posted August 6, 2008
East Chattanooga is a Weed and Seed community, but I don't recall hearing about any participation in the National Night Out held on Tuesday. Nor did I see anything along that line taking place in my neighborhood. Wouldn't it have been a good idea to be involved in this? If activities took place, I apologize for my comments.
I have written before that this area seems to be in decline with regard to the number of thugs walking the streets and random vandalism I personally have experienced. The enforcement of violations by the Neighborhood Services and Community Development department is arbitrary at best. Some homes are cited for hardly anything and those slated for demolition are pushed through the process while other properties languish untouched for months, sometimes years, on end.
The combination of the above makes for an uncomfortable living environment. I dread going home most days wondering if my home has been vandalized or if the City will find something else wrong with my property. I no longer feel safe nor do I feel that I can afford to own a home since the upkeep appears to be more than I can afford.
While my mother was alive, she applied for and was denied any help to improve her home to satisfy code requirements. If a senior citizen who received SSI and food stamps didn't qualify for help, then someone who works and receives a fairly decent income won't either.
All in all, as a Weed and Seed community, National Night Out participation is a good idea, as well as equity in dealing with codes enforcement. Please do something before this area gets any worse.
Dana Lingerfelt
Chattanooga
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