Historical February 1985 report or notice. Original dates, prices and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
At a recent meeting of Washington Heights Neighbors, several residents of 5700 DeGiverville brought up a common problem in our neighborhood: boarded-up homes. People wanted to know if there was anything that could be done about a particular house; or, were the boards on the front just a fact of life?
The discussion continued after the meeting and the decision was made to call a meeting of concerned residents on the block.
Mike Magrath found out, through research, that the owner is a nearby neighbor, and we were able to ask the owner to join us at the meeting.
At the December meeting of “Concerned Residents of 5700 DeGiverville,” the couple who purchased the house reported that they had planned to move in: but, the deal for the house they are currently in had fallen through.
They boarded up their DeGiverville house for protection, however, they very much want to lease it.
They gave their phone number and told us the size of the house and lease amount. DeGiverville residents are now keeping a lookout for friends who might want to rent in our neighborhood.
We felt good about what came out of the meeting.
The current residents are confident that the house is not going to stay boarded up.
The owners already have neighbors who are trying to find renters for them.
All of us feel a lot better about looking after each others’ homes when we can’t be there.
Another point that came up at the get-together was that we hope people on other blocks do the same. Boarded-up homes are more than an eyesore.
They invite vandalism.
It is not hard to research current owners of a house. (Call Mike Magrath at 862-7624 if you need to find out how.) While you’re finding out the owner, let your neighbors know that when residents of 5700 DeGiverville got together, they were able to work the problem out.
If you want to be part of an organization working to make our neighborhood more attractive for everyone, come to the next meeting of Washington Heights Neighbors at 7:30 p.m. on Tues., Feb. 12, in Hamilton Community School.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, February 1985.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1985_02.pdf, printed page(s) 4; PDF page(s) 4.
