The RPNA gets many letters and calls about all the different issues in Rose Park. I'd say it's 50-50 between renovation inquiries and crime or code complaints. The crime and code issues are usually brought up when the person has gotten fed up so I understand their state of mind when I read the letter. Lately there have been comments about priorities for the RPNA so I thought I'd address those now.
The Rose Park and Rose Park South Historic Districts are protected under this designation by the city. It basically means that there are controls on the properties so they cannot be demolished or radically changed. Many people bought homes here for this reason, some people are confused by the standards and some people are frustrated by them- some don't care.
Living in a historic district does not mean that anyone is going to make your house or your neighborhood beautiful and quaint. This is up to us. As residents it is up to us to demand improvement and set our standards for living in this neighborhood.
Demands can be made in different ways of course and RPNA has brought improvements to the park, had articles written in magazines and hung banners on E. 7th (as examples) to spotlight our neighborhood. Our goal is to call attention to our needs and have them met.
When you see a drug deal in the park, call the police. It doesn't matter if the guy is gone when the officer gets there. The call is logged and when the pd looks over their logs and is determining where help is needed, we will be on it showing them that we need help. Lots of people in Rose Park are calling the police even though they don't want to. Don't make them be the only ones. Share the responsibility.
I received about 25 letters last month about the Marijuana Clinic on 10th and Temple. This clinic is not permitted and being run illegally in our neighborhood. The patrons are smoking in the alleys and streets of our neighborhood. Their pot smoke is coming in kids windows and infuriating the people that live near it. The answer is call the police. My faceBook entry on this clinic was responded to by a few people who like the clinic. Go figure! Based on the calls and letters I get we don't want the clinic. If it is bothering you and you know it is illegal, call the police.
I hope I have encouraged you all to participate in the effort to improve our place. I like to get letters so write to me or post on FaceBook with your comments or suggestions. I'd like to work on a street improvement project for 10th so anyone that is interested please let me know!
