Despicable article in The Wedge.

[Michael Avery]

I was absolutely DISGUSTED with the last page of The Wedge this month. Posted is a picture of an (admittedly ill-kept) house on South Avenue, along with the owner's name, phone number and a request that all readers call and harass the owner.

I find this kind of bullying absolutely despicable.

Nowhere in the article does it mention any efforts that SWPC has gone to reach the owner to beautify his property. It mentions how the neighborhood, over the last few years, has gentrified... but this house is "lagging behind." Why is this property in such ill-repair? It doesn't mention whether the owner lacks the funds, the ability, or other resources to also gentrify his property. Perhaps the owner's mother is battling cancer and he spends every minute at her bedside, or perhaps he is just a negligent absentee landlord. We'll never know, the article doesn't say.

Instead, just a rally cry to harass him.

It's fantastic that our neighborhood is THE up-and-coming neighborhood. And I realize that it hasn't happened on accident... it is the result of many homeowners, landlords, business owners and community organizations all coming together... people who work hard, care deeply and have a stake in the success of our neighborhood. I am a beneficiary of this upward momentum on several levels; as a Southwedge resident, a landlord of several Southwedge properties, and a South Ave business owner.

However, without knowing the reasons why "some neighbors are lagging behind," I can't help but wonder if there are more neighborly ways to bring them along. Instead of bullying, wouldn't it be nice if that same article ran with a call for help?

SWPC could call for volunteers to lend the homeowner a hand. Most likely in one Saturday, a team of volunteers could replace and paint the stair rails. Perhaps someone could donate the money or lumber to replace the lower porch railing so they would match the top and look so much nicer. I'm sure others could be found with some expertise to address any other problems the property might have.

The gentrification of our neighborhood should not cause us to treat our neighbors with disrespect. If our rising tide raises all boats, why not throw a lifeline rather than shoot with a harpoon?

[Angela & Paul]

I wanted to see the piece before I commented. This piece in The Wedge is truly disappointing. I hope the SWPC knows people in the community feel this way.

[Marta]

Michael, I agree completely. I'm kind of on the fence about the whole "gentrification" thing anyway..but be that as it may, I don't see how this article can help us build the neighborhood. As a letter to the editor, I would have disagreed but allowed the difference of opinion. Perhaps someone can enlighten us as to the rationale for printing this piece. Anyone? Anyone?

[Jim LeChase]

Marta, I'm not sure there is a rationale for that type of "article". While I totally agree that all home owners, land lords and renters should make the best effort possible to keep up the appearance of their property, it's entirely uncalled for to post a picture, name and phone number of a home owner and ask for people to spot the flaws and, basically, harass the owner because he doesn't maintain his property exactly the way the SWPC would like him to. Ugh. With all the great things happening in our area it's a shame that "the powers that be" have managed to undercut the helpful, neighborly efforts of the community in one fell swoop. I'm probably being overly dramatic, but the piece in question really rubbed me the wrong way.

[Marta]

Well, there's no rationale that I can see, either--but I'd like to know what they were thinking. Does no one edit the Wedge? Do they have no guidelines for articles? We've made out position clear, and I'd like to think we're open to some dialogue. I would really like to understand how this came about--even though I don't agree with it!

[Robert Boyd]

What about the negative impact on the surrounding businesses ? What about the impact on the community?

Can you honestly look at that property that the owner rents for profit and say that it is ok and we should allow it?

[Robert Boyd]

Marta - perhaps you consider having safe railings "gentrification" or perhaps a porch should be painted or perhaps unsafe walkways?

Do you like the house?

Sometimes a community needs to take action - when things can;t change -

[Marta]

OK, I'm going to try to do this all in one. Bob, I can see we struck a nerve here, and I'm sorry if you consider it a personal attack, as that wasn't intended. That being said, my expectation is that SWPC--and the Wedge paper as its representative--will strive to uphold the highest standards in the way they conduct business. I totally understand the frustration of having a "difficult" property to contend with, and I applaud any reasonable efforts at change--but I don't believe the end justifies the means. The changes on my block over the last 19 years have showed me that one of the most powerful things we can do as a community is set a positive example.

This has nothing to do with my personal feelings about or appreciation of the real estate in question, or my feelings about gentrification. "Taking action" covers a lot of territory, some of which is better left unexplored, in my opinion.

[Robert Boyd]

The community has set a positive example - by the adjacent neighbors and businesses improving their properties and opening new businesses. How else could we could we be positive? What suggestions do you have for helping with this house?

[Angela & Paul]

I believe if we are to be asked to become involved in the issue we have the right to know the history. I spoke with Bob Boyd (the Executive Director of the SWPC) last night. I found it very worthwhile. He informed me that the owners name was public record and that the # they provided was listed on the building. Though this article still would never have been how I would choose to address this issue I was able to receive a history of how this came to pass as well as a rational for the decision. Mr. Boyd informed me he would be willing to speak with any other community members who are interested. If you are upset I suggest you do so.

[Robert Boyd]

A few points I would like to make - the information as to the owner is public information is phone number is posted on the house.

This is a rental property the person is in the business of making money - he does not choose to take care of the property. Much has been done to try to rectify the situation but to no avail.

There are three new businesses that opened in that area - Echo Bella, Rochester Community Accupuncture and Healing Hands Message - these and the other businesses in that area are negatively impacted by this property. Is it fair for these businesses to be negatively impacted by someone who clearly does not care about the property?

Is it fair to those that PAY rent for the apartments to have unsafe living conditions?

Is it fair that when families are walking down the street that unleashed dogs come at that?

Or maybe what about the cars and people who stop by for 20 second visits?

I believe that there is a time we need to take action -

Michael if you want to volunteer to rebuild the porch and the railings that would be great!

[Robert Boyd]

Michael - I invite you to take a walk with me and see it and talk further be happy to tell you stories. You can talk to the businesses and see there point of view also.

[Jim LeChase]

Mr. Boyd, your points are very thoughtful, but I think you're missing the point of the posts on this page. Everyone in our wonderful community wants the best for our area and that includes how we treat our neighbors. Yes, I agree with you that there is a time to take action when it seems every avenue has been taken and no advancements have been made, but it's been a long time since I (or anyone I can think of for that matter) has resorted to publicly embarrassing someone to prove a point outside of gossip magazines and mud-raking politics.

Out of curiosity, did you or any members of the SWPC speak with the owner of the property, or even the tenants before putting the picture of the house, name of the owner and his phone number in The Wedge? If you are concerned for the safety of the tenants did you or any member of the SWPC speak to the City of Rochester about possible safety codes being violated so the proper channels could be taken regarding this matter? Also, why are you at all concerned about people "stopping by for 20 second visits?" Is that a veiled way of saying you believe the tenants are involved in illegal activity? Again I ask, why weren't the proper channels taken to rectify this situation immediately? I would think a concerned member of any community, such as yourself, would notify the authorities as quickly as possible if they suspected illegal goings on in the area. I should note here that I do not disagree with your observations. Those are indeed issues that need to be addressed by the owner, the tenants and if necessary the City of Rochester; my problem is with the way you and the SWPC decided to handle it.

I understand how personally you take the development and improvement of The South Wedge, your efforts should truly be applauded, and I was elated to read this article earlier today D+C Article. So, it looks as if despite the occasional eye sore, code violation and "20 second visit" the South Wedge is still growing and growing. Once again let me state that I do not condone any of the issues you've brought up, but the way in which you and the SWPC decided to handle it. I hope I have not come off as abrasive or reactionary, because there is too much of that going on as it is.