Historical Winter 2003 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
I sometimes try to explain our neighborhood to one of my urban politics classes. Given that most of the students are from 170 and beyond, it’s not an easy task.
They cannot relate to how our neighborhood looks, its history, or its fight for diversity and stability.
They don’t relate to neighborhood events, neighborhood watch or the high level of acquaintanceship we have.
When I say my closest friends are in this neighborhood, that surprises them too.
We have a commodity that is rare and special. It’s called community and it is not all that common in the land of sprawl. Although we are challenged by the construction that looms everywhere around us, much has occurred that is positive.
We have become a very desirable neighborhood to home buyers and property values are up. Joe Edwards’ commercial development is likely to spur future development east on Delmar. Crime (except for pesky auto theft) is down. Lucier Park is taking form.
The playground is an established destination for many families. You still need to be careful. For example, don’t leave items out visible in your car. But, all in all, these are good times. Perhaps I should be glad that many students do not relate to the specialness of our and other city neighborhoods.
A treasure isn’t a treasure if everyone can partake.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, Winter 2003.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2003_11.pdf, printed page(s) 2; PDF page(s) 2.
