"CPDC Bridges the Technology Gap at Edgewood" December 1996 "I've lived at Edgewood Terrace for over twenty years," said Ms. Rogerline Nicholson, the President of the Residents' Association, "and have seen it go from new and beautiful and well-maintained to its terrible state now. But the residents have persevered and we will bring it back and make his community better than ever." Redevelopment plans for Edgewood Terrace I include establishing comprehensive, integrated program of services for residents, from day care and youth programs, to senior activities and adult services. Adult and family services will be wholistic and family-centered, and will include programs to guide families who receive income subsidies to become self sufficient. These programs include case management, referral services, employment readiness, and job training. These services will be available at the "Edgewood Connection," a 40,000 square foot community center being built-out as part of the renovation. CPDC is also bridging the technology gap for this community by creating a state-of-the-art computer center, wiring all the residential units for a network, and providing training for residents to fully use these systems. "We have entered into an age of information and connectivity," according to Leslie Steen, President of CPDC. "Access and training to use the tools of the information age--computers, software, networks, etc.--are becoming necessary for people to fully participate in our economy and society" says Steen. At the computer center residents may enroll in beginning level computer training, and training for advanced, in-demand computer skills such as network administration and database management. The residential network will provide high-speed data access, giving residents access to the Internet and to "EdgeNet," an internal network for Edgewood Terrace I residents. EdgeNet will be able to host web sites, bulletin boards, and chat rooms. The content of EdgeNet will be created by the community, and is being designed to connect residents with each other, the surrounding neighborhood, and society as a whole, creating a powerful community building tool.