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?

[Southwedger]

The house in question has more issues than what the article went into.

It and its inhabitants need to go.

Obviously, the owner has been addressed about the concerns and officials have been notified about the dealings that go on at that address--yet nothing is done.

[SWPC Executive Committee]

The Executive Committee of the SWPC Board of Directors apologizes for the dissatisfaction created by the inappropriate placement of the “What’s Wrong With this Photo” article in the June/July issue of The Wedge newspaper. The article was not consistent with our typical approach to community development. Our mission is to support the South Wedge community by supporting a full range of housing opportunities, and promoting a diverse, historically significant, and commercially sustainable urban village. We strive to do this by working with residents, landlords, and business owners in a positive, collaborative way.
We value the comments provided in this forum and encourage continued feedback to SWPC regarding our organization, our work, and activities taking place in the South Wedge. We are always seeking to increase resident representation and involvement in SWPC. Our calendar of events is posted at http://swpc.org/calendarofevents.php. If you would like to shape the character and effectiveness of your neighborhood organization, please attend a meeting and/or email the SWPC Executive Committee through southwedge.org or swpc.org. Board meetings are always open to the public and you do not need to be a board or committee member to attend.
Thank you, Lyjia, Tracy, Sarah, and Tony.

[Angela & Paul]

Thanks to the Exec Committee and Mr. Boyd for responding to all of us!

I checked out the calendar and was unable to find meetings listed, block club meeting or the Third Thursday events on here or the SWPC site you provided. I would really love to volunteer my time/participate in the neighborhood meetings at SWPC if these calendars could be updated that would be great.

Thanks again!

[Tracy Saville]

Angela & Paul,
Yes, I am still adding content to the SWPC web page. I am hoping to get content in place by the end of the month. Please feel free to check out The Wedge or contact me directly or specific committe meetings, block clubs (please join your local block club!!) and board meetings. SWPC Board meetings occur every 2nd Thursday at 6pm with the next one being on July 9th. The meeting are held at SWPC, 244 Mt. Hope Avenue.
Thank you and i hope to hear from you soon.
Tracy Saville
[e-mail]

[Angela & Paul]

Thanks Tracy. I got the info from SWPC. I look forward to seeing the website! :) Thanks again!

[Tracy Saville]

Hi everyone,
Here is the calendar list that will be displayed on SWPC.ORG. I'm currently trying to get admin rights to the site. Until then, I will keep you updated through SouthWedge.org. I encourage everyone to learn more about SWPC and how you can help improve the South Wedge.

Tracy Saville
794-3966

[Angela & Paul]

Thanks!

[Jim LeChase]

Thank you all for taking the time to respond so graciously to the people here who were upset by the "What's Wrong With this Photo" article in the June/July issue of The Wedge newspaper. It shows a lot of guts to admit a mistake and even more to actually apologize. It's truly, truly appreciated.

[Nik Reynolds]

In my opinion, it was entirely the wrong approach. Embarrassing people and making enemies is not the way to bring people together in a community. Singling people out is never a good way to bring people together to reach a goal.

[Mark U.]

Ha Ha, HUGE drug bust at that location today!!! The article may have been in poor taste, but maybe our concern put it on the city radar?!? Is there some correlation here?? blighted properties = low rents = more likely to harbor illegal activities... did I just crush some more toes? I'm speaking statistically here & not trying to be racist in any way.

[Southwedger]

Yes, loved to see the SWAT team bust the doors down yesterday on that scum apartment house.

The cop who owns this house rents to low life scumbag drug dealers and users. He should be embarrassed and he should be publicly shamed. I don't want that in my neighborhood. Maybe you guys want to bake him a bunt cake and chat over tea--I don't.

That property is ruining what could be a very nice section of The Wedge.

[Jim LeChase]

That property is ruining what could be a very nice section of The Wedge? What about the strip of homes on South near Highland Hospital? Sure, they are in better shape aesthetically, but, from my vantage point anyway (sitting way up here in an ivory tower gives me a great view from which to judge everyone and everything I deem worthy of my judgment :) ) it seems like that area is littered with the same activity as the poorly maintained home just up the street, or am I wrong?

I'm still not a fan of the way the SWPC handled that article in "The Wedge" a while back, but after what I'm assuming has been repeated attempts at friendly intervention it's starting to get under my skin that day in and day out there never seems to be anything done. So, no "bunt cake and chat over tea" for them.