As the city plans more revitalization downtown, why not do some revitalizing of your own?

Hagerstown's Community and Economic Development Department is conducting a survey among residents and business owners in a central part of Hagerstown.

It's part of a two-year process that began late last year to develop a strategy to redevelop a neighborhood that could use a little help.

Hagerstown was one of 14 recipients of grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to develop a comprehensive "Transformation Plan" for a "Choice Neighborhood."

This one includes the Hagerstown Housing Authority's Frederick Manor, Douglass Court and Parkside Homes, as well as all of downtown Hagerstown.

The surveys are designed to assess the needs and concerns of those who live or conduct their businesses within that neighborhood, and during a recent meeting of downtown business owners, Rachel Paul, the department's planning and outreach coordinator, explained that downtown Hagerstown had been included because of "its role as an employment destination and hub for businesses, events and history."

We often hear from folks who think downtown Hagerstown gets too much attention, that too much effort is concentrated downtown when other neighborhoods need help, too. And that for all the efforts, those issues that turned them against downtown in the first place persist.

They are correct in that every neighborhood, not just downtown, is important to the overall quality of life here. And they're correct that social issues don't clear up overnight.

But does that mean efforts to improve downtown Hagerstown should come to a full stop? Particularly when so much recent progress has been made?

Keeping any neighborhood vibrant and viable is never a one-and-done deal. Think of your own home — if you don't maintain it, what happens? Clearly without efforts to keep the momentum going downtown, the investments that have been made would be hindered.

That being said, the city also has programs designed to help improve neighborhoods throughout Hagerstown. A notable one is its Neighborhoods 1st program, which allows residents to take the lead in improving their own neighborhoods, with practical support — and a little cash, as available — from the city.

But if you look at the Neighborhoods 1st map on the city's website, you'll see that a relatively small portion of Hagerstown's many neighborhoods are taking advantage of it. That means these residents are missing out on what it has to offer.

And granted, it takes a little work to get a neighborhood group organized and keep it going. If you make that effort, however, it also gives you an opportunity to work with the city's staff up close and personal — and gives you a stronger, more unified voice in decisions that affect your neighborhood.

It gives you an incentive to get to know your neighbors, too. You might find they have the same vision or concerns that you do.

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In fact, making neighborhoods thrive, whether downtown or elsewhere in Hagerstown (or in Boonsboro or Williamsport or anywhere else) doesn't have to be, and really shouldn't be, the sole responsibility of the local government. Those of you who like to complain but are doing nothing to help could start doing your part to make your corner of the county a nicer place to be.

And if you happen to live in the Choice Neighborhood, you can start by responding to the city's survey. They want to hear from you. So whether you want to heap praise or mount complaints, this is the time and place to do it. They're trying to make a Hagerstown a better place. Are you willing to help?

Let's be better, Hagerstown.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: If you live or do business downtown, Hagerstown wants to hear from you