In a not-so-subtle way, in some cases driving through the neighborhood with a bullhorn, Allied Drive residents are asking their neighbors to stand up and be heard.

"We want people to come out and stress what it is they would like to see in their own community," said Alice Howard, Allied neighborhood association president. "Instead of waiting on somebody else to do it for them."

Howard says she's fed up with the near constant crime and violence facing her neighborhood.

And she spent Thursday afternoon on this curb, convincing residents to step into the Boys and Girls Club and let architects and city leaders know how they want Allied to be changed for the better.

"This is not a displacement opportunity for the neighbors," said Melissa Destree, American Institute of Architects, "this is about how to make their community a little better. How to get them into a little bit nicer, more secure apartments."

Destree is one of many architects who will be sitting down with Allied residents this weekend and working out the details of a revitalization plan with them.

And the residents who are taking part in these meetings, say they're seeing and hearing good things.

"I like the crowd," said Ronald Hampton, Allied resident. "There's a lot of people that are coming today, they're speaking. We're just trying to get it right."

"I have three kids," said Maurita Morrison, Allied parent, "and I'm just trying to find out more about what I can get involved in to help."

That kind of attitude is exactly what the organizers behind this meeting are hoping for.

"This is your chance to speak out, this is your chance to tell someone what it is you would like to see in your community," said Howard. "And if you don't come out now, don't complain about what they do."

The feed-back sessions will wrap up on Sunday night.

That's also when the city is expected to announce exactly what their plans are for revitalizing Allied Drive.