Makes sense to me...

"Take this, for example. Oy. The base is an old 1930s building - a rather ridiculous structure that resembles a fascist movie set, but a rare example of its breed. Let us be charitable and note that the tower does not take its foundation into account as much as one might like. It looks like a chrysalis that will produce a robot Mothra.



If such a thing is proposed here, and the architects have sufficient pedigree, I imagine it would be celebrated as proof we’re a “world class” city, complete with the inhuman, arrogant, flavor-of-the-month architecture that title has come to suggest." Lileks



I can't help but draw comparisons between Minneapolis and our own fair city from time to time, mostly when I see things like this.



Don't get me wrong, I certainly do not expect to see any 80-story glass pickles being built atop the former "Day and Night Bank" building. But there is an arrogance to the forces-that-be telling us the Art Museum will represent the mountains - as if the common man is far too common to be able to see the vision, to see the greatness.



Those who mock it as the "wreck of the flying nun" and other things are, in a sense, undesirable - they do not have the intellect to see the beauty in the building, and by consequence - the art contained within.



And of course, this thought is not limited to worldly-art types either. Locally, it's easy enough to find. From the foothills of Mill Mountain, to the lowlands of downtown - the idea has taken hold that the "common man" (which is anyone other than the ones talking) is too blind?/ignorant?/uneducated? to grasp the simple concepts.



And sadly, our elected leaders are neither smart enough, nor bold enough, nor savvy enough to aid the citizens in any meaningful way.



Even those who consider themselves closely allied with them, oft times find nothing but disappointment.



In a nutshell, you have a city divided by it's own citizens, a fully independent city council that feels it answers to no-one. Vote them out you say? Like they are worried about that. They have no fear for their part-time jobs of representing the people. They make far more money, and have far more influence outside of the Municipal Building than they do within it.



So it's up to the citizens at large to stand up for themselves. Organize and revive the city.



I mean we are already getting one giant solar reflector, do we need a matching glass pickle?

New Roanoke 3

I have a feeling I am about to become very unpopular.



I stumbled upon a new phrase this weekend, which really caused me to think hard about Roanoke.



Cultural Sclerosis.



Now there are varying ideas as to what that exactly means, but at it's essence - it's a societal process - as sclerosis is "a hardening of tissue", the culture itself has solidified.



Now let's think about a different, yet related, concept.



Rampant Loser-ism.



How can we expect to attract the best and the brightest when we are constantly bombarded (at home and at work) with tales of young girls whose make it a point to get pregnant before graduation, young men who find it amusing and acceptable to sleep on the median of Crystal Spring Ave. because they spent all their "ride money" on beer, and are too drunk to get anywhere.



And this particular young lad lives in South Roanoke, up towards Boxley Hills.



Or how about the tale of a young girl, 17 - who engaged in adult activities with her mother's boyfriend. In public. And is proud of it.



We hear questions on why our schools have such a high drop out rate, and other asides.



Simple. Education is not valued. Cultural Sclerosis says these things are acceptable.



For the past x-amount of years, the city (and county, which has the same problems - just more spread out) - the losers have won. What good is hard work and an education, when you see so many people living life as they want, "making do with what they have."



Obsolete is accountability, replaced instead by acceptance.



"Well, thats just the way we do things."

"That's just the way he is."



Are standards that low?



Or let us not forget the old hymn: "This is the South."



Well I say hogwash.. balderdash and hogwash.



Accountability is not something that can be introduced like a virus, but it can be grown like a crop. And it is up to the community to show that there is a value to education, but not tolerating ignorance - and not giving it jobs, not allowing it to propagate in the workplace and holding employees to a higher standard.



Yes.. I said it - Standards.



If we, as a city, begin to work on the issue of raising standards for ALL people, not through legislation but through daily interaction, then perhaps.. just maybe - all the efforts at attracting and retaining will pay off. Until then, Roanoke is bereft with a low-powered work force.



Not to say there are not some smart folks and such around - but when visitors come from out of town - they see the mountains, the star, downtown and shuttle them out quickly before they have to stand in line at the bank while the teller reveals all the details about her hysterectomy to a poor businessman who just wants to deposit his check.



But I guess the crutch rears it's ugly head again, but that's a post for another day.



The real theme of this post -the message for a New Roanoke... stop accepting, and start raising.



"We've raised our standards, now up yours."

What was that?

Sounded like a bell...



maybe a death knell...



I know I heard something



Mister Mayor.. one word: unwise.

Notice

If you are looking for me.. I've been busy lately - check the SE blog for information.



Of course, thats not all.. There will be another NewRoanoke this weekend.



Plus, once again your humble servant is mentioned in today's newspaper. An Oak-Leaf Filigree with Bronze Palm for the first person to spot me (excludes only a certain Fire Fighter, and the author of the article) and leave a comment.



Plus.. well, lets just say I have been active within the city. Very active.



Infiltration plans proceeding according to schedule. More later.

Tonight.. (your gonna miss out)

Southeast Residents, come on down to the SE Action Forum meeting at the Police Substation on Jamison and 11th - (parking in the rear) @ 7PM!



For the rest of you - here's some music to mope by.. and you should - not living in Southeast and all.. go mope.

How 'cool' do you want to be, Roanoke?

In the quest for 'coolness' and the young professional's dollar - Roanoke keeps coming up with ideas to improve itself. But there is one thing that must work, considering how many 'cool' cities are like this.



Maybe Roanoke should try it:



Startling new figures on NYC's middle class

WABC Eyewitness News



(New York - WABC, April 3, 2007) - There are some truly startling figures out about how much money it costs a family of four to live a middle class lifestyle in New York City.

The costs, according to the figures, is between $75 and $135,000 dollars a year. Those numbers are way above the national average.



And not surprisingly, many families here are having a very difficult time reaching that goal.



Eyewitness News reporter Sandra Bookman has the story.



Brooklynite Erica Casey-Lee says the family finances have definitely suffered while she's been on maternity leave since the birth of her second child, and making ends meet on her husband's salary alone is a delicate balancing act.



A new survey shows more and more New Yorkers are having to do the same thing in order to maintain a decent standard of living and things don't appear to be getting better.



In fact, while the median family income her is just over $49,000 dollars a year, those surveyed said it actually takes $75 to 135,000 dollars a year for a family of four to live a middle class standard of living.



While health insurance, owning a computer with Internet access and having a full-time job were considered essentials for a middle class standard of living in New York, reasonable housing expenses were at the top of the list.



Many housing advocates say that's not surprising in a city where million dollar plus apartments are becoming the rule not the exception.



Still, despite the challenges of making a life here, nearly every single person we interviewed told us any place else simply wouldn't be New York City.



(Copyright 2007 WABC-TV)



______________________________________________



Just think, if we overinflate the Cost of Living, Housing, and the rest of the day to day expenses - it must make a place cool! There is not one major city that does not have this problem, so it must not be a problem - must be a solution.



Of course I jest, but those figures will give anyone pause for thought.

If you will

Once again, I come to you asking for help.



Myhometownhelper.com is set up by the good folks at Hamburger Helper/General Mills to fund community projects. The Roanoke City Police Department has asked for a grant of $4,000 to wipe out graffiti in Southeast Roanoke.



The folks in charge at Myhometownhelper.com decide on the 15th of every month which projects they will fund.



We have 20 supportive comments now, but I would like to see more.



click on this link and add your voice.



Thanks

New Roanoke 2

Fine. You want the younger generations to come home, make this home, just be here. That's an admirable goal.



Focus.



You cannot buy the youth off with kayak parks and amphitheaters. Seriously.



Focus.



What the youth want is what everyone else wants. A sense of stability, a job they enjoy, and a place to hang out with your friends and have a beer.



Does Roanoke have it?



Somewhat - but the desperation with which they "attempt" to court the young professional is like the stink of fear. It clings.



What makes a city cool? The same things that make it livable. Jobs, services, a mix of everything and nothing.



First thing that young people notice about Roanoke is the beauty. The majestic mountains, the sculpted landscapes - touched by heaven. The 2nd thing is the gritty feel of certain areas - which feels comfortable to those from major cities. 3rd - the serenity of it all.



That's it. Everything else comes later. But the first impact Roanoke makes on someone who has not been here before is those 3 things.



Not the Market - which is a great discovery when they find it. The greenway system is another bonus. Mill Mountain and it's zoo are nearly overwhelming when added to the bowl that is Roanoke.



But let them look a bit deeper, and it becomes apparent that there are cracks in the surface of the bowl.



No support for the kinds of things they want to see, no community to interact with. Low standards, low accountability, and plenty of other chinks in the glaze.



But that happens, and they stick it out - balancing one with the other.



Listen, and focus.



We know Roanoke can be better.



Darlene Burcham recently said that the key to the real revolution in Roanoke is letting people know that this city will not be dragged down by low standards and poor behavior. Direct, honest, and simple. Like that guy that was peeing on the column before the pedestrian walkway Saturday afternoon. Easily 20 people walked by and saw him. Right out in the open, not even attempting to hide it (wearing coveralls makes it hard to shield anything). 20 people walked right by and let this nimrod make our city look bad.



Well, I had a gentle word with this numbnuts - letting him know in no uncertain terms that it was not a bright idea, and a citizen's arrest carries just as much weight with the judge as a cops. Weather it took or not, I can't say - he just walked off.. but that's just one person. If multiple citizens said something - perhaps he would get it through his head... and if not, well - a witness is as good as a photograph.



The power to change comes from Focus.



And that is king.



Focus.

Just a Giglio

I have been wearing many hats lately, and accomplishing much - but you are all going to have to wait a little while longer for the re-launch of Forgotten-Roanoke.com



Just a little. And I was hoping to have it back up and running before the City's kickoff.



Ah well..



I will not be attending the 5-minute parade, as I will be cleaning up SE Roanoke during the Clean Valley Day clean-up.. See the SE Roanoke blog for more information.

New Roanoke 1

"...here is a time when the operations of the machine become so odious, makes you so sick at heart, that you can’t take part; you can’t even passively take part, and you’ve got to put your bodies upon the gears and upon the wheels, upon the levers, upon all the apparatus and you’ve got to make it stop. And you’ve got to indicate to the people who run it, to the people who own it, that unless you’re free, the machines will be prevented from running at all."

-Mario Savio





There comes a point in history, in a life-story, in this reality that everything must stop.



Wait.



Sit quietly for a moment.



Inhale.



The City of Roanoke bleeds. The city bleeds unyielding to all bandages and tourniquets placed upon the wounds.



7,500 jobs lost in a very, very short time - and still it has not rebounded, not moved on.



What we have here in Roanoke is beyond special - it's beyond mere understanding. We have a workforce capable of anything, but at the same time nothing.



A citizen population which for the most part considers itself under a "Cease and Desist" order by the city itself. Easily distracted by the smaller issues, to the detriment of itself.



A city council which is in no way representative of the citizens, just a small number of them.



In effect, the citizenry of Roanoke is obsolete. Not required for anything other than the taxes they provide and the menial jobs they fill.



And that last statement cuts across the board, across class and race and religion.



Yet, all is no where near lost. Lost has yet to appear on the radar for Roanoke. We still have things no other city on the planet can boast of. Natural beauty being key among them. Wise city forefathers with the forethought to bury power and communications lines underground in the most important area - downtown. Compassion for our fellow man. Vast resources that remain untapped.



We have both wisdom and foresight, yet it rarely is seen. Buried under the oppressive machine that is business in Roanoke. The status quo.



But as I said, all is not lost. There are easy fixes to most of the cities' problems. Remarkably easy.



It just takes vision - and that's where we need to begin.



We have brilliant people living here in Roanoke. People who can see clearly the change that is needed.



We need visionary leaders - not platitudes and beige-ideologues. We need people who can stir the silent masses, the obsolete, and begin moving towards a new tomorrow.



Thats the first step.



Listening for the exhalation of an entire city.

Comments

Sean, of Sean's Horse Farm and Family Blog, left a comment wondering if I had any solutions to offer instead of just deriding others efforts.



Well, yes. Several - but my solutions are works in progress, as I am actively working within the community to develop them.



However, it does bring me to move ahead with the next series of posts I've been mulling over launching over the summer. But I guess now is as good a time as any.



Coming later today - the start of the New Roanoke series. A comprehensive look at several probable futures for Roanoke, and how to get there from here.



Thanks Sean.

What a long, strange week it's been.

I know you have been waiting, some with baited breath, for this post. Well - I hope your not too disappointed.



Let's begin with this item, from last Sunday - "Many wary of market changes"



Well, considering that none of Center in the Square's "leaked" changes have anything to do with reality - including the turning of the parking area for the market into a "European-style plaza." If the city council does not see the reason to close Market St. off to traffic on weekends who in their right mind would think that they would allow it to be closed permanently?



And did anyone consult with 202 Market - I mean, if you are going to put a giant stage next to them, I would think they should be asked - considering they too will have musical acts.



Not to mention the complete "bad-will" publicity that would be garnered by shoving multiple vendors off the market. My question is this - if it was a signature building 25 years ago when it opened as Center in the Square, whats wrong with it now?



And the idea of moving the vendors down the center of Market St. was a no-go two years ago, despite the "raves" from 2005.



Mayor McCheese, or Emperor Nelson of the Mayonnaise tribe spouted forth multiple times this week with bland platitudes of little meaning. "My desire would be that the farmers and florists on the market remain in the market area as they provide a certain ambience(sic) that makes the market area unique and attractive."



Well, yes - but what does it mean? It means the mayor does not want the farmers to leave the market area. Area does not equal Farmer's Market. This from the future George Hamilton (if you were at the St. Pat's parade - you'd get that).



Then we had another missive from Valley Forward, who actually had a good run of media attention this week. Pres. John Lugar was not exactly rational when questioned following a meeting of the Mill Mountain Advisory Committee on Thursday . "This wasn't unexpected, and it clearly shows the committee is dominated by one well-intentioned person with a very strong personality."



Oh, well bless his heart. At least he did not come right out and call the entire meeting a sham, the vote rigged by those who do not share his "Valley Forward" ideals, and the city of Roanoke a hell-hole. You know he wanted to. But no, he keeps touting that line about being "well-intentioned". If it will take a high-priced inn on Mill Mountain to attract (and retain) more folks like Mr. Lugar and Associated - oh well. Bless his heart, he's so well-intentioned.



Oh but wait - we were treated to a column in the Times by one Robert Fralin, vice-chairman of Valley Forward on Tuesday. Wait - I've read this before. Correct me if I'm wrong, but this is simply an old press-release with a new paragraph added. Nice of the Times to give them this much press though, they need it - as the other projects the claim to champion have little or no information available. I'm guessing by the time the summer is over, they are going to wish they never even brought it up. Oh, but do not forget - they have the Gallop for the Greenways which would have been a great way to show they care about Roanoke, had it not been overshadowed by the Inn debacle.



Again, I'm not hating the idea of something on Mill Mountain. A restaurant, a cafe - but not another version of the Hotel Roanoke. Rockledge closed as an Inn, what makes Valley Forward think that the New Rockledge would be any more sustainable?





Roanoke City made part of Fishburn Park an "off-leash" heaven for dogs, and from what I understand - the response has been tremendous. Unfortunately, the ForgottenDogs are not bright enough to understand the concept of "come" and "stay" are not likely candidates for such a facility, but I do wholeheartedly support such an idea.



Oh, and one last thing - I do have my own opinions about what to do with Mill Mountain, how to make Roanoke cool, what to do with the Market area, and so forth. And a lot of them have a base in the Roanoke we will be celebrating with the 125th Anniversary - you'd be surprised what the past can show us, to lead us into the future.



You will be hearing more about them in the future. Much more.

This weekend

The post you have all been waiting for is coming. If you have been watching the news, reading the paper, or listening to the water-cooler crowd talk - you know what I'm talking about - but the subject is so vast, so complex that it is taking me a while to get it all into one post.



But I will.



keep your eyes peeled.

Happy Birthday

Happy birthday to the Forgotten-Wife, who I am sure is enjoying her reign as queen of Roanoke-Photos.



Posting will be light, but expect some well placed vitriol in the overnight hours as I post about the.. no - we will wait on that one.

Wait for it

Market plan could uproot 53% of vendors displaced by Center plan.



I'll have more to say later on - but for now, I've got a day from hell.

It ends

After watching the way the city handled the Police officers greviances, the Sheriff's morale-boosting plan, and authorizing the sale of alcoholic beverages in city parks until 11:15pm.. one can only wonder how far into madness the City Council is willing to sink before the next election.



Making no friends is no way to run a campaign - and there are 4 seats up in the next election.



Come to find out today, contractors in the city have to be bonded each year. In most sections of the country - contractors need be bonded once, and carry that for the duration of the job. Bonding costs in the neighborhood of $12,000. And the city, in all it's infinite wisdom, insists that without a current-year date on the bond - it's not valid.



Tell that to the lawyers.



Double time now. Bring on the chaostrophy.



How about an individual, scouted and hired by the city to do a certain job, unable to do that job because the city does not understand the concept of Myspace, or it's value to the particular defined task.



Which they defined...



How it pains me to tell friends: "Come down to Roanoke, vacation and relax, but leave your common-sense at home. It has no place here."



I speak to you folks daily, from all walks of life. And no one of you can understand the operations of the machine. It astounds you to watch as the simplest concept gets skewed and changed into the biggest non-issue around.



You have faith in family, faith in G-d, faith in your job - but no faith in the City upholding it's end of the bargain. Like the schools.



And no, I do not need to illustrate that point - if you can't figure it out, you need to read the paper more often.



It's time for the citizens to do what the city cannot. Have faith in each other. Believe that it is possible for the city to get better, and it will. The "SoRo" minority cannot hold power over a populous motivated.



And do not think it is always South Roanoke behind everything. Or Carilion. Most often, it's blind ignorance or fear of movement that stifles the city.



It all comes down to the same issue - time after time. Who controls your hope?



The city council would certainly like to stifle that hope - the dream of a better future in the city, because it would mean they would have to make the highly unpopular choice of actually doing something. Unpopular amongst them. Watch a council meeting once - it only takes once before you, like Mr. Wishneff - are so beaten by the wet mop of Status Quo that you begin to lose hope.



Hope is the first step, fear is the mind killer.



Now, it ends.

Cost vs. Quality

13 pages. I can't wait to see that in print. Someone must have it.



A 13 page letter written by Darlene's office to tell the Roanoke cops "No. Not yours."



Here's a secret for you. Unspoken for a while.



Southeast Roanoke (our humble abode) is apparently larger than one might initially imagine. Not only does it run from the tracks south, Vinton west, and 581/220 east - but it includes the communities of South Roanoke, Garden City, and borders on Clearbrook and the gravel pits. That's including Avenham, Franklin Rd., Mt. Pleasant, Mill Moutain, Fallon Park....



Thats a large area. And only 3 cops patrol on each shift.



3 of Roanoke's finest, covering an area the size of a small Soviet-bloc country. Somehow it doesn't seem right does it?



Well, the reasoning is even more interesting. In order to keep appearances of staffing, the city reduced the maximum number of police on the force - because, well - it would never do to be understaffed now would it?



So when the city police ask for concessions - I say we should give them something. You are asking 9 of Roanoke's finest to do more in a 24 hour period than most cities ask of their officers.



Roanoke City Police run single man patrol cars, easily the most dangerous of the options for police. And how long before backup arrives.



You'll have to pardon me, but I'm the son of a cop - and this is a disgrace. I feel for the fine officers of Roanoke's own - they deserve better than this.



But a 13 page letter, outlining how much you've done, how you've given and bent over backwards.. and here we are running 3 unit shifts. No partner in the car, no backup in close proximity.



Take your letter and shove it.



Like I said - completely anonymously, I would welcome a copy of the letter. Just for my own edification.



(this will be cross posted to the SERoanoke blog)

Just a few more hours

I am going to have plenty to say come later today, but for now I am watchful



13 pages. Just to say no.



Read the paper and you'll understand.

things are afoot here... very messy.

If I could ask for some help here

I know it's selfish, but I'm going to ask for your assistance.



head to the seroanoke blog and please read the "to help ourselves" post.



All I ask is that you read it, and if you support the cause - leave a comment on the project page.



Thanks.

Poblacht na hÉireann

IRISHMEN AND IRISHWOMEN: In the name of God and of the dead generations from which she receives her old tradition of nationhood, Ireland, through us, summons her children to her flag and strikes for her freedom.



Having organized and trained her manhood through her secret revolutionary organization, the Irish Republican Brotherhood, and through her open military organizations, the Irish Volunteers and the Irish Citizen Army, having patiently perfected her discipline, having resolutely waited for the right moment to reveal itself, she now seizes that moment, and, supported by her exiled children in America and by gallant allies in Europe, but relying in the first on her own strength, she strikes in full confidence of victory.



We declare the right of the people of Ireland to the ownership of Ireland, and to the unfettered control of Irish destinies, to be sovereign and indefeasible. The long usurpation of that right by a foreign people and government has not extinguished the right, nor can it ever be extinguished except by the destruction of the Irish people. In every generation the Irish people have asserted their right to national freedom and sovereignty: six times during the past three hundred years they have asserted it in arms. Standing on that fundamental right and again asserting it in arms in the face of the world, we hereby proclaim the Irish Republic as a Sovereign Independent State, and we pledge our lives and the lives of our comrades-in-arms to the cause of its freedom, of its welfare, and its exaltation among the nations.



The Irish Republic is entitled to, and hereby claims, the allegiance of every Irishman and Irishwoman. The Republic guarantees religious and civil liberty, equal rights and equal opportunities to all its citizens, and declares its resolve to pursue the happiness and prosperity of the whole nation and of all its parts, cherishing all the children of the nation equally, and oblivious of the differences carefully fostered by an alien government, which have divided a minority from the majority in the past.



Until our arms have brought the opportune moment for the establishment of a permanent National Government, representative of the whole people of Ireland and elected by the suffrages of all her men and women, the Provisional Government, hereby constituted, will administer the civil and military affairs of the Republic in trust for the people.



We place the cause of the Irish Republic under the protection of the Most High God, Whose blessing we invoke upon our arms, and we pray that no one who serves that cause will dishonor it by cowardice, inhumanity, or rapine. In this supreme hour the Irish nation must, by its valor and discipline and by the readiness of its children to sacrifice themselves for the common good, prove itself worthy of the august destiny to which it is called.

Warning

I will be down at the St. Pat's Parade tomorrow, releasing the inner celt once again.



I will try to wear the Forgotten-Roanoke jacket, provided it's not too cold and windy.



If not.. well, I'll be the one NOT drinking green beer, not dressed like a leprechaun, and probably not wearing a silly hat/beads/glasses or anything similar.



But swing by if you can.. say Hi.

News FLASH!!!!!

This just in...



For your edification and amusement - Roanoke-Found can now be found online at Roanoke-found.com....



makes it much easier for you to remember it when you pass it around the watercooler..



thats Roanoke-found.com



And remember.. N-E-S-T-L-E-S makes the very best.. sweet dreams you can't resist.



(ed.-nothing to do with anything.. somethings not right with that boy.)

A new agenda

The new City Council Agenda is up here.

Notable: Another Amendment to the city code (trying it again) to allow no "possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages within designated park facilities after 12:00am."
So I guess we are going to try this again, slightly revised. Let's see what happens this time.

Nearly a year later

The Star City Bloggers Alliance was formed nearly 1 year ago, in April of 2006. We had one official meeting, a success I would say - but perhaps too early.

Fast forward another year: The core bloggers from the first SCBA are still at it. FireFleitz, Ms. Elenaeous, ATL, Stuart Mease, KJC & Andrew Kantor.

Perhaps we were just jumping the gun at the time. Or perhaps De Espresso was so warm we were all lulled into a near-sleep?

Regardless, the initial SCBA was what it was - a loose confederation of bloggers meeting for the comradeship.

Now, it's apparent that the blogging scene in Roanoke has grown farther in the past year than anyone could have predicted. Based on the comments I have received in the past 24 hours, I do think it's time for SCBA2.0.

Follow this link to the calender: Calender at Airset.com

Sign up for an account, or I can invite you to the SCBA. All I need is an e-mail address, and thats it.

We will get something organized within the next month for a meet-up. Send me your info roanoke.found and we can get this rolling again.

IN the offing

Constant Commenter The Jefferson St. Realist mentions that perhaps, in the future - a casual meetup of Roanoke bloggers would be nice.



Sounds familiar, no?



So let's try this one more time. How about another round of the Star City Bloggers Alliance.



Anyone wants to get involved - e-mail me. Address is in profile. I will use the same co-operative calender system as last time, so if you are already signed up - you know where to go. If not, give me a holler and I will add you.



This time, it's personal.

What I learned today

Things I learned today at the Roanoke Biz2Biz blog summit.

1. Tech guys are tech guys, no matter what the topic.
2. I share something in common with the site developer from Roanoke Biz2Biz.
3. Friends should encourage friends to blog, and often.
4. I can do public speaking, without a microphone.
5. We need to do more things like this more often.

Promise ya, next time will be bigger, better, and more news-worthy.



All in all though, a good show.

Todays the day

WDBJ Community Room, 12-2p



Roanoke Biz2Biz Blog convention...



$10 bucks to get in, lunch provided.



Report follows later.



In the words of Al Bundy: "Let's Rock."

Busy day here at F-R Headquarters

As we prepare for the usual St. Patrick's Day festivities, I am also preparing for tomorrow's Roanoke Biz2Biz/WDBJ7 Blog Summit.



Roanoke Biz2Biz will sponsor a marketing workshop for businesspeople in Roanoke, Salem, Bedford and New River Valley to learn how blogs can be used as an affordable marketing tool for their business. Stuart Mease will help facilitate the event. There will be blogging experts from around the valley sharing their expertise. Speakers include Tom Markiewicz, CEO EvolvePoint, Pat Matthews, CEO WEBMAIL.us, Andrew Cohill, CEO Design Nine, Sean Pecor, President Digital Spinner, and yours truly, Mr. RoanokeFound.



It will be in the Community Room at WDBJ7, and space is VERY limited (less than 10 spots remain in a room that holds 60). If you are interested, know that it will cost $10 to get in, but lunch is provided - and e-mail patsy@roanokebiz2biz.com indicating your interest.



TIME IS CRITICAL AS THERE ARE FEW SPACES LEFT



That is all... Carry on, my wayward son.



From 12p-2p will be the speakers lineup, and we have the room until 3p. I have to duck out shortly around 2:30 or so due to a previous appointment.

This just in....

This image still exists today - with less horses, and more modernization. It is in a very successful city, which bears an eerie resemblance to a certain other city. Look at the photo, and ask yourself. Roanoke or elsewhere?

A Proper Pint - your weekend wow.

I'd like to congratulate Mr. Chip Moore for at least attempting an Irish pub.



But at the same time, after reading the article - I wish someone else had instead of him.





"Every big city you go to, you see Irish pubs," Moore explained, but most of them are chains. In New York, for example, Moore saw plenty of what purported to be Irish pubs. Open the door, though, and "you wouldn't know it was an Irish pub. They looked like an Applebee's."



I can rattle off a list of 8 to 10 true pubs off the top of my head, and know I'm missing probably a hundred more. Yet Mr. Moore somehow could not find one real pub to save his life.



And do not get me started on the downtown weekend business thing.



In the interests of charity, I'll leave this alone for now. Suffice it to say if Kara O's was operated like Mr. Moore plans the pub - it would have been severely less than welcoming.



(for reference)

GUINNESS® Draught is best served at 6°C (that’s 42.8°F), with the legendary two-part pour. First, tilt the glass to 45 degrees and carefully pour until three quarters full. Then place the glass on the bar counter and leave to settle. Once the surge has settled, fill the glass to the brim. It takes about 119.5 seconds to pour the perfect pint. But don’t fret. It’s worth the wait. (via Guinness.com)



Test yourself »

Personal post

I always like to end the day on a piece of good, if not strange, news. Personally speaking - I find I sleep better if I read something that makes me pause and wonder for a moment.



This is one of them.



Chemical 'may stop cancer growth'



Reminds me of the story a few months back about a research physician who had some cancer cells in a petri dish, came in one morning and found them all dead. She griped about it to a fellow physician who replied "Wait, you mean you just killed cancer?" "Oh yeah," she replied.



It's those little moments that make you wonder.

Do I need to say anything?

http://www.biglicku.com/blu/default.aspx



yeah.. ok.

An invitation

I would like to invite you all to come view my other, local blog.



Southeast Roanoke Action Forum is a neighborhood group, dedicated to serving the interests of Southeast Roanoke, and all it's inhabitants. That is why I started Southeast Roanoke Rising. To bring the SE Action Forum and the way the community relates news and information into the 21st century.



At the meeting last night, one of our older members (a woman who lives in the same house 3 generations of her family lived in) gave us her quiet support. She recognized that even though she does not understand it herself, the people who do are the people we need now in the group.



If you are a resident of SE Roanoke, I invite you to contact the group at seroanoke@gmail.com and let us know you are out there.



Thanks for listening.

Crux

Allow me a moment here.



I wish to speak about the schools, education, life downtown, and several other topics which might seem dreadfully boring at first, but walk with me for a few moments.



Fear.



Safety.



Education.



Ambivalence.



Archetypes.



All reasons why it is so hard to attract people to cities, versus the suburbs. And for downtown reasons, you can magnify those tenfold.



Archetypes: Existing cities are all built off the same basic construct. A centralized location (which has shifted over the lifespan of the city) for all shopping and services. Small area grade schools, larger coverage area for the middle, and zoned High Schools, regional higher education. Access to interstate highways, centralized work areas, recreational areas. These are the hallmarks of any city. From Manhattan (planned as such) to Manhattan, KS. Some grow more organically than others, but most have some human hand behind the development at some point in the process. Every city, in it's very design - holds the prototype from it's inception.



Safety: It is difficult to provide 100% assurance that the world is safe, no matter where you are - or where you go. Even the best police department is still going to have a less than desirable track record when the community decides it will not be policed. Think the "Wild, Wild West" or 1920's Chicago. It's an organic machination that at some point the citizens of the city grow restless - weather it be in the midst of a heat wave, as in New York in 1977 during the blackout, or Los Angles during the 1992 Riots. There will always be an element that suffers from a dysfunctional moral compass. There will always be disagreement as to why this exists. Safety is in the heart of the individual, not in the collective of the population. Why can one person walk where others fear to tread? They know they can. And if two people know they can, then more will follow.



Education: There are few choices when it comes to education. Either you have it, or you do not. You cannot have some. Neither can you have all. Education is an ongoing process through which the human learns of the world around them. No, you do not want to do the homework - but you know you must. There are no options. Hard realization for someone who nearly skipped every homework assignment for the last 2 years of high school. But I continue to pay for that fact daily. But I continue to educate myself.



I believe if you look at the data (should it ever have been collected), you will find a direct correlation between Roanoke's current drop-out dilemma, and the parents they come from. If education is not prioritized in the home, it will not be in life. And the reason Roanoke's numbers are so dismal? The "brain drain" the city has suffered in the past. The smarter you were - the more likely you were to leave. Leaving behind those of less education to fill the factory jobs. Well now the factories have closed, and these workers are finding themselves in a world where they have been rendered obsolete. But they lack the skills to educate themselves for a new career. They lack the knowledge that further education will allow them more opportunities. Sure, they know the smart people get better jobs - but they cannot conceive how. Want to solve the school problem Roanoke has? You need the families to invest the time and effort into making the schools the best they can be. Money and new buildings are meaningless when the population lacks the ability to grow.



Ambivalence: A city disengaged is a city unmotivated, and no amount of civic cheer-leading or campaigning can change that. In life, one has to choose one's battles - and the same holds true for populations. How many issues went unknown because the focus was on Victory Stadium? An excellent smokescreen, but of little value in the long run. Sad part being that a few council canidates (now members) were duped into thinking that Victory Stadium's demise would actually have some sort of effect on the city. Aside from a giant wreath placed on the gates, a special section in the paper, and a fight over bricks (and people will fight over anything free, esp. from the government) - the gain was negligible. We now have more space for soccer fields. Or a possible kayak park?



Who thinks of these things? Who thinks the city is doing a good job, or the citizens holding up their end of the bargain? We are only as good as those we allow to represent us. And we are only as effective as the leadership we select. Judging by the form of governance we have here, we are not very effective as citizens. We love committees, always hoping they will validate our ideas. Cries of conspiracy when they do not. But we do not communicate well our ideas, or worse - we question the ideas of those who do. Our representative government is a poor reflection upon us, and we of it. It works both ways, and both go against Roanoke evolving into the New Roanoke it so desperately needs to be. You will never 100% agree with everything the city does, but you should at least feel like you had a voice. Everyone over the age of 18, and registered is eligible to vote - but many see nothing but futility when they look at a ballot.



Fear: Finally, down to the true crux of the issue. Fear. Fear of success, fear of change, fear of oppression, fear of power, fear of the unknown. Baseless, pointless, endless fear. A town that walks on eggshells is a town without.



Summation: Roanoke lacks nothing. It does not lack hotel rooms, with 31 and counting hotels in the area - that should not be a concern. It lacks a cohesive use for the rooms. Atlantic City knows it's trade. Gaming, conventions and tourism. New York City, Conventions and tourism. Chicago, Conventions and tourism. Atlanta, Conventions and tourism. Roanoke, Conventions and... Well, we don't really have as much tourism as we like to think we do.



Where is the draw? A downtown Farmer's Market is a good start. Museums located right there are helpful - but what about activity? And no, the Greenway system is not a tourist activity. When, and if, Explore Park opens - it will be an activity center. But it will be self sustaining, and most of it's revenue will go to Roanoke County. Has the developer of Explore Park ever come before the City Council to discuss the impact it will have on the City of Roanoke? Considering Bedford County and Roanoke County have a solid stake in this venture - I would garner the city should be asking some questions as well.



We have much to offer - but we have to offer it. We need to find the concept, and chase the dream. We have plenty of available space downtown for things such as movie theaters, grocery stores, drug stores, bowling alleys... but the narrow view of "it is what it is" supersedes all future uses. The Heironimous building, along with Mr. Spud's next door - empty and devoid of uses. Same with several other buildings, lots, and storefronts downtown.



Yet we as a community do nothing to foster business growth. There once was a coffee shop downtown, and no - not Mill Mountain. De Espresso, for what it was worth, was one hell of a coffee shop. Serving Seattle's Best - parent company of Starbuck's, and serving ice cream and sandwiches - De Espresso was a large but cozy - and just around the corner from the Market. Yet it stumbled and failed. First problem was lack of support. People do not wander anywhere but the Market. The only way they go off-Market is for work. If you cannot get the locals to frequent anyplace but the market, you will not get others to do so. Nor will you attract business' to the areas anywhere but on-Market.



In real cities, people are not afraid to walk when they are in an area with poor parking. As long as they can get within a * block radius of where they want to go - they park and walk. Along they way, they might stop into a business or two. On Jefferson, there are very few business to stop into while walking from the Market to the Library - which might be why they built that little green strip-park connecting the two.



We expect others to come, tourists, and get out and explore when we are not even willing to do that ourselves. We aren't even willing to be the city we claim to be. Or are we? There are two types of thought here, the "can do" and the "cannot do." One allows the other, but for how long. I see signs of change.



Again, thanks for allowing me this moment. Some of the things brought up here have been festering for an exit for a while.





Anyone care to discuss? I'm all ears...

Wanna take a cheap shot?

Roanoke and New River Valley Bloggers to meet March 15



Roanoke Biz2Biz, WDBJ 7 are hosting a local bloggers conference on Thursday, March 15 from 12 noon - 2 pm at the WDBJ 7 Community Room in Roanoke. Lunch will be provided and the cost to attend is $10.



You will hear bloggers from all experience levels discuss this topic.



If you are a blogger, then we want you there to meet other local bloggers offline. Bring your laptop to showcase your blog in the wireless environment.



Individuals curious about blogging and how to create, use and read them are strongly encouraged to attend.



You must RSVP to attend as space is limited. To register, email Patsy at RoanokeBiz2Biz.



I will be a speaker at this event, so come on down and heckle if you like. Or congratulate me on my greatness. Whichever works for you.



We already have 30 people attending, and the room capacity is 60. I'd like to stuff the room to the point they need to find a larger venue for the next meeting - on the order of the Civic Center.



Considering the number of new bloggers appearing weekly here in Roanoke, I'm beginning to wonder if my job is safe.



At least Rhett has no competition,yet.

Another message

Looks like I'm going to have a continued relationship with this group. Who knew?



_____________________________



Greetings Mr. Roanoke-Found,



We, the founders of the Roanoke Citizens
Brigade are choosing to speak through you as we find that your voice and
audience fits our messages.We respectfully hope you do not mind being used like
this.



In the wake of the For The City debacle, and the rise of Valley
Forward - a younger version of For the City, we find ourselves at a loss to
explain the machinations behind this shift towards the rich and semi-powerful,
and their offspring. Are the people expected to believe that these people have
the best interests of the average citizen at heart? With For the City, we were
promised a focus on Education, Greenways, and other such issues.



And
now, and since the election - nothing. The For the City candidates have busied
themselves with rules about "no drinking after 10pm on city property" and..
well, little else honestly.



Then comes Valley Forward, a young group of
business-professional upstarts with plans to enhance Mill Mountain by building a
miniature Hotel Roanoke directly to the right of the Star. To give the citizens
of the valley the ability to stay at an upscale, posh hotel and dine in splendor
atop Mill Mountain. As if the average, work-a-day citizen eats at Metro or
Frankie Rowland's at least once a week, or could even afford to eat there once a
month.



The facts speak for themselves. A good portion of the Roanoke MSA
is employed in service industries. A good portion is also in the retail
industry, and not as management or higher. The most recent numbers released
indicate the average household in Roanoke brings in roughly $50k a year.




How an Inn on Mill Mountain could possibly contribute to the raising of
that average is beyond comprehension.The Roanoke Citizens Brigade comes forth at
this time to consider alternatives more open to ALL citizens of Roanoke.




Our focus is on life in Roanoke, not the possible maybe future of some
of Roanoke - but the everyday future of ALL Roanoke.



We want your input -
everyones input. Not just those who donate to our campaign funds or can make it
to a 5:30 meeting at Trio (a time when most people are still working, or just
getting out.)



We want the public to contact us - roanokecitizensbrigade@gmail.com
with your ideas, concerns, questions, and motivations.



We appreciate your
assistance in this Mr. Roanoke-Found. And look forward to a continued
relationship in the future.



Roanoke Citizens Brigade



for a just,
and fair city

E:FC

This is Earth: Final Conflict. Thankfully someone had the sense to put the show opening online.

Got somethin' for ya

A quick and dirty idea, for this city so concerned with it's future.



Ever stop and look at the corridors leading into and out of Roanoke?



Clean those up, and the rest will follow.



Yes, that means a "final solution" for the Bullet-Jamison corridor, a real plan for Williamson Rd., and some consideration given to Hollins, Peter's Creek, et. al.



The only one which seems remotely attractive is Franklin Rd. from 220 to Downtown. Oh, money - right. Forgot about that.



You can flash all the "bling" you want at the 18-39 set, but without substance - there is no attraction.



Re: City Magazine's 125th Anniv. issue.



Your reader's voted that "attracting and retaining the 18-3?" is the most important issue facing Roanoke now. And yet one glimpse through your calender and listings, articles and ads shows nothing towards that goal.



Perhaps the first thing to realize is that the problem is not external, that other places are 'cooler'. The problem is being PART of the problem. As a entertainment journal for Roanoke and it's citizens - and knowing very well your demographics - you know as well as anyone that the 18-3? crowd is widely ignored. Not all 18-3? individuals can afford dinner at Metro, or a weekend of dance lessons at the Hotel Roanoke. But then again, we are not interested in the Art Museum, or a old-timey quilting bee. We want for something to do...



Example: The Laser light shows at the Hopkins Planetarium, a breath of fresh air for someone with a budget looking to get out downtown at night.



But once we left there - what else to do? Texas Tavern and home..



Bar owners, please take notice. There are plenty of bands out there looking for a place to play. Pick some new ones from time to time. Key West is great, if you are.. well, either a boomer or someone trying really hard to be one. NeoYuppies? I'm not going there.



NeoYuppies Forward.. Valley Forward is having it's inaugural membership meeting at Trio Wine Bar and Bistro and Store and Sidewalk Blocker. March 14th at 5:30pm. (once again, an unfortunate time for those who do not work 9 to 5, but what do they matter anyway.) How did I find out? Well, if you are signed up for NewVaConnects, or any other similar group - your e-mail address went to Valley Forward who used it to populate a master-invite list.



Will I be there? Cannot say for sure - Don't think I can afford Trio - and probably wouldn't want to.



Would I like to be? Yes, but I would like it to be at a place I know I can afford and at a time that is more accessible for all. You know, like maybe 6:30pm?



Gee, come to think of it - you would think a group that wants to attract and retain young professionals would want to give them something to do maybe a little later than the dinner hour?



Well.. only time will tell.

Resistance is futile

I apologize to my non-Trek readers out there, but as you all know - this blog can be varied at times - and this time we are going trek.

I'm not having a discussion on this, I loved the original - Next Generation even more-so. But DS9 will always be my personal favorite.

Depth, emotion, brilliantly different storytelling..

Then I found this video - "Horrors of War" is the title. There were many war-based episodes of DS9, but none so moving as "The Siege at AR-558" and the final (massive) battle of the Dominion War.

Both are combined here, with a song from the Hannibal soundtrack to amazing results.

Speakers on, eyes open...



You know you are a Trekkie when things like this cause your eyes to well.

pathetic.

Lesson learned..

The NY Times today ran an article on the new vision at WalMart, and I think there are lessons the City needs to learn from it.



I know, what does retail have to do with Roanoke? Well, your one of a thousand cities.. maybe closer to 100,000. You need to sell yourself, and more importantly - remember the current "customer base."



WalMart has arrived at a conclusion which I find very important. (and yes, I am tired so this might just be the lowest quality-written post yet.)



"The company is now focusing more on consumers who already shop at WalMart, rather than on people who executives would like to shop at its stores."



Imagine, taking care of those who are already customers. Imagine if the city worked like that - creating a better life for those who lived here, not those they want to live here.



Just a concept anyway. Anyway, I'm off to troll the City Council's agenda - see if it's worth watching come Monday night.



Your weekend WOW is on the way.

Inbox mysteries

Received this in my inbox this morning, anonymously.



Text of the e-mail reads:
"In response to the emergence of certain groups here in Roanoke, we announce the foundation of the Roanoke Citizens Brigade. We stand for ALL Roanokers, of all classes and neighborhoods. We will fight for the future of the city we hold so dear, from those who believe it needs to become someplace else.

We will be in contact soon with more, but for now if you could just post this announcement on your blog we would be grateful."

So done. Normally I do not open anonymous e-mails, but this one was carefully sent - which indicated to me that it was not malicious. As for the Brigade, this is the first I have heard of them, and know nothing more than what they sent me. However, I do welcome a new group to the scene (such as it is, but that is for a later post) and will be looking forward to seeing what they have up their sleeve.

Just another mysterious day in Roanoke...

looks like theres a problem

Appears that comments might be down folks.. I'm not sure yet - but if you have something you absolutely need to say, e-mail me and I'll post it as a new entry.



that is all.

Parable of the Mouse

Stolen from QueensCrap



A mouse looked through the crack in the wall to see the farmer and his wife open a package.



"What food might this contain?" The mouse wondered - He was devastated to discover it was a mousetrap.



Retreating to the farmyard, the mouse proclaimed the warning.



"There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!"



The
chicken clucked and scratched, raised her head and said, "Mr. Mouse, I
can tell this is a grave concern to you but it is of no consequence to
me. I cannot be bothered by it."



The mouse turned to the pig and told him, "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!"



The
pig sympathized, but said, "I am so very sorry, Mr. Mouse, but there is
nothing I can do about it but pray. Be assured you are in my prayers."



The mouse turned to the cow and said, "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!"



The cow said, "Wow, Mr. Mouse. I'm sorry for you, but it's no skin off my nose."



So, the mouse returned to the house, head down and dejected, to face the farmer's mousetrap -- alone.



That very night a sound was heard throughout the house -- like the sound of a mousetrap catching its prey.



The
farmer's wife rushed to see what was caught. In the darkness, she did
not see it was a venomous snake whose tail the trap had caught. The
snake bit the farmer's wife.



The farmer rushed her to the hospital and she returned home with a fever.



Everyone
knows you treat a fever with fresh chicken soup, so the farmer took his
hatchet to the farmyard for the soup's main ingredient. But his wife's
sickness continued, so friends and neighbors came to sit with her
around the clock.



To feed them, the farmer butchered the pig. The farmer's wife did not get well; she died.



So many people came for her funeral, the farmer had the cow slaughtered to provide enough meat for all of them.



The mouse looked upon it all from his crack in the wall with great sadness.



So,
the next time you hear that someone else’s neighborhood is facing a
problem and think it doesn't concern you, remember -- when one
community is threatened, all are at risk.



____________________________________________



And a side note from me personally: Remember how the fish got caught? He opened his big mouth...

A sigh and a groan

"breaking news" from the Times:



SALEM– The findings from a study conducted for the Business Council have identified both highs and lows in the attractiveness of the Roanoke region.The area, for example, ranks at the top for quality education and environment, in the middle for health care and at the bottom for such amenities as “urban feel” and the percentage of people who have moved to the region from out-of-state.



The study, by Roanoke College, examined Roanoke’s competitiveness in five key quality of life categories: (1) social and cultural amenities, (2) education, (3) environment and recreation, (4) health and wellness and (5) technology and transportation. Roanoke’s strongest asset is its natural beauty and the recreational opportunities its environment offers. Yet to turn that into a real competitive advantage, Roanoke must make it more readily accessible to residents and visitors. The region’s second strongest asset is education with the exception of Roanoke’s city schools.



Well now, isn't that speeeeshal? Although it gives almost no information about the study itself. Although I would like to know what "urban feel" is, and how it relates to actual urban life. Although I am wondering about the crossover between Roanoke College and a newly-formed civic group composed of a few Roanoke College alumni. In the middle for health care? Bottom for transplants? I can't trip these days without running into a former "somewhere else"er.



Until the full report is published and out in the open - I'm going to hold my comments about the validity of it. But as of right now, it seems like just another skewed report taking cheap potshots at Roanoke City.



Maybe it's just me.

March is coming

And with March comes the (hopeful) return of spring, a return to the yardwork, more time spent outdoors..



and...







Naomh Padraig Day!



Oh sorry.. St. Patrick's Day!



When we go around with clubs and chase snakes.. no, wait.. we go around TO clubs and chase Snakebites.



Well, regardless.. I've been trolling through the Celtic collection over at CDBaby.com attempting to find some of the more obscure new Celtic Rock bands, when I should come across a listing for one TRASNA.



TRASNA bills themselves as "Blue Ridge Celtic Fusion - traditional music for the 22nd century." Personally, I had never heard of them, so I chose a song or two to give a spin.



My first thought.. wait a minute.. these folks are from 'round here?'



Why yes they are...



This is exactly what I needed.. Hope they play here soon.. And I, for one, would not mind learning Gaelic.. for the 2nd time. (failed attempt many years ago, long story.. not worth it.. don't ask.)



Give a listen to the samples, poke around on the actual website and enjoy. Think of the spring and the parade to come.

Shhh...

secrets abound.

The last thing you'd expect

I figure with the diverse readership this blog gets, I'd put this out there. Earth: Final Conflict was a sci-fi show created by Roddenberry himself. It aired from 1997 to 2002, over 5 seasons the storyline waxed and waned between poetic and convoluted. But it was still a good show.



Since it ended, Sci-Fi Channel had it for a short time in reruns, but at 5am it was the last thing I thought of watching. Only the final 3 seasons have been released on DVD, the first 2 (and arguably the best) are held in limbo by Universal.



least I think so. Searching for information is downright impossible as it seems the E:FC fan base vanished shortly afterwards. There is a chance that Universal might be releasing the first seasons in the US, but without anyone actively searching for them - we might never know about it.



If anyone out there might scrape up any information on this, I'd be very interested to know.



k thnx bye



(oh, and Forgotten-Roanoke.com now has hosting, which means over the next week or two you can expect updates and reformulated pages. I'll let you know when.)

Your weekend Wow.. maybe

Here's a thought. Scrap the Inn idea.



Partner with Virginia Tech, UVa and whomever else wants to - The Mill Mountain Observatory. To be built a good distance behind the star, with a museum element and other displays and such.



Besides - the Mill Mountain Observatory sounds so classy.

Thats some funny shirt...

From the What If... file: As a chef, I can relate 100%
I'd buy one if I could
maybe I'll stop laughing tomorrow
(image courtesy of TotalFarker Supdog)

Sorry for the delay

But thanks for the comments.



I've been busy digging through some archives to see what plans initially were floated for Roanoke. Using John Nolen's 2 plans for Roanoke (1907 and 1928), I have been attempting to draw comparisons between the Roanoke that "could have been" and the Roanoke that "might still be."



So far, mixed results. Nolen himself designed Asheville's city plan in 1922, which is ironic considering how many times we hear of Roanoke becoming more like Asheville. In all actuality, considering Nolen's firm was commissioned more than 450 times in the years surrounding the 2 Roanoke plans - there's a good chance that most cities people want Roanoke to be "more like" were in some way designed by Nolen.



In his 1907 plan (oddly enough, the city makes this available as a .pdf - which is somewhat dangerous, as it might give people ideas) Nolen touches on the use of Mill Mountain and the Mountain Park Casino (built by the Roanoke Electric Railway Co.), and cites specific examples to illustrate his ideas.



It's a fascinating read, and the pictures are amazing (which I will show you over the weekend) are stunning - and really do bring thoughts to mind.



More later on that.

sittin on the corner

waitin in the chatroom.. stop in and say hi

City Council strikes again!

Even though they basically handed off the Valley Forward proposal to Darlene without officially supporting it - they still managed to come off looking like gold.



Comedy gold.

Vice Mayor David Trinkle noted that others have had similar ideas for Mill Mountain before.

"Your group appears to be the right group at the right time," he
said, adding that he still has come concerns about lighting on the site.

Hmmph. Lighting. Good concern.

Councilwoman Gwen Mason said her phone has rung all week with calls
from concerned citizens, whose message she summed up this way: "Touch a
blood root plant in Mill Mountain Garden at your peril." The powerful gardening lobby must be oiling up their bypass loppers.

Mason also latched onto former Councilman Rupert Cutler's proposal
to couple the inn with a conservation easement that would protect the
rest of the mountain from further development.

"I'm hot on the trail on that idea," she said.

Get it? Heh! Hot on the TRAIL! Conservation easement... heh.. TRAIL!!!

Of course, the leadership of For the Valle.. um.. Valley Forward fared no better. Chairman Lugar said this is a great way to "democratize" the mountain. Hey, thats a piece of truthiness you can't deny.

Although obviously Valley for th. Forward's friends have not advised them well enough - the estimates they are running public with would build a restaurant on Mill Mountain.

A really fancy one, but $12 million will truly not go far due to materials, site, access, and all those other fun reasons. Allow me to share a bit of news: The "range hood" for a commercial kitchen (which the Mill Mountain thing would have 2 of) runs anywhere from $3k to 8k a linear foot. That's one of the biggest expenses.

Ah - whatever. Darlene has it now, I'm sure it will be months before we hear of it again, if at all.

Word up!

See that link to the right there.. the white box that says 1 person is chatting?



Thats me!



Tonight, from now until 9:30pm I will be available in the Roanoke, Va Lingr chatroom....



stop by, say hi, debate something...

901 and counting.

It's been 901 posts since I first started this venture, which I would call a benchmark. At times I have wandered the past, and the path which stems from it. I took time out for personal matters (the BST chronicles), championed unpopular ideas (the fight against the Art Museum comes to mind) and reported on the loss of historic sites. I have taken up the gauntlet of 'selling Roanoke'. Or, to be honest - selling the HELL out of Roanoke.

But to be honest and forward about everything - I know I am off course. I have stepped away from the focus on the past, the historic aspect which used to rule the blog - and walked deep into the battle for the future of Roanoke. Understand this: I left New York City for all the right reasons, the same reasons we all move - a better life, a better home - boundless opportunity.

Yes, you heard me right. Boundless opportunity. From the first moment I laid eyes on Roanoke I knew this place offered things that even big ol' Noo Yawk Sitee could not. Sometimes it takes the eyes of an outsider to see things like that.

In all this time I have struggled with the lack of comments, the lack of engagement among the hundred or so readers I have daily. Oh, I hear word from plenty of you... some I hear about directly, and some as 2nd hand reports as to who knows about the blog and my positions on things. It's those that I find interesting. The ones who have the ability to actually direct change can't even post an anonymous comment to encourage discussion amongst the populous.

I do get the occasional comment anon - usually something benign and easy. Today, someone left me some flame bait. In reference to my post titled 'Whose Valley?', I received this lovely missive: "Chances are, if you need to take the damn bus to get up there, you won't be spending anything anyway. " (emphasis added)

I could debate that point endlessly - backed up with fact, statistics, and opinions. Suffice it to say that not everyone who rides the bus is poor, sometimes it's just a good method of saving a dime or two. But let's take that at face value: someone was so offended by the very concept of my championing the use of Mill Mountain by all citizens - they were moved to leave a comment. Granted, it's not a good comment - it's base and smacks of class warfare - but thats the purpose of flame bait. It's to goad the author into a pointless argument. But it's something.

If there is one thing I hope to do is spawn conversation. I recently had opportunity to give a guided photograph tour of old Roanoke to a 20 year resident who had not the slightest idea of the history of the very downtown they have worked in, up to and including the 20 years they lived here.

I also gained some insight into the neighborhood she has lived in since moving here. It's a two-way street. The city is undertaking a massive project for it's 125th anniversary - recording the memories and stories of any resident who wishes to take part. They are encouraging the use of photographs and other 'props' in the storytelling.

There is still much to be gained by looking back at the past, and still a ton of hope for the future. But we all need to connect, become part of the 'problem' (he said with irony). The last election proved one thing to all of us - we need to become more organized - or the next city council will be 100% "For the(our) City". I am not asking you as a democrat, a republican, or an independent - I am asking you as a citizen of Roanoke.

Stop for a moment, and think about the city. Is this how you imagined it would be? And what do you think this will lead to in the future?

Look no further than the shell of the Art Museum, whose overhangs cover nearly half of Salem Avenue. And because they are sloped as they are, when the skin is added to the shell - I do not want to think about what Salem Avenue will be like after a snowfall, or worse. The simple act of decision-making has ramifications that some people would not like you to consider.

But this is the 21st century, and perhaps it's time to start working in OUR interests, not MY interests. If not, I fear South Roanoke will overrun the city, and the hardworking residents who keep the city going will be looking elsewhere for opportunity.

We are still strong, and on the razor's edge between a successful future and one which is troubled - and the decision lies in the hands of each and every person in Roanoke. Dangerous prospect, I know - but the truth.

As we press on with our mission here, I would like to invite all of you to take part. Through community effort the City Market was saved and revived, and through the same effort - the entire city can be the true Magic City once again.

Welcome to post 902

An interesting read for your weekend....

I recently stumbled across a site called Cyburbia.org - which seems to be a meeting place for Urban and Town planners. They have a really interesting forum, along with articles that almost anyone could understand.



Roanoke is even mentioned a several times, a few of those being the now-infamous "best places to live" lists. Not directly mentioned on the lists, but referred to in a positive light.



This thread about a city in slightly worse shape than Roanoke - but on par in terms of population problems and such, is fascinating - especially the comments. The city in question is Cheektowaga, NY - a suburb (if one can call it that) of Buffalo, NY.



Reading through comments like "Western New York is generally built upon polarization; a perfect
example is Rochester vs. Buffalo. People are so bent on competing
against each other (especially in Albany) that no one will ever win
because every step forward is a step back at the same time," strikes me as reminiscent of Roanoke.



But one line stands out, taken out of context but within the larger topic of making Roanoke attractive and 'cool'. "There is no "there" there."



Big picture.. you want to go out and have some fun, maybe a drink and some food - maybe see a band play. Do you go there? Where is there? We don't have a "there."



We have a section of town that used to be 'there'. (As in "I'll meet you there." where both parties know where there is.) Now we have the mall, the area around the mall, the downtown (which is deeply lacking in basic services), and the place where we go to buy food.



Thats Roanoke in a nutshell. Ignoring the mountain, the zoo and the rest. Ignore what we know we have, but tend not to use - and focus on what we need and would use, but do not have.



Anyway, it's an interesting read.

Your weekend WOW... maybe

Scene - a Valley Metro bus



Players: a middle aged dad and a middle-teens daughter, making light conversation when the daughter turns to the father...



daughter: "Does 'just' start with a G or a J?"



dad: "What?" (noise of bus interfered with hearing)



daughter: "Does 'just' start with a G or a J?" (in all sincerity)



Dad: "J"







The daughter was easily 15 or so.. dad in his mid-50's. Dad, for his part kept calling Tanglewood Crossroads.



The circle of life...?

Whose Valley?

Keep your eyes on Valley Forward folks.. I smell another Art Museum in the making here..



I wonder, once they open membership - if the new members do not like the idea of the Inn, will they drop it? Or is the will of the upwardly mobile South Roanokers more important than the will of the people?



Oh wait, we already have the art museum..



Anyway - I invite anyone associated with Valley Forward to leave me a comment, or send me an e-mail (the address is not exactly hidden lately). Again, I'm not against the idea of something on Mill Mountain - but I'm not convinced a small upscale niche hotel is the way to go. That word 'upscale' has take this valley like wildfire, leaving the working people out in the cold.



And if the city council signs on to this without qualm or question - well, just remember - we are coming into an election year again. I've seen quite a few political suicides already from the city council, and the year has just begun.



Valley Forward? Could be.... if it's everyones valley.

Evolution calling.

Sometimes wisdom comes from the most unusual or unlikely of places. Case in point, a thread on Fark.com which uses a series of webpages documenting the abandoned environs of East St. Louis to launch a discussion. I had a friend once from there, and he would tell of the streets with 2 houses and 30 empty lots reclaimed by nature.



Now Fark.com is not exactly the Oppenheimer Think Tank that the first paragraph makes it sound like. The normal headlines run from the informative breaking news to the downright strange. Example: Man points gun-looking cordless drill at officer. Officer shoots gun-looking gun at man.



But being that Fark is open for anyone to comment (after registration and mandatory waiting period), it can be an interesting read. One little nugget stuck out in the comments of the thread above.



only way to fix the plight of the cities is to simply go back. " - smackem81



Followed a few comments later by this, from QuailhuntingwithCheney: "In alot of areas this is starting to happen. The young profesionals can't afford the exorbant housing costs, and don't want to live way out in the 'burbs, spending three hours a day in traffic isn't worth it. Plus as an added bonus mass transit is actually usable in most major metros.



Several people I know have bought houses in "bad parts of town" and are remodeling them to their liking, it's cheaper than a brand new cookie cutter home.And the houses are great, really ornate and have been standing over 100 years. I'd like to see how many of today's shoddily built houses will stand that long."





The technical name is Gentrification.. Gentrification, or more specifically urban gentrification, is a process in which low-cost, physically deteriorated neighborhoods experience physical renovation and an increase in property values, along with an influx of increasingly wealthier residents who typically displace the prior residents. (via Wikipedia)



And to that I would like to add the following if: IF there are prior residents.



Sections of Old Southwest, West End, Southeast, and other places around Roanoke have a multitude of empty lots with stairs. They also, Southeast and Old Southwest/West End especially, have a problem with historic houses vacant for a generation and rotten to the foundation. Think of the houses towards the far end of Elm/Patterson/Rorer to the west, and Church/Tazwell/Stuart to the east. Overlooking downtown itself are some of the best arguments for gentrification - but gentrification is dependent upon investment. And investment comes at a price.



This process, however, has it's faults. Having seen some of the gentrification which is still ongoing in New York City, I can tell you firsthand that gentrification usually begins with a single house, and ends with utter defeat. Defeat of the local population which struggled to live and work in the area they could afford. As the local houses are remodeled, remanufactured, and revitalized - the home values go up. Property taxes go up. And the neighborhood in which they lived suddenly becomes too expensive for them to afford.



It is not always a win-win situation. However, there is a way I believe that you can have gentrification without the high cost.



Valley Forward has put forth a proposal to rebuild Rockledge on Mill Mountain again. A full business proposal, waiting for an investor. It's an idea not without it's merits, but it speaks to one word: upscale.



We all want. The very nature of humanity is to want better, want more. More being defined by ones own wants and needs. What the young urban/urbane professional needs to recognize is that they are decidedly NOT what makes a city run. The blue collar workers, the labor jobs, the ones who work for someone else truly make a city what it is. The Young Professionals just fund it. For all it's money and importance, Manhattan could still be crippled by a garbage strike - the plumbers will always charge high rates because they do what most cannot. The very things that make New York City important are all serviced by working class stiffs.



Upscale only appeals to a certain sector of the population, and at this fragile moment in Roanoke's evolution - upscale is the last thing it should be worried about. This "community gentrification" needs some serious forward thinkers - those who are not afraid to try something new.



Why not a multiple layer property tax? This way, if you have been in a home for X number of years, you will not be taxed out of your community. Your taxes will still rise, but not at the same rate as a just-flipped home which sells for twice your assessed value. Historic tax credits for rebuilding a home (like some of those on Elm, or Jamison) to original stock, small city-backed loans for minor house repair and improvement, provided it falls within certain guidelines. An overhaul of the Architectural Review Board, and citywide implementation of "suggestions."(from the public)



Perhaps even to the point of "job-lot" purchasing by the city itself, for resale at a discounted rate to homeowners. Similar to the Habitat store. And rather than just arbitrarily demolish a home in poor repair - allow certified contractors to pick it over and salvage whatever possible for use in other homes and projects. There are numerous examples of homes in absolute abandon which still have architectural pieces in workable condition. Black Dog is a nice company, but not everyone can afford a tri-panel stained glass window to replace the one in the attic which is ruined, but is the same piece. The city could salvage them on it's own, and then turn and sell them to the public - at a small profit.



One of the things which makes gentrification work for everyone in the community is the city itself being involved in the process. We all know the City Council cannot see big picture, but what many don't realize is how often they cannot see the little one either. The most ambitious and important document in the past 10 years is the Vision 2001-2020 plan, of which precious little has been acted on. Looking at the 2006 report of what HAS been done, the only notable change enacted was the new zoning regulations. Everything else is from years past, and only 1/10th what could have been achieved.



Perhaps Valley Forward should commit its capabilities more towards rebuilding Roanoke as a whole, instead of the novelties. It's all well and good to have a amphitheater, but you need to have people to both staff and fill it. With the drastic declines in housing opportunities (ie. anything new is over 200k, anything old is either more expensive or in undesirable shape/neighborhood) the target audience for these changes will be more transient than rooted.



Again, I'm not against the idea of Rockledge being rebuilt - I'm just questioning the importance of it. Again, ask yourself - is the picture an 8x10, or wallet sized?



note: the view from the proposed Rockledge would be of South Roanoke, Old Southwest, and Downtown - a nice view, just don't have high powered telescopes for the public to use. They might get a glimpse of "certain" areas.

Not much better

This is almost as bad as a straight out ice storm. Rain, cold cold rain.. and we are waiting for the freezing rain like the plague.



I've had enough of this, if only I had thought to install a weather control device here at the F-R HQ high on a hilltop above Roanoke. But noooo.. it was still in BETA testing, and they were not offering open invites.



Sheeeesh.



I solemnly swear that once I get my invite to Weathr2.0 I'll do what I can to make this better...

Ahh crud.

Ice storm warning includes Roanoke, New River valleys



phoo.. not happy at all.

Open Call

Once again, I am putting forth an open call for anyone interested in blogging the news and information for Southeast Roanoke...



seroanoke.blogspot.com



If you live or work in Southeast Roanoke, contact me at the address given on the blog, and let me know if you are interested in writing for it. I am looking for folks who are willing to share news, events, information, and stories about Southeast as it makes it's comeback.



Thanks

roanokecelebrates.com

So the city has put together a URL linked to a page under the City Manager's site on Roanokegov.com about it's 125th Anniversary.

RoanokeCelebrates.com

It contains a list of all the activities planned to mark 125 years of Roanoke.
This is the list, in full.

125th Anniversary Celebration Calendar of Events
February 3, 2007 — Proclamation of the City's 125th Anniversary made by City Council
A commemoration of the City of Roanoke's 125th anniversary celebration in the Jefferson Center Atrium Hall and announcement of the March 31, 2007 kick-off event and other activities and events throughout the year.

March 31, 2007 — 125th Anniversary Kick-off Event
The event will include some of the following: a procession from Hotel Roanoke to the Roanoke Civic Center; an opening ceremony in the coliseum; exhibits in the new exhibit hall; family fun activities in the old exhibit hall.

April 2007 — America's Anniversary Gardens
Coordination with Parks & Recreation and garden club organizations for special landscaping to create America's Anniversary Garden at the main corridors, plazas, and thoroughfares of the City during 2007.

July 4th Fireworks
Recognition of the city's 125th anniversary and the 400th anniversary of Jamestown during the fireworks celebration at River's Edge.

July 27-29 — Antique Road Show
Antique and Collectible Appraisal Fair with Gordon Converse.

September 11-12, 2007 — Building New Partnerships Conference
Small and Minority Business Symposium

September 14-16 — Spirit in September
Music Extravaganza & Choral Exhibition at the Roanoke Civic Center.

October 4-7, 2007 — Roanoke Arts Festival
The first annual Roanoke Arts Festival will be held at various venues throughout the city. This four day extravaganza will incorporate all components of the performing arts, including the symphony, theatre, ballet and opera.

October 2007 — "Renovate Roanoke"
Preserving and renovating old buildings. This event will include hands-on workshops, speakers, research resources from the Virginia Room, etc. Committee of city staff and community leaders has been formed to plan the project.

December 24, 2007 — Finale Event/Reception at the Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center
The Hotel Roanoke will celebrate its 125th Anniversary by hosting a reception for citizens early afternoon. The hotel will feature their nationally renowned Christmas trees, an antique Santa Claus, chamber music and hors d'oeuvres during the event.


Thats the entire list, everything the city has planned to make this year special. All I can say is, I'm sorry. I was hoping for something a little more lively and fun, perhaps even grander in scale - but once again, I overthink things too much. I guess 125 years is not really worthy of much community celebrating, but a choral exhibition.. wow.

Oh, and lets not bypass the parade on March 31st, which will go by in the blink of an eye as it only takes me 8 minutes to walk from the HRCC to the Civic Center - obviously a parade for the masses.

I propose a year filled with neighborhood block parties, special contests for decorating your house in it's original garb (the F-R HQ dates from 1925, and I am often curious what it looked like back then.), themed parties downtown on the streets, and special vendors on the market who make it look and feel like it did 100 or so years ago.

And let's not forget good ol' Fire Station #1, which also turns 100 this year.

But no, an antiques road show is much more important... much.