Policy Paper #4: Would somebody please answer that phone!

Greetings once again, my fellow Roanokers.

I realize it has been a while since you have heard from me. Rest assured your friendly neighborhood Overlord has been keeping a watchful eye on things. I have seen many things since last we spoke, and have dismayed at several of them. The slate of canidates for City Council looks less and less appealing every day. I invite you to go examine their stands on issues.

Trinkle, Mason, and Dowe
Revercomb & McConnel

Only Revercomb and McConnel touch upon the fact that the City Council is a dismal failure at providing for the city itself. Trinkle, Mason, and Dowe only make passing mention of politics and the City Council in the platform.

I would show you the other canidates, but they do not have websites which are a key to making the citizenry informed as to your stance. It is a shame as to date, I really have no idea what they are exactly about.

At the most recent "debate" the canidates were asked about Darlene Burcham, the City Manager. Most, with the exception of Revercomb and McConnel, agreed that she should be given a "grace period" to see if she would be able to meet the needs of the new council.

Thats all nice, but honestly - her job description reads as what one would expect from a vice-mayor. Or, heaven forfend, even a Mayor. What this system appears to provide is a sub-level mayor. Rather than bother the actual mayor with departmental reports and other such nonsense, Darlene takes the brunt of it. Which leaves me with 2 questions:

1. If the City Manager is the single party all city departments answer to, the office that handles community relations and all the rest, why is this person not elected? Im sure others who could be just as capable in the position might have alternate ways of doing the job. Should not the citizenry have a choice in who actually runs the city day to day?
2. If the City Manager does all that, why do we have a Mayor?

I realize these are not the best questions to ask, but they need to be addressed. If we hold elections for Mayor, Sheriff, and City Council; and all those people are "hired" because the majority of the voting population felt they would be the best to do the job, then should not the day to day operations of the city, something so critical, be up for a vote as well?

Also, shouldn't the City Manager be limited as to the affiliations they can hold without being considered in conflict with the daily duties they are charged with upholding?

The City Manager position appears to be a hazardous one when looking at Mrs. Burcham's curriculum vitae. She sits on the board of no less than 7 organizations which could directly affect her job as City Manager. I am sure keeping a balance is not an easy task.

Again, my stance on this is to eliminate the City Manager position alltogether. It is an extra level of bureaucracy the city can do without. The Mayor of the city is both a figurehead and leader, as the position would indicate. Being Mayor of the City of Roanoke should be paid position, full time with benefits, so that the people of Roanoke can rest assured that the Mayor is on duty as mayor, and not sometimes as mayor and sometimes as something else.

The City Council, as much as many of you would like to see it eliminated, should stay as is - with one major exception. More seats on the council. More voice for the people.

In short, this is revolution calling, and someone needs to answer the phone. As Overlord, I would be in position to do just that. Straighten the course of this historic and important city.

People forget, time forgets - Roanoke is a highly important city. One trip to Valley View or Tanglewood will tell you that much. Look at the lisence plates on cars in the parking lots. The Personal Property Tax stickers in the windows of the cars. People come here from all over the country for various reasons, but they come. Roanoke is not, as it has been portrayed, a retirement haven for those who are uncomfortable in Florida. Roanoke is still very much alive, and crying out for change. Revolution.

The business of Roanoke, the business that is Roanoke has been mismanaged for many years. All aspects of life have been affected. First and foremost, Roanoke is a valley. We must deal with the mountains. And yet we can barely handle the mountain we have right here within city limits.

My first Overlord order would be the commencement of public transportation (of some form) up Mill Mountain. Even on Sundays. If it has to be a voluntary concept - then perhaps Vice-Mayor Fitzpatrick would be willing to offer the services of Commonwealth Coach and Trolley. On fair weather days, on the half hour - one should be able to catch a bus from Downtown to the top of Mill Mountain.

Part of the reason the zoo has financial troubles is the fact it is so inaccessable to those who rely upon public transportation. Families could easily get to and from the zoo on weekends. People who normally ride the bus could venture up Mill Mountain and walk around for a few hours, escape from the city vertically. Those who come to the city from out of town on weekends would be able to leave the car downtown, not need to worry about using extra gas (and at these prices, we all worry) and still be able to explore Mill Mountain and all it has to offer.

Not one of the canidates, previously elected officials, or sitting elected officials to my knowledge has suggested such a thing. It would be an instant boost to the "liveability" of Roanoke. As would asking Valley Metro to run on Sundays. Even in a limited capacity (ie. 1 bus per hour), it would make a noticeable difference for Roanoke.

And along the same line - an increase in the Personal Property Tax for cars. Yes, I said increase. For a small increase in your sticker-tax, it would enable you to park in any city garage free of charge for 1 year. A separate parking sticker would be available for purchase for those who live in the County, but work in the city, and it would be reasonable as well.

And Roanoke County would no longer have the option of dealing with the city when it felt like it. A strong partnership must be forged for the benefit of all in the area. City and County must work hand in hand in making this a better valley.

And as I feel familiarity does breed contempt, I would do everything within my power to draw back those who left the City due to lack of opportunity. I would work hand in hand with the Chamber of Commerce to expand the business base, and market the City to new businesses. Roanoke can attract the jobs, the companies - the people. It is my opinion that in the past, the efforts made were only cursory (J&J excluded) and fell short on selling the city properly. I will not fail. I will take public suggestions on how to best display the city's assets. And I will make sure there is no executive left on this world who does not know Roanoke.

For a small city, Roanoke has always dreamed big. 6 years into the 21st century - its time to make some of those dreams come true.

Thank you for your time and attention. Vote Overlord.

Breaking news from The Roanoke Times-New art museum $20 million more than estimated

Just to let you know, the number is now $66 million for the AMWV - and it will begin in 4 to 6 weeks.

Numbers can be funny in the long run - and the project is slated for at least a year of construction.

Well, I guess we will just have to see.

WSLS.com | 10 candidates vie for 3 spaces on Roanoke City Council

WSLS.com | 10 candidates vie for 3 spaces on Roanoke City Council

Ahem - I believe you'll find that its 10 canidates for City Council, and one for Overlord.

Is it fear that motivates them to ignore the Overlord?

Perhaps they are on the payroll of those in power, keeping the Overlord down. Or it could just be ignorance.

The Overlord does not like ignorance.

The Overlord will have something to say very soon, so be prepared.

RAIN!!!

Not enough, not nearly enough - but its a start.

Podcast delayed till tomorrow, when I actually have a day off.

Not sure if its the pollen getting to me, but Im feelin a touch on the funky side today.

Deathly Lyrics: Roanoke Riot

Deathly Lyrics: Roanoke Riot

Seems theres a song about last weeks Forgotten-Roanoke update. Not the most pleasant lyrics, but in the interests of historical accuracy, I present them anyway.

(those easily offended may look away now)

The Roanoke Riot

It was the twentieth of September,
When the moon shown from on high,
In the magic city of Roanoke
Nine innocent men did die.

They were shot down by the militia
that was stationed in the jail.
It was the awfulist outrage
That ever did prevail.

The captain gave his orders to fire
When heard instructions from Mayor H. L. Trout.
It was the awfulist outrage
That ever was heard about.

And I think it was foolish
To call out the militia
All because of
A dirty low down [Negro].

Some were shot through the heart
While many were shot through the head.
After the firing was over,
Nine men lay dead.

Many people did many cruel things,
Yes, things we call hard
For they wanted to bury the [Negro]
In the Mayor's backyard.

But the preacher pleaded with them,
Yes, loudly he did shout,
"Have some respect for your neighbor here,
If not for Mayor Trout."

Some suggested they burn him
At the stake
For the awful crime attempted,
Mrs. Bishop's life to take.

So they built the fire upon him
Out of oil and pine,
And all looked on him
To see him burn.

That it was outrage in our city,
Yes, everyone that could be clear.
Let's all be quiet now
And have no lynching here.

For the [Negro] is dead
And gone to a different world from this,
But all do know that he did not go
To a world of heavenly bliss.

The site which contained the song also has some additional detail about the Riot itself, including the reports that the man who was lynched was actually innocent - the real guilty party having been captured and released, and thrown out of town.

Consider this one a Developing Story.. infact could be highly developing if things pan out.

Zoo News

Zoo's all abuzz with bevy of upgrades
Great things happening at my favorite zoo.

I was considering doing an April Fools post, but this is much more important. On a day like today, the most stunning place one can be is up Mill Mountain - and why not hit the zoo while your up there? It's inexpensive, a great place for a stroll, and you couldn't ask for a better experience.

I have been to the Zoo many times, but still not as many as I wish.

Go Zoo.. Go Wild.

Attention Citizens

The Podcast is being delayed until Monday, as I am working on a developing story for it.

Not that it's anything truly important, Im just going to be trying something new and different out. Well, I hope to anyway.

As for the weekend, Forgotten-Roanoke will be out and about Saturday Morning - provided the weather holds up.. Personally, Im hoping for some nice thunderstorms tonight - I mean, I know its only a 60% chance - but Im hopeful.

Otherwise, enjoy the weather folks.. it's too nice out not to.

busy day today..

I aint got time to bleed, well - not till later anyway. See you all then

For those of you looking online for the Roanoke Wanted list:

You can find it here: RoanokeGov.com

Dont be scared by the mugshots..

An open letter to the City Council and the Old Southwest Council

As we near election time, and 3 of your precious seats are up for grabs, I would like to share a find with you. While out and about doing the principal photograpy for the newest page over at Forgtten-Roanoke.com, I stumbled across something which I would like to hold up as a symbol of Old Southwest, and the commitment by both the City Council, and the Old Southwest Inc. group.

The corner which many years ago was scene of a horrible and brutal lynching, the stone steps which we all see as we travel down Franklin Rd, an empty lot which is worth more than 1/3rd of the houses in Roanoke.. and this:


A hypodermic syringe. On the wall, not more than 2 feet from the lovely belgian brick sidewalk, 5 feet from traffic. Down the street from how many churches and the big synagogue.. a place where people walk daily with children, some infants in strollers.

I will tell you this, I did not remove the syringe - it is still where I found it. I will check this weekend to see if it has moved or not.

What does this mean? If you look closely at the syringe, you will see it was not tossed into the brush on the empty lot, it was placed there. Which means someone had to be on those stairs USING the syringe, and regardless of wether it was day or night, they would have been somewhat visible.

Mountain Ave is part of the Old Southwest Historic District, not just the pretty houses and parks. Its the dirty and seamy side of Roanoke as well as the old and expensive.
For someone who would use right out in the open, they must feel safe. They must feel no fear. Which is why I am calling on the City Council and the Old Southwest community to cease the endless nit-picking over paint schemes and fence heights and focus on cleaning up the area. Old Southwest is supposed to be a model of what historic Roanoke looked like, a place of pride in ones homes and the surroundings. The district extends from Jefferson to Ferdinand, Marshall to Bluff - a massive area that includes some of the toughest sections in Roanoke.

Yet it would appear that the only area which truly matters are centered around Walnut/Highland Park area.

"Many unique homes were razed for urban development; others were cut up
into apartment units or inappropriately remodeled, adding the area's
woes."(from the website for oldsouthwestinc.) Many more are still existing that way.

"The recognition of Old Southwest as a whole community rather than
single buildings is a new approach to preservation and reflects the
sense of “togetherness” which has saved and revitalized the
neighborhood’s individual homes and buildings, streetscapes, and
landscapes." (website again) Thats all well and good, but what about the people? Are we more focused on the structures than the occupants within?

The needle was not in a haystack, it was not hidden away in someone's car - it was in plain sight of anyone walking along the "pleasant shady walkways."

To the City Council, I ask that you stop allowing those associated with Old Southwest Inc. to cloud the issue of "quality of life" by confusing it with "quality of paint." I wonder if the Old Southwest Safety Watch "Routine Safety Walks" include Elm Ave, Mountain Ave, and some of the other "less than perfect" areas. Or is it including, but not limited to a predefined area in which some problems have been noted, but not terribly serious or life threatening.

Suggestion: With some of the high-powered residents in OSW, perhaps it would be a good idea for them to band together and form a small LLC, for the sole reason of buying up the rental properties from the lamprey landlords. Make them a reasonable offer, and they might just bite - which would be a bonus for the community and the residents of the apartments. Of course, there is always the issue of compliance with the law. Im sure there are many ordinances which some landlords could and should be charged with violating. Just a thought.

But back to the idea of the needle. I feel comfortable walking around in nearly every part of this city (the ones I have walked in anyway.) I consider myself to be a law abiding citizen. But apparently Im not the only one feeling comfortable, as it would seem as evidenced by the beer bottles, the cigar fillers (ask someone under 30 if you need an explination on that one), and now this needle.

If the city can have a parking policeman who can make it from downtown at the Market to King George Ave. in short time to ticket those parked beyond the limit, why not have a few regular police ride around in the scooters to scope out and ticket/summons those walking around with beer in their hands, or landlords who refuse to clean up the property - vacant or not. Apply some pressure and watch them scatter like roaches when the lights come on.

It's a nice thing to have a attractive, historic city - however the effort is hardly worth it when you find something like this. Take a good long look at the photo, let it sink in. And realize this one was obvious - how many of them are hidden from view.


It's up to the City Council, and OSW,inc. to take this situation into hand and get it under control. Or the next needle might just wind up in someones foot as they walk down the tranquil, tree-lined streets of Old Southwest.

So you mean it wasn't me?

Well, color me shocked. I mean, a mere week or two after I posted my photos of the old Virginia Railway station, orange fencing shows up, tresspassing signs are posted.

But it was not me.

(photo by Natalee Waters/Roanoke Times)

(photo by myself, pre-fencing)

Not me apparently, but better than that. The Virginian is poised for rebirth.

Read the story here, and decide if you wish to assist.

Score one for the good guys.

And now, for something completely different:

Home

Thats right, go.. go home. You know you want to, besides - the new page is up. A slight derivation from my original intentions - but I felt the story contained within is something that needed to get done, therefore its done and overwith. Sure oneday when I am asked to write a psychological perspective on the history of Roanoke, I might revist the story - but that day is not today.

Well, read it, and let me know what you think. But remember, its just the beginning.

From Lileks.com, wisdom:

"But it’s a hard patch for Hennepin. I remember worse – far worse. But it reminds me that pulling for downtown – any downtown in a medium-sized city – sometimes feels like a luxury, a hobbyhorse, a game for nostalgia junkies who believe in some alchemic formula that will bring it all back to life. Sure, it was indispensable once; sure, everyone went downtown. Yes, this was the heart of the town, the big parade, the place where you got your first Sunday suit, got your teeth drilled, had an ice cream with mom in the department store, saw a lawyer, got drunk, met a girl, caught a movie in the balcony on a summer afternoon. This was it, brother.

But it isn’t anymore."

Mistah Lileks is referring to his downtown, in beautiful Minneapolis. Another place not unlike Roanoke. It too underwent a time of rebirth not too long ago, which has now slowed a bit. It would be interesting to see how many Roanokes there are out there. Judge which ones have been successful and why.

Providence, RI - Albany, NY - Detroit, MI - Canton, OH.., I'm sure the list is nearly endless. Each of these places has mixed success in the rebuilding of downtown, each has struggled to keep the heritage of its past alive, while attempting modernization and building a legacy for the future.

See Roanoke, your not alone after all. Just need to look around.

Interesting perspective from James Lileks

Hey Folks

Page will be launching tomorrow, as I had some unexpected excitement here at the temporary HQ (Props to Roanoke County PD) and am still in the midst of uncovering some heavy information about the area in question.

This is the definition of Labor of Love folks..

Although if I were the City, I'd keep an eye on the blog tomorrow too - they are about to be called out. Bigtime.

See yall tomorrow!

Attenzione!

Yep - Im bored.

Now that Forgotten-Roanoke is a year old, and the blog slightly older than that (there was a previous version you never saw), I'd like to thank all the loverly folk that help make it possible. My wife.

The library

The Internet

Clare White (if she is even still around)

And a whole cast of others, including the fine people who once drew up the Sanborne maps, which provide me with leads on a daily basis.

I have recently acquired some more "recent" materials, which should lead to some interesting finds in the coming weeks and months, if you consider 40 years old recent.

The revamp of the website is underway and rolling. You'll see it when its done, no Beta rollout, no black screen during downtimes. Plus, I'll be providing a host of resources over at my new Googlepage, which I hope will become a hub for the greater Roanoke community. Well, a hub of sorts. You'll see.

Until then, you have to deal with me being on again off again with the blog, the weekly podcast (provided I can get it to upload - still working on last weeks.. )

ttfn

Breaking News

ROANOKE, VA - A dynamic mix of historic reflection, cultural
recognition and
celebration will be in store for Roanoke in 2007 as
the city celebrates its
125th anniversary. It may be just Spring 2006
right now, but the city already
is preparing for the year-long event.

Mayor C. Nelson Harris announced
plans for the 125th anniversary
during a news conference today (Wednesday,
March 22). He also
introduced the co-chairs and members of the Celebration
Committee, a
group of citizens who live in or have close ties to Roanoke, and
who
have been tasked with helping to shape upcoming events.

"As we
prepare to celebrate this milestone, we want to ensure that
those plans
involve individuals such as these committee members, who
represent the rich
culture, history and love in Roanoke," Harris
said. "I thank them for
volunteering their time and talents to this
group."

The members of the
committee are:

Honorable Clifton (Chip) Woodrum, Co-Chair
Dr. Wendell
Butler, Co-Chair

Ms. Elizabeth T. Bowles
Mr. M. Caldwell Butler
Mr.
H. Clarke (Duke) Curtis
Mr. Warner Dalhouse
Ms. Doris Ennis
Ms. Pearl
Fu
Mr. Robert A. Garland
Ms. Brenda Hale
Ms. Kathy Hill
Mr. A. L.
Holland, Sr.
Mr. George Kegley
Ms. Taylor Kiefer
Mr. Forrest
Landon
Mr. Michael Ramsey
Mr. Craig D. Walker, II

Harris said that
they plan to honor this anniversary with a series of
activities and special
events to be held throughout the year,
culminating in an arts festival in the
fall, which could develop into
an annual event.

"For 125 years Roanoke
has been, and continues to be, a wonderful
place to live and work," Harris
said. "It is only fitting that we
celebrate our anniversary in a way that
truly embraces our community
in 2007 and in years to come."

Following
the announcement, the committee convened for its first
meeting. As plans
proceed the committee hopes to continue to receive
ideas from the community
on aspects of the city that should be
celebrated, Harris said. The committee
is also is hoping to hear from
businesses and residents who have been a part
of Roanoke for most -
or even all - of the city's 125
years.

Additional information about the city's 125th anniversary will
be
available in upcoming months. In the meantime, Roanoke citizens
are
beginning to brush up on their city history:

Towns formed within
what is now the city of Roanoke in the first
decades of the 19th Century.
Antwerp was subdivided in 1801 followed
by Gainesborough in 1825 (the present
Gainsboro neighborhood) and Old
Lick in 1834. The Gainesborough settlement
remained the most populous
community until 1874 when the Town of Big Lick was
chartered. This
tiny village of less than 500 people was to become the town
of
Roanoke in 1882 and in 1884, the city of Roanoke. The new town
was
located along the old Atlantic, Mississippi and Ohio Railroad later
to
become the Norfolk and Western. Completion of the Shenandoah
Valley Railroad
from Hagerstown to Roanoke in 1882 marked the start
of Roanoke's rapid
growth.

Amazing how certain people were left off this list. Someone feeling some heat from the Overlord?

Interesting bits of history...

I've been coming across several of these type imprints around the sidewalks of Roanoke. There are some along Franklin Rd. in old SW that are stamped directly into the concrete. South Roanoke has them as well.

I find it interesting that a company would take the time to leave its "artists mark" on something so seemingly simple as a sidewalk. Boy, you'd think they could have at least left a date, what better advertising than to say YOUR sidewalks have lasted the years. Of course thats provided YOU have lasted the years as well.

A quick and dirty Google search reveals very little in the way of S.E. Benningtons in Lynchburg, and the term Granolithic is as out-dated as macadam in reference to roadways.

Sometimes the answers are not quite as obvious as they would seem. With so many imprints on the sidewalks of Roanoke, you would think somewhere, someone would have some information.

Doing what I can.. let you know the results of my findings.

New format coming soon, I'm now dreaming in code. And yes, I am that old school.

/run
c:/ jane run
/end

no posting again today

13 hours.

It's gonna be a long day.

I swear Im trying to make time for you... Tomorrow, I promise. Ok?

there will be no blogging till later

my morning sched prevents me from putting thought to text.

my afternoon sched is not much better.

sorry about all that.

sorry for the delay

working on a new layout for the site.. which I should have up and jamming in a few days (if Im lucky) - which is the excuse for no update this week..

Maybe one day I'll stick to the schedule I put forth.

/grumbles and goes back to codeland