Re-building community
Submitted by pido on Thu, 06/05/2008 - 22:26.
I need help.
My wife and I built a home in a brand new Granville development back in 2005, just before the peak of the housing market. We were one of the examples of a family that shouldn't have been approved for the loan we received, but things worked out. For many of our neighbors, the story has been quite different, and they're leaving it all behind.
The neighborhood started out very diverse, and we've learned the hard way that different cultures define community in different ways. Add to this dynamic a growing number of abandoned properties, and it's hard not think of walking away. Or at least, moving away.
We're not looking to do that, and that's not the point of this post. Rather, we're looking for ways to re-build community—not just in our neighborhood, but throughout the city. The economic downturn hurts, and it shows; just look at the dead lawns lining our streets. We want to find ways to soften the blow.
Right now, we're mowing the abandoned lawns, and watering the ones within reach of our hose. Unfortunately, PG&E and the City don't like it when bills don't get paid, and sprinklers are hard to run without electricity or water. So that's a starting point, if we can find a way to bargain with either entity.
But that's not enough. Which brings me back to the start of this—we need help. What to do?
Rob, there was free beer? Damn, I missed that...
Gobsmacked at cook up!
Rob DeFrees
MOI is so sorry you did not chat with MOI. How could you miss. MOI was the fat, bent, old geezer stuffing cake-hole and downing the FREE Ale.
Ta, for kind words. Will see if folks write back to you. MOI is pedantic letter writer and some folks in local government tend to try to ignore. Hope you counciloerson is easier to deal with than Councilwoman Sterling.
All, thank you for words of encouragement, and for the ideas.
Rob, you're my inspiration, so I'll start with your suggestions. Now that my council rep isn't running for mayor, I'll try to get a bit of his time. I also plan to contact the builder (though they legally have no responsibility, but they're good people), the financial institutions that are taking over the homes, the utilities dept. and several others, in hopes of addressing this issue at a greater level.
As for pulling people together, I'm not sure everyone's interested. That doesn't mean the neighborhood's not worth saving, it means that (as I tried to describe before) there are cultures represented that define community and neighborhood differently than we do. And if neighbors move, the neighborhood remains, so for that alone it is worth saving (to us, at least). Truth be told, though, we haven't made every possible effort to bring people together, so the point is still made, and we'll need to continue that discussion with our neighbors.
Taking a page out of Rob's book, I plan to blog the whole things, starting with copies of the letters I send to local leaders, and the feedback we get from them and our neighbors.
Again, I thank you all for the comments.
You need to create an informal neighborhood association. Get together and agree to cut the lawns, water, keep an eye out for criminals, etc. Don't wait for the city to step in.
Also, have neighborhood events. Block parties are always good fun and you can usually get the fire department to bring out the engine and let the kids putz around on it.
The most important thing is to do something to reinforce the idea that you and your neighbors have a shared interest in keep up the 'hood.
Community
In addition to what Rob said, I'd try to get the people who still have a house in your neighborhood to pull together and help your efforts. They must realize that if all these vacant houses fall apart, the values are going to plummet for everyone. I'd say talk to your neighbors, ask them for ideas, and get them on board. This is too big a problem for one person (or couple) to deal with alone. And if your neighbors aren't interested, is the neighborhood really worth saving?
I agree with Rob in that you should be commended and I truely wish I had a neighbor like you! The situation you are in is difficult, and I hope it turns around in the very near future.
Michael Sloggett
President, Fresno Fusion
How very kind
Rob DeFrees
MOI is always proud of folks who shine as neighbors. You sound like the sort of person any neighborhood would be lucky to have.
Have you thought of finding out who owns the homes you are trying to care for? Should think that a bank or other institution would be glad to have property protected. Have you thought about contacting City Council person responsible for your district? Each District office has 'discretionary funds' available and this sounds just like the sort of thing these monies are to be used for.
MOI is not blinkered to the problems on other roads and neighborhoods. It hurts to see so much damage done that could be prevented if City officials would just take the time to care.
In these hard economic times, many will tell of what can not be done, they fails to tell what can be done. Mind, we live in a City, where members of the City Council can approve $155,000.00 to write a report about what ails a neighborhood, when they already know what does.
Just think how far $155,000.00 would go to save another neighborhood from becoming blighted.
YOU are what makes Fresno proud. Ta, for being a good neighbor and a good member of the community.
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