Wichita ? Two shootings on the same night within a mile of each other in one of Wichita’s most dangerous neighborhoods have police and residents saying enough is enough.

O.B. Donta L. McDonald, 26, and Christopher Lamont Spain Bey, 28, were shot about two hours apart Monday, although police are still investigating whether the shootings were related.

Both occurred in a neighborhood extending from 13th to 21st streets and from Interstate 135 to Hillside, near the Wichita State University caampus, and in an area where police say underlying problems lead to high crime rates.

“It’s just not fair how much crime seems to fester in this area,” Deputy Police Chief Tom Stolz said. “It’s time to do something more holistic and on a bigger scale.”

Wichita officers surveyed residents in February and are meeting with neighborhood groups to help form a plan to revitalize the area, beginning with increasing the safety of residents living there.

The long-range plan of the so-called “Redevelopment of 44 Beat” will include more strictly enforcing housing codes and calling on the city to address blight, vacant housing, trash and the dearth of economic activity in the neighborhood.

But while Stolz said money from the city’s capital improvement program and community development block grants could help pay for the program, right now there is no additional funding.

“This area has had its complexities as far as crime goes for as long as most people can remember,” said Capt. Felecia Norris. “It’s been this way for decades.”

Eight of Wichita’s 32 homicides in 2004 were in the area, and while some residents say they are optimistic of change, others advocate more drastic measures.

“Demolish the northeast area and build it up right, instead of putting up raggedy junk,” said Ruth Syms, a community member. She said bringing jobs to the area could also make a difference. “Look out west. It’s beautiful there.”

In the aftermath of Monday’s shootings, a prayer walk has been scheduled for Saturday, passing by the homes where Spain Bey and McDonald were killed. And community members say they are more committed than ever to changing the perception of their neighborhood.