tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12509286.post8957784679344924486..comments2024-03-01T07:43:16.529-06:00Comments on Smart City Memphis: Downtown's Legacy Is Built On NeglectUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12509286.post-53662197013697024982007-09-21T15:58:00.000-05:002007-09-21T15:58:00.000-05:00I dunno. City Beautiful is only trotted out when ...I dunno. City Beautiful is only trotted out when there's political posturing to be done, and this initiative smacks of just another feel-good campaign gimmick. <BR/>It's not the accumulation of McDonald's cups carelessly tossed out of station wagon windows, Mr. Mayor, it's the illegal dumping and systemic failure of code enforcement that bleeds resources and breeds crime. <BR/>Rather than deal with these issues, he tosses us this bone.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12509286.post-62861545038178154442007-09-21T14:23:00.000-05:002007-09-21T14:23:00.000-05:00There have been efforts for the past 4 years by a ...There have been efforts for the past 4 years by a group of grassroots organizations working together to identify resources, best practices, develop partnerships with various agencies, and develop strategies to decrease property neglect and blight in Memphis. The group is called the Problem Properties Collaborative. We have had some successes with bringing more attention to the need for more resources and smarter strategies to address neighborhood neglect. We also were able to help with pushing for the new Neighborhood Preservation Act Amendment to deal with absentee landlords that refuse to repair their properties falling to the ground.<BR/><BR/>What we need desperately is to have more neighborhood groups to get involved with voicing their concerns, build a base of support in their neighborhoods, and the philanthropic community to support grassroots efforts. It will take all of us to move Memphis forward. Clean ups are fine but we will need a lot more resources to clean up Memphis and create neighborhoods where people want to live. <BR/><BR/>For more information about the Problem Properties Collaborative click http://problemproperties.typepad.com/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12509286.post-47435635377592431372007-09-21T11:38:00.000-05:002007-09-21T11:38:00.000-05:00As I walk around downtown I frequently wonder:• Wh...As I walk around downtown I frequently wonder:<BR/><BR/>• Why put pea gravel into the gaps in the sidewalk where trees used to be. So it can spread everwhere and make it easy for people to trip and fall? <BR/><BR/>• Why aren't the pedestrian crossing lights better maintained? The one by the Welcome Center has never worked right. The walk signal only comes on if you push the button and then it only stays on for a nanosecond. I frequently find myself explaining to tourists to "watch the light" instead of waiting for the signal.<BR/><BR/>• How come, when you want to ride the trolley, one never comes by? At any other time, you dodge them.<BR/><BR/>• Why doesn't the city establish and enforce "no loitering zones" around liquor stores? That would cut down on panhandling.<BR/><BR/>You are on target regarding the sidewalks. That's a citywide issue, too.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12509286.post-7214976272709851202007-09-21T04:46:00.000-05:002007-09-21T04:46:00.000-05:00well,thinks for you infomate&travel,Find More....well,thinks for you info<BR/><A HREF="http://www.ideaforvacation.com" REL="nofollow">mate&travel</A>,<A HREF="http://www.ideaforvacation.com" REL="nofollow">Find More....</A>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12509286.post-23889153821275484272007-09-20T20:29:00.000-05:002007-09-20T20:29:00.000-05:00You're right on point, which of course raises the ...You're right on point, which of course raises the question, exactly what does city government here do?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com