The following is the Jackson Citizen Patriot's editorial for October 10:

It's a reminder of the power of a good idea to see the progress in what's known as Partnership Park.

The roughly 20 blocks south of downtown Jackson have benefited from much attention the last few years. Its residents and the Community Action Agency have promoted investment in an area that, aside from police patrols, was too easily ignored.

Numbers speak to the improvements: Seventeen homes (and counting) have been built in four years. As reporter Fredricka Paul wrote last week, other changes are coming across in attitudes. Residents say they're optimistic and that neighbors are getting to know each other. That's hard to quantify, but it's the bond between people who live next to each other that often gives a neighborhood its character and strength.

Worth noting is that most of Partnership Park's $12 million investment has come without cost to local taxpayers. A patchwork of state, federal and private dollars has paid for much of the upgrades. There was little chance the Community Action Agency could have persuaded city government or any single agency alone to spend on this neighborhood. Instead, officials were creative and, in the process, pumped money into the Jackson economy.

In time, the Partnership Park model may grow to other Jackson neighborhoods. For now, officials' energy is being channeled into this area, between Francis, Blackstone and Morrell streets, and Washington Avenue.

In fact, more federal money is on the way to help build the neighborhood association, a group that existed for years before this effort. The community's success depends on getting residents involved in charting their future, and that's happening.

It seems the day that Community Action Agency will target another neighborhood won't be too far off. Initially, Partnership Park looks to be developing just as anyone could hope.

— Jackson Citizen Patriot