Street tries to live up to its name

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - Treva Jenkins first got the idea while riding in a police car, but don't worry, she was in the front seat not the back.

"I really thought what is it I can do as a citizen," Treva says.

Treva's always been quick to share a kind word, but she wants a place that will be just as welcoming to people visiting the Salem Avenue Peace Corridor, a stretch many associate with anything but peace and quiet.

"We need to change the perception as much as anything," Treva says.

So Treva and the Salem Avenue Peace Corridor are throwing a party this weekend meant to show families that Salem isn't such a scary place.

"You build relationships," Treva says. "You build community."

Treva wants to use the festival to one day create something more permanent, a community of peace or COP garden that will be about more than just plants and flowers.

"It supports the reduction of stress and aggression and directly and indirectly it has an impact on crime and violence," Treva says.

Those who do business along Salem Avenue say even before the garden, they've seen signs of growth.

We've broken ground," says Jule Rastikis with the Salem Avenue Business Association. "We've been a seed underground for a long time and we're coming to the top."

The people here hope the festival will show that Salem Avenue can live up to its name.

"Salem means shalom which means peace," Treva says.

To see a lineup of events for the festival click here .