement?" In interpreting the responses, "some" was considered a positive contribution to the community.

Churches received the highest positive response to this question. Thirty-eight percent of respondents indicated that churches were doing "a lot" to improve the community. Black residents were found to be the highest respondents to the "a lot" response box of this question. Hospitals and businesses also received relatively high responses concerning their involvement in the community. Respectively, 65 and 70 percent of residents felt that these institutions were doing something positive in the community. However, residents also indicated that many institutions in the community did not do as much as they should. For example, those surveyed felt that schools (26 percent) and youth organizations (38 percent) did nothing to improve the community. Many respondents commented on the lack of youth programs in the area.

More people had an opinion about the police than any other institution. In general, the response was mixed. Sixty-five percent of respondents felt the police were involved in the community. However, police had the second highest response (32 percent) behind city government (40 percent) of people who felt that the institution had "no involvement" in improving the community. Hispanics tended to have a more negative view of police involvement than either blacks or whites. By contrast, residents across racial lines seemed to have little faith in city government.

The residents of the Roseville section of Newark recognize that there are serious problems in the community. When asked to prioritize community problems, high incidence of crime was at the top of the list. Out of 101 people surveyed, 87 included drug dealing in their response, 34 percent indicated violent crime, and 34 percent stated that property theft and vandalism were among the top four problems.

Another major problem in Roseville was found to be the amount of trash and litter throughout the area. Almost 40 percent of the residents cited trash and litter as one of the major problems in the community. Some residents believe that illegal dumping by outsiders is a major source of the problem. Others cited poor enforcement of housing code violations as the main reason.

Many residents expressed concern about the condition of housing in the area. Altogether, 54 percent of the residents expressed a need for some housing repair. In addition, more than 80 percent of the residents indicated that more affordable housing should be built in the community. Residents were almost equally divided between owner-occupied and renter-occupied units. However, residents on the whole were hesitant about receiving assistance to purchase a home in Roseville. Almost 60 percent indicated that they would not want assistance. One factor influencing this response was that some of the answers came from people who already owned their homes. Some residents, however, did seem reluctant to establish a permanent residence in an area which they perceived to be unstable.

When asked about business development, 41 percent of the residents felt that a large supermarket was needed in the community. Residents complained about the sanitary conditions of stores in the neighborhood, their lack of accessibility, and the excessive cost of products. Apparently, the two small grocery stores in the area are inadequate in serving the residents' needs.

In addition, when asked about other facilities needed in the community, residents preferred a community center (52 percent) and a local playground (50 percent). Residents were allowed two responses on this question, explaining the reason that overall responses add up to more than 100 percent. If a community center were to be built in the neighborhood, residents would like computer skills classes (61 percent), job skills training (61 percent), and after-school programs (39 percent) included in the offerings of the facility (residents were allowed three responses on this question). These suggestions by community residents addressed specific problems in the area. While the job skills training and computer skills courses would address the high rate of unemployment (23 percent) and limited education levels of many of the residents, the after-school programs would address the lack of activities for youths in the area.

Only 13 out of 101 residents had heard of Hispanic Development Corporation prior to the survey. All 13 were Hispanic. On the other hand, 80 percent of the residents stated a willingness to become involved in HDC's future activities. The willingness of residents to become involved in the revitalization effort cuts across gender and racial lines.

Hispanic residents in Roseville seem to be less politically organized than other groups. While 63 out of 101 stated that they were registered to vote, only a small percentage of Hispanics (42 percent ) were in this group. In terms of civic involvement, 54 percent of residents surveyed belonged to PTA groups. Only 43 percent of all Hispanics surveyed were PTA members. Furthermore, few residents of any race belonged to block groups. Many residents commented that no block organizations exist in the area. However, many residents expressed a need and a willingness to participate in them.