Historical April–May 2013 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
A structured planning process seems to be characteristic of our time.
There are city plans, industry plans, nonprofit plans, and neighborhood plans. Skinker DeBaliviere launched a planning process in 1989. It’s most lasting benefit is probably the creation of the Commercial/Delmar Committee, which developed a redevelopment plan and saw it become law.
The Housing Corporation has also followed a plan that set out its mission and priorities.
There have been other planning efforts but the one underway today is the first to have consultants as guides and facilitators.
A multitude of ideas are now being debated at a series of neighborhood meetings. Nothing is yet writ in stone and there is ample opportunity for residents to make their voices heard. Debate is already beginning and lines of demarcation are developing.
Some reflect length of stay in the neighborhood. Oldtimers know the original reason for certain things and may be reluctant to change. Newer residents operate without the historical background.
Some ideas might receive universal agreement, such as bringing viable businesses to DeBaliviee.
My favorite idea, which has been kicked around for a number of years, is development of a dog park.
It would be fun for the dogs and owners as well (spoken by an owner of course).
I look forward to seeing where sentiment on these and many other issues lie.
My caveat is that we remember that things don’t always have to be the way they have been nor does something new and bold have to be appropriate always for this built environment. Of course, implementing any plan requires money and where will that money come from?
A grant is coverning the cost of our planning team.
In moving forward toward any implementation, we need to figure out how with dollar signs. Above all, participate in this process.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, April–May 2013.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Archival transcription note: Source De Baliviee and coverning spellings retained.
Original source: SD_Times2013_04.pdf, printed page(s) 2; PDF page(s) 2.
