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Great Neighborhoods Define Great Cities
December 3, 2008
Dear Friends,
Great neighborhoods, a defining characteristic of all vibrant and prospering cities, do not happen by accident. They are the result of conscious, ongoing activities by residents and city officials to create quality residential experiences. As I visit areas of District 3, I see the great prism of neighborhood life in our city because this district contains some of the most beautiful and the most challenged areas in Columbia.
Over the last several weeks I have been involved in meetings with residents in the Bradley, Hollywood-Rose Hill, Melrose Heights, Pinehurst, Rochelle Heights/Victory Gardens, Rosewood, and Shandon neighborhoods. These sessions have focused on matters ranging from crime prevention and code enforcement to neighborhood history and community character protection. As I write to bring you up to date on my activities, I am reminded that Columbia's ability to nurture and sustain great neighborhoods is a critical factor in ensuring the future of our 21st century city.
Key Neighborhood Issues
Public Safety and Code Enforcement
Early last month I heard from a close friend who told me that her college-aged son had been robbed at gunpoint around midnight walking home from Five Points up Saluda Avenue. Let me be clear: I am greatly alarmed by the increase in crime that we are experiencing throughout our city, our county, and our region. City officials will be reporting to Council on December 3rd about our needs in public safety. I anticipate that Council ultimately will be asked to provide additional funding to increase our police force, provide new equipment and technology, and new resources for code enforcement. I pledge my full support to provide the necessary financial resources to ensure safe streets and neighborhoods throughout this city.
City officials announced earlier this fall an important initiative to address neighborhood safety that blends public safety and code enforcement, known as "Operation Take Back Our City". This initiative embodies a comprehensive neighborhood focus that brings together city staff from a wide range of areas including law enforcement, public works, lighting, inspections, trash, and other departments to address both crime and code violations. I have joined staff and various neighborhood leaders for "walks" to examine local conditions and provide recommendations for improvement. In some neighborhoods these walks have resulted in new arrangements for neighborhood lighting and code enforcement "sweeps" through troubled areas.
One of the important issues for many neighborhoods concerns the problem of absentee landlords and code violations. At its November 19th meeting City Council discussed a proposed new ordinance to address this problem. The ordinance was suggested by the Code Enforcement Task Force, which recommended in its report in July that Council implement policies to require all rental property owners to secure a business license (at an $11 fee) and to register a local contact person for the property. District 3 residents have contacted me about difficulties in locating landlords to solve problems ranging from too many occupants per house to unsightly grass and trash. I fully support the recommendation of the Task Force for a strong ordinance to address this issue and look forward to casting my vote in the near future.
Neighborhood Parks
One of the great treasures of any neighborhood is a beautiful, functional park that can provide a special place for community interaction. A few weeks ago City Council approved a contract to begin work on a new park in the historic Edisto Court neighborhood in Rosewood. Neighborhood leaders are working with city staff to put the final touches on park plans that will provide new facilities and programs to serve children and residents.
In the Shandon neighborhood, members of the neighborhood council, residents, and representatives of the Hand Middle School Foundation recently approved drawings for plans to revitalize Emily Douglas Park and establish a new amphitheater. Neighborhood residents from the University Hill, Wales Gardens, and Wheeler Hill, along with representatives from Christopher Towers and the Capital Senior Center,are providing important input to city staff for the renovation of the Maxcy Gregg Park, now almost a century old. How interesting that residents from these different areas all claim this historic park as a part of their neighborhood identity! In every instance, it is critical that our neighborhood parks provide safe and accessible community space that enhances neighborhood life and facilitates a sense of community and place.
Five Points Parking
The Five Points Parking Advisory Committee, comprised of merchants and surrounding neighborhood residents, continues its work to address parking needs in this important shopping district. The committee presently is evaluating potential consultants who might be utilized to assess parking needs and provide guidance in considering various parking alternatives.
Previous parking studies, the last completed almost seven years ago in 2002, questioned the need for structured parking in this area and never identified a number of spaces likely required to accommodate present and future needs in this historic shopping village. Securing this information is an essential part of thoughtful, responsible planning that incorporates reliable and up-to-date data for decision-making. This is especially critical to ensure that every dollar of public money is leveraged to the best possible use. The number of spaces potentially needed in this project as well as the best location for a proposed garage are key components in assessing the costs for a publicly funded parking deck or garage. The next committee meeting is December 3rd in the Mayor's Conference Room at City Hall at 4:00 pm, and all meetings are open to the public.
Join Me for Neighborhood Holiday Events
Home for the HolidaysTour Shandon and Hollywood-Rose Hill neighborhoods Sunday, December 6 from 2-6. Learn more>>
Historic Candlelight Tours
Historic Columbia Foundation's annual Candlelight Tours will be held Friday and Saturday, December 5 & 6. Learn more>>
Five Points Festivus Celebration
Fun and festivities begin with a parade at 6 pm Friday, December 5, followed by a shop/pub stroll. Santa will visit on Saturday from 3-5 at the landmark Five Points Fountain. Learn more>>
A Devine Evening
The annual shopping event for Devine Street begins this Thursday at 5:00 pm. Festive foods and drinks will be offered at various shops, and the Christmas Tree Lighting will be at 6:00 pm at the Devine Street Fire Station. Some of the proceeds will benefit Harvest Hope Food Bank.
Please know again that I welcome your thoughts and ideas about our city. Best wishes to you and your family for a wonderful holiday season.
Sincerely,
Belinda Gergel
Columbia City Council, District 3 Representative