Troubled community gets a name change to 'Hope Valley'

TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — Tulsa’s 61st and South Peoria corridor is known for the crime that happens there. For years, community leaders have worked to improve safety and the image of the neighborhood.

Now, they are changing the name of the neighborhood to "Hope Valley." The goal is to remind the residents who live there to keep hope alive.

“People in the area are really stepping up and taking ownership of their area. That’s the reason why we have this new name change called 'Hope Valley.' Hope Valley will give this area hope that things are gonna change for the better,” said Donnie Johnson, who is a community resource officer for the Tulsa Police Department.

City Councilor Jeannie Cue feels the name change will boost morale and promote positivity.

“When there has been a lot of problems for so many years, 20 plus years, it takes a while to chip at the iceberg, and those residents are willing to do that, and they want change,” said Cue.

Residents are excited about the name change, too.

"I think it would be positive. What could it hurt, I mean, giving it that name what could it hurt? Certainly couldn’t impose any bad," said Trisha Lincoln, who's lived there about a month.

The signs will go up soon, reminding everyone in the once crime-ridden area, to hold on to hope.