Blight and degradation in neighborhoods is a HUGE concern. Too many buildings downtown in highly visible areas, and too many abandoned homes in neighborhoods is just not acceptable. Enforcement of codes pertaining to such properties needs to be fairly enacted, and action needs to be taken in a timely manner. Leaving properties to decay for years with nothing being done is dangerous for the people in the affected neighborhoods; it invites crime (i.e. arson, squatting, etc.) and deteriorates the value of the existing homes and properties in the area, along with discouraging travel to destinations that might require driving through the affected areas.
There are many historic and beautiful areas of our city that have been preserved or resurrected - and this adds to the draw as a destination city. However, with the increasing decay and blight surrounding these areas, is there an equitable balance? Focus has been on Historic 25th Street and in a few blocks located at the Junction. There are five freeway entrances into the city, and many routes for people to take in getting to the main city destination points; their journey experience should be as enjoyable as the destination experience.
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What do you propose be done? Let's face it, most people who live in "blighted" areas are financially unable to take the steps the city would likely demand to bring the home up to some ideal. It's easy to say, "Buy a weed wacker, buy a lawn mower, buy some hoses and sprinklers, tack however much onto your water bill each month for irrigation," but when you're barely scraping by, those things are as out of reach as a mansion in Park City. What about those who can't? The elderly, the poor? What then?
I was referring to the fenced off, boarded up houses downtown where someone owns them, doesn't live in them and won't take responsibility for them.
Your concerns also pique my interest in finding ways to assist where someone cannot or does not have the means to comply.
It is those who simply ignore and refuse to comply that cannot be given a free ride any more.
Thank you for your input and interest!
Jennifer
Perhaps as part of Obama's call for volunteerism this community can organize something that helps the poor and disabled to cure blighted areas?
There ARE answers to these problems but we mut be WILLING to first hear them and second implement them. The current administration in Ogden doesn't believe in compassion or community. It's all about profit and privatization with Mayor Godfrey.
I, personally, would like to see more compassion and solution and less greed.
Anon - I believe our community has a sense of caring and volunteerism that goes beyond the White House or Ogden City's Administration.
Recall the case recently of the disabled vet's wheelchair stolen -- people offered help, and one donated a chair to help him out. All of this from the goodness of their hearts.
There have been many more, too many to mention here. We have groups that volunteer to paint houses, clean up yards. In the spring there is a Call-a-Dumpster program, where a group of neighbors can get a dumpster brought to them to clean the clutter out of their yards - free of charge.
If there is a better way to bring those in need of such services to the attention of the neighborhoods and community at large, I'm sure our citizens will be happy to assist - and those in need would not have rely solely on the generous nature of the City's Administration ...
We have neighborhood watch groups for crime - citizens can organize neighborhood watch groups for looking out for one another, and notice when someone is in need ... and could use a helping hand. They could rally a service group without the Administration's intervention - or expense.
As far as implementing any such programs - well, I think awareness communication and encouragement among neighborhoods would be the key elements to get more of these community efforts going, regardless of the Administrations beliefs or priorities regarding community and service.
Thank you for your input and interest.
Jennifer
I was simply suggesting setting something up in line with Obama's call for volunteerism so that, say for example, WSU students could get some kind of credit for volunteering in the community. Something that will bring even more people into the spirit of volunteering and caring.
I agree, Ogden has an amazing community! But we can do more. And more people, frankly, can stand to learn how rewarding it is to volunteer.
Anon,
Again, I thank you for your interest and enthusiasm on this subject.
As far as WSU students getting credit for volunteering in the community -- they may already have programs in place or not, but it would be up to the individual departments (say, education, social sciences, psychology, etc to arrange and implement such programs). I think student organizations do regular service projects.
Yes, you are right about how rewarding it is to help soemone in need ... even little things matter - it doesn't have to be a large scale effort.
Thank you again,
I appreciate your input!
Jennifer
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