First off - Chef K asks me to please point you all in the general direction of his new blog (which is not the one that I started, gave over, then somehow took back) which can be found here: chefkroa.blogspot.com
Something must be bothering him... he seems a bit.. touchy lately.
As for me, I've been busy attempting to find the damn microphone so I can pod again for you, the lucky listeners.
Something tells me one of my evil henchmen hid it on me.
Please bear with us, I promise that by next week we will be back to somewhat normal here.
Of course Forgotten-Roanoke will be out in force this Sunday evening, attending the Regional 9/11 memorial. If the weather co-operates well enough, It might even be the first time in months the Forgotten-Roanoke jacket will be worn out.
And a quick word to city leaders; You have every right to ask for removal of garbage cans from the street in a timely manner, and fine those who do not follow guidelines. That being said - imagine if the cans never wound up there in the first place? Perhaps it's just me - but I would be coming down hard like a biblical rain on the bosses over in the Dept of Sanitation who allow the workers to shove, toss, or outright dump the cans in the street. That is the extreme polar opposite of professional, courtious behavior, and quite frankly - a bad reflection upon the city as a whole.
You allow for citizen complaints of Weeds/Trash violations, but how does one go about changing a system?
Oh right.. thats why Im here..
Remember folks - let's make the Star City shine, again.
9/7/06
9/3/06
A New Hope (sorry Mr. Lucas...)
100 years ago, crossing Jefferson and Campbell was downright difficult - between the traffic, the muddy streets, and the neverending stream of people hustling about the city - the crossroads of Roanoke was a very hard place to cross.
Shops, stores, merchants, and hotels lined nearly every street in the downtown core. Life was a bustle into the wee hours of the evening, and you'd be hard pressed to find any time you'd not hear some sign of life somewhere.
But that was 100 years ago. Downtown Roanoke today is quiet, for the most part. One block off of Jefferson and Campbell and most days you can hardly find a soul. The city market is still doing strong business - but even that is calm and quiet.
Roanoke has gone from the powerhouse and machinery driving the economy of southwest Virginia to the headquarters for various offices and companies.
Clean, quiet headquarters.
Sure, it can still be tough to cross at Campbell and Jefferson, but usually only when Valley Metro is doing it's departures. And at night, it's nearly noiseless downtown.
Lifeless.
It is time.
In the coming weeks and months, you will be seeing a new Roanoke-Found blog, dedicated to a single thought - single concept;
Make the Star City shine, Again.
Shops, stores, merchants, and hotels lined nearly every street in the downtown core. Life was a bustle into the wee hours of the evening, and you'd be hard pressed to find any time you'd not hear some sign of life somewhere.
But that was 100 years ago. Downtown Roanoke today is quiet, for the most part. One block off of Jefferson and Campbell and most days you can hardly find a soul. The city market is still doing strong business - but even that is calm and quiet.
Roanoke has gone from the powerhouse and machinery driving the economy of southwest Virginia to the headquarters for various offices and companies.
Clean, quiet headquarters.
Sure, it can still be tough to cross at Campbell and Jefferson, but usually only when Valley Metro is doing it's departures. And at night, it's nearly noiseless downtown.
Lifeless.
It is time.
In the coming weeks and months, you will be seeing a new Roanoke-Found blog, dedicated to a single thought - single concept;
Make the Star City shine, Again.
And just when you think you've finally got it...
Story here.
Roanoke Times covered it too..
No offense to Mr. Woody (who looks more than a bit like my grandfather)
but Im sure he has better things to do than spruce up a monument to failure and the
lasting legacy of the Curse of Woodland Park.
Although it does cause me to wonder, if they spruce up the monument - does that
mean the curse is renewed?
Help us all...
Roanoke Times covered it too..
No offense to Mr. Woody (who looks more than a bit like my grandfather)
but Im sure he has better things to do than spruce up a monument to failure and the
lasting legacy of the Curse of Woodland Park.
Although it does cause me to wonder, if they spruce up the monument - does that
mean the curse is renewed?
Help us all...
9/1/06
Try this
Pandora.com
Pick an artist or song you really like, and punch it in. Wait a minute - the system is trying to figure out why you like that song (or artist) and find others like it for you.
On days like today, I like to punch in some Miles Davis, John Coletrane, cool jazz-type stuff for all you hipsters out there.
Then just sit back and let it ride for a while..
I love days like this.
Coming next week (with any luck) the return of the podcast, a site update (now that all hardware is in place again), and some more "on-the-street" work like you have not seen in the past few weeks as we shifted HQ's.
Maybe back over the weekend, maybe not.. see you when I see you.
Pick an artist or song you really like, and punch it in. Wait a minute - the system is trying to figure out why you like that song (or artist) and find others like it for you.
On days like today, I like to punch in some Miles Davis, John Coletrane, cool jazz-type stuff for all you hipsters out there.
Then just sit back and let it ride for a while..
I love days like this.
Coming next week (with any luck) the return of the podcast, a site update (now that all hardware is in place again), and some more "on-the-street" work like you have not seen in the past few weeks as we shifted HQ's.
Maybe back over the weekend, maybe not.. see you when I see you.
8/30/06
I have been trying to find a nice way to put this one
Money is never an easy subject to broach with people, especially people who know they are not making what they should be. All day long I am treated to a litany of "it's a shame they treat us the way they do."
So like I said, I've been searching for a good way to approach the subject, and thankfully.. Mr. Fleitz over at RoanokeFire.com in both the article and the comments finally gives voice to my thoughts.
"Apparently you do not find that odd. Maybe that is the problem with trying to get more money. We have too many people who are perfectly fine making inadequate wages. " (emphasis added)
Exactly. Roanoke is bereft with individuals who are some of the most talented and hard working available anywhere - yet they have had one point pounded into their brains since birth. You are only worth what someone will pay you.
But what someone will pay you is hardly what you are worth to them, but what you accept as pay is hardly half of what you gain for them. And thats where the cycle of worker abuse begins.
When a company keeps payscales low, or inconsistent - the only one who is truly hurt is the company itself. Worker turnover, disloyalty, and unsettled workers (no matter how much you attempt to enforce a "teammate" attitude) lead to loss of goods, services, and time.
Make your choice, accept the crap wages - or make a stand and find someone who is willing to pay, or at least recognize the hard work you do for them.
I could single out businesses that are guilty in this - but it would not matter. Until someone takes a stand, nothing will change.
Nothing.
So like I said, I've been searching for a good way to approach the subject, and thankfully.. Mr. Fleitz over at RoanokeFire.com in both the article and the comments finally gives voice to my thoughts.
"Apparently you do not find that odd. Maybe that is the problem with trying to get more money. We have too many people who are perfectly fine making inadequate wages. " (emphasis added)
Exactly. Roanoke is bereft with individuals who are some of the most talented and hard working available anywhere - yet they have had one point pounded into their brains since birth. You are only worth what someone will pay you.
But what someone will pay you is hardly what you are worth to them, but what you accept as pay is hardly half of what you gain for them. And thats where the cycle of worker abuse begins.
When a company keeps payscales low, or inconsistent - the only one who is truly hurt is the company itself. Worker turnover, disloyalty, and unsettled workers (no matter how much you attempt to enforce a "teammate" attitude) lead to loss of goods, services, and time.
Make your choice, accept the crap wages - or make a stand and find someone who is willing to pay, or at least recognize the hard work you do for them.
I could single out businesses that are guilty in this - but it would not matter. Until someone takes a stand, nothing will change.
Nothing.
8/29/06
wow. just wow.
an actual rendering of the new art museum.
I give up, seriously. No more griping about the waste of space, the loss of revenue, or anything else like that.
No more complaining about the strange mannerisims of the build, or the inherent problems stemming from it (with no regard for surrounding businesses).
Nope - if you can't figure out thats one ugly building, than brother - you deserve it.
Pardon me, whilst I go bleach my eyes.
8/28/06
Observations
Warm, welcoming, and friendly. Not a single neighbor who would not stop to say Hi on the whole street.
They know all about each other (and not just the gossip either), and the story of nearly every house on the block.
They have no intention of leaving this neighborhood, but wish it was more like it used to be. Corner stores, community restaurants, and all the rest.
To talk to them, sometimes turning back the clock is not a bad thing.
According to the wife, we are most likely the 'yuppies' on the block.
At least on this section of it anyway.
She has a way of making me forget the real purpose of moving to this hilltop high above the city, within spitting distance of the Star.
But to me, and rest assured.. this is the perfect opportunity to keep an eye on the city itself.
Still unpacking and assembling devices here at F-R HQ, but interesting things abound. Im hoping to be fully back on daily blogging duty by next week, and start working on the site again by next month.
When the site starts up again, there will be some industrial-sized updates coming down all at once. All of the stuff that has been trapped on the computer for the past 2 months while we secured new HQ will be unleashed. And a good deal of history will come to light.
Look for the post later this week explaining how the City of Roanoke, and the State of Virginia could help YOU find your own HQ.
They know all about each other (and not just the gossip either), and the story of nearly every house on the block.
They have no intention of leaving this neighborhood, but wish it was more like it used to be. Corner stores, community restaurants, and all the rest.
To talk to them, sometimes turning back the clock is not a bad thing.
According to the wife, we are most likely the 'yuppies' on the block.
At least on this section of it anyway.
She has a way of making me forget the real purpose of moving to this hilltop high above the city, within spitting distance of the Star.
But to me, and rest assured.. this is the perfect opportunity to keep an eye on the city itself.
Still unpacking and assembling devices here at F-R HQ, but interesting things abound. Im hoping to be fully back on daily blogging duty by next week, and start working on the site again by next month.
When the site starts up again, there will be some industrial-sized updates coming down all at once. All of the stuff that has been trapped on the computer for the past 2 months while we secured new HQ will be unleashed. And a good deal of history will come to light.
Look for the post later this week explaining how the City of Roanoke, and the State of Virginia could help YOU find your own HQ.
8/25/06
Please, pardon our dust.
Please excuse the mess, as the newly-hired evil henchmen get to work on the new HQ, currently being outfitted with all the latest in user-friendly technology.We will be using this technology to hone in on the City Council, City Of..., County Of.., and certain citizens of...
In other words it will be business as usual here.
History? Oh yes, we will still have history - accurate demonstrations of the city as it was, things uncovered, and all the rest.. just like before. Only now - with 10X the access, 10X the accuracy, and 10X the immersion.
Big things are happening. But please - pardon the dust.
8/22/06
Attention Citizens:
We're back.
There have been some minor glitches along the way - like the power outage last night in SE (had I known the HQ Aquarium was going to be that big a strain... sorry about all that).
And if you will notice, the website itself is down. This is a glitch I am attempting to clear up with Cox, as in the transfer from one HQ to another - somehow all the e-mail addresses were wiped. So, if you have been trying to send me e-mail, roanokeDOTfound@gmailDOTcom is the best way to do it right now.
I'll keep you posted on doings at the new ol' HQ, high on a hill.
Right where I can keep an eye on 'City Hall'.
There have been some minor glitches along the way - like the power outage last night in SE (had I known the HQ Aquarium was going to be that big a strain... sorry about all that).
And if you will notice, the website itself is down. This is a glitch I am attempting to clear up with Cox, as in the transfer from one HQ to another - somehow all the e-mail addresses were wiped. So, if you have been trying to send me e-mail, roanokeDOTfound@gmailDOTcom is the best way to do it right now.
I'll keep you posted on doings at the new ol' HQ, high on a hill.
Right where I can keep an eye on 'City Hall'.
8/16/06
A word about things to come...
The next few days will be full of intrigue and mystery for you.. the reader.
The blog is going dark for the next 5 days (unless something really interesting happens) as Forgotten-Roanoke gathers up its henchmen and invades the new HQ.
Once the initial set-up has been done, checklists gone over - then you will see a ressurected Roanoke-Found AND Forgotten-Roanoke.
In the short term, we would like to invite all our readers downtown on 9/10 for the regional 9/11 memorial.
We will be there, and hope to see you there as well.
In the really short term...
Special screenings Friday night at 10pm. And you KNOW, I will be there.
See you all in about a week.
The blog is going dark for the next 5 days (unless something really interesting happens) as Forgotten-Roanoke gathers up its henchmen and invades the new HQ.
Once the initial set-up has been done, checklists gone over - then you will see a ressurected Roanoke-Found AND Forgotten-Roanoke.
In the short term, we would like to invite all our readers downtown on 9/10 for the regional 9/11 memorial.
We will be there, and hope to see you there as well.
In the really short term...
Special screenings Friday night at 10pm. And you KNOW, I will be there.
See you all in about a week.
8/14/06
Forgive the lack of posting...
But we are all a little on edge here at Forgotten-HQ, as we ready ourselves for the big jump to the new F-HQ.
It's just a waiting game now, to make sure all i's are dotted and all T's are crossed, and all paint is remediated.
But more on that later.
I don't usually ask much from you good readers out there, but Im going to ask you to spend today with something crossed for us.. wishing us good luck.
I swear, once this is all over - you will get a blow by blow account as to how this was pulled off. And you will be amazed. And perhaps you can profit from it as well.
Again, thats for later though.
It's just a waiting game now, to make sure all i's are dotted and all T's are crossed, and all paint is remediated.
But more on that later.
I don't usually ask much from you good readers out there, but Im going to ask you to spend today with something crossed for us.. wishing us good luck.
I swear, once this is all over - you will get a blow by blow account as to how this was pulled off. And you will be amazed. And perhaps you can profit from it as well.
Again, thats for later though.
8/11/06
roanoke.found - The BST Chronicles.
roanoke.found - The BST Chronicles.
1 year ago, I started something.. and for 24 days I laid forth the story of a lifetime. Or at least the most interesting thing to happen till that point.
Read them as you see fit, you can always come back to them..
comment as you wish, or not.
1 year ago, I started something.. and for 24 days I laid forth the story of a lifetime. Or at least the most interesting thing to happen till that point.
Read them as you see fit, you can always come back to them..
comment as you wish, or not.
8/10/06
As promised
| A podcast. For you to enjoy, and think about.. CAUTION! Contains a song which will, upon repeated listening, dig itself deep in your head. Also contains talk of todays breaking news from London. Which should, by all rights, dig itself in your head as well. I've heard tell of Roanoke being on Hitler's hit list back during WW2, for its strategic railroad and proximity to fuel supplies. True? I cannot validate it, but it sounds reasonable, had Hitler ever made it to the US shores. Just something to consider.. Eyes open folks.. both domestically, and internationally. Eyes Wide Open. |
Aww Geez Edith!
Wake up.. get coffee.. stumble over dogs to computer.. hit news sites, click on TV..
Terrorists.. planes.. again?
Aww come on.. this is not how I wanted to start today.
Well, hopefully all you folks out there had no plans for major travel..
You know I'll be monitoring the situation for you folks.. Of course, theres one story thats being reported, but overshadowed by the larger story.
"2 held on terror charges in Ohio"
And they had a map of WalMarts across the Ohio to South Carolina area (including Kentucky, Tenn., and N. Carolina). Wanna bet that Roanoke was on that map?
Eyes open people.. eyes wide open.
Terrorists.. planes.. again?
Aww come on.. this is not how I wanted to start today.
Well, hopefully all you folks out there had no plans for major travel..
You know I'll be monitoring the situation for you folks.. Of course, theres one story thats being reported, but overshadowed by the larger story.
"2 held on terror charges in Ohio"
And they had a map of WalMarts across the Ohio to South Carolina area (including Kentucky, Tenn., and N. Carolina). Wanna bet that Roanoke was on that map?
Eyes open people.. eyes wide open.
8/9/06
Breaking news from Mill Mountain
ROANOKE, VA -- In order to conduct much needed repairs, the Roanoke
Star
will be out of service from Saturday, Aug. 12, until Sunday,
Aug. 20. For one
or two days during this period of time, the entire
star site will be closed
down and no visitors will be allowed near
the star. These dates are not yet
known, but will be decided once
repairs are underway. The city has awarded
the contract for repairs
to Virginia Electrical Services, Inc. in
Daleville.
Many of the transformers, junction boxes, and conduits are
the
original mechanical parts installed in 1949. Some of the
transformers,
which control the flow of electricity to the tubes, are
rusting. Other parts,
such as the conduits, are beginning to
deteriorate. "The conduit located
behind the star's mainframe is
cracking," explains Gareth McAllister the
city's Facilities Manager.
"That conduit was designed to shield the star's
wiring from bad
weather. If something were to happen-an electrical storm,
lightning,
very bad weather-we could lose the star."
The city
appreciates area residents' patience as Roanoke's most
visible icon is
restored to good working condition to keep it shining
for many years to come.
(via myroanoke)
Star
will be out of service from Saturday, Aug. 12, until Sunday,
Aug. 20. For one
or two days during this period of time, the entire
star site will be closed
down and no visitors will be allowed near
the star. These dates are not yet
known, but will be decided once
repairs are underway. The city has awarded
the contract for repairs
to Virginia Electrical Services, Inc. in
Daleville.
Many of the transformers, junction boxes, and conduits are
the
original mechanical parts installed in 1949. Some of the
transformers,
which control the flow of electricity to the tubes, are
rusting. Other parts,
such as the conduits, are beginning to
deteriorate. "The conduit located
behind the star's mainframe is
cracking," explains Gareth McAllister the
city's Facilities Manager.
"That conduit was designed to shield the star's
wiring from bad
weather. If something were to happen-an electrical storm,
lightning,
very bad weather-we could lose the star."
The city
appreciates area residents' patience as Roanoke's most
visible icon is
restored to good working condition to keep it shining
for many years to come.
(via myroanoke)
8/7/06
A true peice of Forgotten-alia
If you can find this, and tell me where it is - you might just win something.Might.
Let's get political! *yawn*
Perhaps some of you missed this. It was linked in this article on roanoke.com this past Sunday.
Very interesting information contained in the report, although a touch hard to navigate. But once you get the hang of it.. it becomes a keystone to understanding this past election.
Of the 3 alleged Indie canidates, you remember them.. DMT - the D raised the least cash of them.
It is interesting to see who raised what, and who dontated what. I did not realize a garage cum restaurant could donate money, but somehow Fork in the Alley managed just that. A physical structure.. amazing.
One guy put his money on nearly every horse in the race, every horse he thought could win anyway. But nothing for Mr. Bowers. Think Mr. Dalhouse holds a grudge against Bowers for some odd reason?
Of course, he was not the only one to give conspicously to multiple canidates, but he is probably the biggest name to do so.
Makes one wonder if a truly independant canidate can succeed against the mega-money of PACs and 'finger in your pocket' friends like Dalhouse. Who has absolutely no interest what-so-ever in politics, he's just being friendly.
Anyway, it seems as though theres alot of money that has its fingers around the neck of the city council. Each $1,000 donation, or $21,666 donation means someone *thinks* they have influence... and of course, the average man means nothing. But remember, they are acting in our interests (allegedly, although if Fork in the Alley was acting my best interests, there would be an endless stream of pizzas heading towards my door at all times.)
Just something to think about, the interests of the City Council are steered by the most vocal supporters, and $21,666 is quite vocal.
But maybe next time...
Very interesting information contained in the report, although a touch hard to navigate. But once you get the hang of it.. it becomes a keystone to understanding this past election.
Of the 3 alleged Indie canidates, you remember them.. DMT - the D raised the least cash of them.
It is interesting to see who raised what, and who dontated what. I did not realize a garage cum restaurant could donate money, but somehow Fork in the Alley managed just that. A physical structure.. amazing.
One guy put his money on nearly every horse in the race, every horse he thought could win anyway. But nothing for Mr. Bowers. Think Mr. Dalhouse holds a grudge against Bowers for some odd reason?
Of course, he was not the only one to give conspicously to multiple canidates, but he is probably the biggest name to do so.
Makes one wonder if a truly independant canidate can succeed against the mega-money of PACs and 'finger in your pocket' friends like Dalhouse. Who has absolutely no interest what-so-ever in politics, he's just being friendly.
Anyway, it seems as though theres alot of money that has its fingers around the neck of the city council. Each $1,000 donation, or $21,666 donation means someone *thinks* they have influence... and of course, the average man means nothing. But remember, they are acting in our interests (allegedly, although if Fork in the Alley was acting my best interests, there would be an endless stream of pizzas heading towards my door at all times.)
Just something to think about, the interests of the City Council are steered by the most vocal supporters, and $21,666 is quite vocal.
But maybe next time...
8/6/06
Not what I was hoping for.. but
But not a bad weekend, all in all. I swear, promise, and verily confirm the launch of a new page this week.
Alert the media, call out the guard if I do not post this page (finally) this week.
Also on the things to look forward to list:
So thats the week in a nutshell. Excited? Well, try to be..
Alert the media, call out the guard if I do not post this page (finally) this week.
Also on the things to look forward to list:
- Summation of the State of the City Rebuttal
- a new Podcast
- an actual post or two about the history of the city
- no comment on the sudden work stoppage at the site of the new Art Museum
- a possible 2nd new page
- I said possible.. relax
- MORE of the Roanoke Found you've come to know and love.
So thats the week in a nutshell. Excited? Well, try to be..
8/4/06
The Real State of the City (Part III)
When we last left the State of the City address, we had covered the ongoing (yes, I said it - we have another 10-20 years at least of this nonsense) Victory Stadium debacle, and the repairs and refurbishment of the Market Area.
Today we come to the meat of the battle, the city's (mostly) pitiful attempt at attracting and retaining younger people. The Mayor leads off with the forceful statement we have all heard from everyone in the city for the past few years. "Roanoke must retain and attract young people." If the city council could only be this obvious when it comes to making decisions, we might still have some young people.
I am 31, and Roanoke attracted me because of it's quality of life, outdoors, downtown area, housing stock, and the Star. The rest is all happenstance, but thats the freedom you have when your a cook - you can go anywhere and find people who need to eat. I like the ease of commute, regardless of who thinks 581 "traffic is a New York nightmare..." I can assure you, at 3am in the middle of a snowstorm, the Belt Parkway is and always will be worse than 581 2 weeks before Christmas with Valley View having major sales. After work.
Ok, that being said - Im going to clue the city council in on a little fact. This might be a mobile culture, and a global economy - but I don't want to move. I happen to like the idea of being invested in the well being of an area (hence the blog, and the site), and perhaps setting roots. The conventional thinking looks at modern culture and says "mobile", but ask those living in this mobile world what they would love to have, and the response would usually be "roots."
Why is it hard to retain them? Well, for one thing - they are constantly having to compete with the Boomer generation (the members of the City Council will not get this, as they are the Boomer generation) for jobs, homes, and just about everything else. Back in the 1940's, a man worked as long as the man had to - and when it was possible, he moved on to retirement - spent time with the family and enjoyed the rest of his life. Now, man works till man gets pension, then moves onto 2nd career, and possibly 3rd. Companies complain about not being able to find young adults with sufficient experience, yet do nothing about getting the youth that experience. And the individuals whose jobs ARE that experience are not leaving them anytime soon.
Face facts; Party in the Park is not for the young. Neither are First Fridays. Most restaurants downtown cater to an older clientele with more available cash. Perfectly good buildings are being converted into condo and loft space outside the affordability of most hard-working young adults. The most prime piece of real estate downtown (Heironimous Building) sits empty. The other most important building downtown (Patrick Henry Hotel) is slated to become senior housing. We hear endlessly about how this development is going to sell for $300k and up, and those condo's are selling for 400k. Yet the market has yet to bring wages up to the levels where that would be even remotely accessable.
Partly, the blame for the low wages lies in those who accept them. And in those who offer them. But the solution to the problem does not lie in models, programs, or events.. it lies within the city itself.
I understand why the city wants the retirement money. It's nearly free cash, and a good portion of the retirement population will sell a home someplace else and move here, spending only 1/3rd of what they made on the sale of the old home. Services and support for an older population are fairly easy. Keep the roads clear, the sidewalks passable, the EMS fully staffed, and a great selection of doctors on hand. Whereas the younger people require a bit more.
As it stands, the city is generally not bothered by any clubs. With the exception of CB&Co., the city has very few nightspots for young adults. It also does not attract the attention of national acts, which keeps it from having to spend money to upgrade the Civic Center, or similar things. With national, larger and more popular acts - parking, roads surrounding, services, and the physical structure of the CC would need to be upgraded.
What the city fails to realize is that the influx of people for such concerts (and other things) would pay for all the upgrades. If you provide it, they will come - and spend. The tax revenue on hotel rooms alone would make it worthwhile.
Beyond that, the Roanoke Connect Job Database is something that we here at Forgotten-Roanoke.com have personally signed on for. It's a good idea that could yield good results. The "Roanoke Wants U." program is cute, however I would feel better about it if the city did not go out and recruit these students, rather the students wanted to come here, signed up and were given a tour of Roanoke. If the city attracts 2 of the 50 students as residents, then I guess it's not the worst idea.
And as always Job Fairs are a good idea, and why not market the city during one. But actively calling it a Quality of Life Fair sounds rather desperate. And no one wants to live in a city thats is needy.
Why is the city needy? Well, someone has to fill the service jobs it will take to keep the city moving with all these retirees here. Performing service-oriented jobs, basically taking care of everyone and everything - with no qualms about being stepped on and passed over in favor of the "Disposeable Income" crowd. Which will continue to happen as long as the young people allow it.
I have alot to say about the way the city treats the younger population here in Roanoke, but that is going to have to wait... I have to go to work.. from which I will gladly retire.
Today we come to the meat of the battle, the city's (mostly) pitiful attempt at attracting and retaining younger people. The Mayor leads off with the forceful statement we have all heard from everyone in the city for the past few years. "Roanoke must retain and attract young people." If the city council could only be this obvious when it comes to making decisions, we might still have some young people.
I am 31, and Roanoke attracted me because of it's quality of life, outdoors, downtown area, housing stock, and the Star. The rest is all happenstance, but thats the freedom you have when your a cook - you can go anywhere and find people who need to eat. I like the ease of commute, regardless of who thinks 581 "traffic is a New York nightmare..." I can assure you, at 3am in the middle of a snowstorm, the Belt Parkway is and always will be worse than 581 2 weeks before Christmas with Valley View having major sales. After work.
Ok, that being said - Im going to clue the city council in on a little fact. This might be a mobile culture, and a global economy - but I don't want to move. I happen to like the idea of being invested in the well being of an area (hence the blog, and the site), and perhaps setting roots. The conventional thinking looks at modern culture and says "mobile", but ask those living in this mobile world what they would love to have, and the response would usually be "roots."
Why is it hard to retain them? Well, for one thing - they are constantly having to compete with the Boomer generation (the members of the City Council will not get this, as they are the Boomer generation) for jobs, homes, and just about everything else. Back in the 1940's, a man worked as long as the man had to - and when it was possible, he moved on to retirement - spent time with the family and enjoyed the rest of his life. Now, man works till man gets pension, then moves onto 2nd career, and possibly 3rd. Companies complain about not being able to find young adults with sufficient experience, yet do nothing about getting the youth that experience. And the individuals whose jobs ARE that experience are not leaving them anytime soon.
Face facts; Party in the Park is not for the young. Neither are First Fridays. Most restaurants downtown cater to an older clientele with more available cash. Perfectly good buildings are being converted into condo and loft space outside the affordability of most hard-working young adults. The most prime piece of real estate downtown (Heironimous Building) sits empty. The other most important building downtown (Patrick Henry Hotel) is slated to become senior housing. We hear endlessly about how this development is going to sell for $300k and up, and those condo's are selling for 400k. Yet the market has yet to bring wages up to the levels where that would be even remotely accessable.
Partly, the blame for the low wages lies in those who accept them. And in those who offer them. But the solution to the problem does not lie in models, programs, or events.. it lies within the city itself.
I understand why the city wants the retirement money. It's nearly free cash, and a good portion of the retirement population will sell a home someplace else and move here, spending only 1/3rd of what they made on the sale of the old home. Services and support for an older population are fairly easy. Keep the roads clear, the sidewalks passable, the EMS fully staffed, and a great selection of doctors on hand. Whereas the younger people require a bit more.
As it stands, the city is generally not bothered by any clubs. With the exception of CB&Co., the city has very few nightspots for young adults. It also does not attract the attention of national acts, which keeps it from having to spend money to upgrade the Civic Center, or similar things. With national, larger and more popular acts - parking, roads surrounding, services, and the physical structure of the CC would need to be upgraded.
What the city fails to realize is that the influx of people for such concerts (and other things) would pay for all the upgrades. If you provide it, they will come - and spend. The tax revenue on hotel rooms alone would make it worthwhile.
Beyond that, the Roanoke Connect Job Database is something that we here at Forgotten-Roanoke.com have personally signed on for. It's a good idea that could yield good results. The "Roanoke Wants U." program is cute, however I would feel better about it if the city did not go out and recruit these students, rather the students wanted to come here, signed up and were given a tour of Roanoke. If the city attracts 2 of the 50 students as residents, then I guess it's not the worst idea.
And as always Job Fairs are a good idea, and why not market the city during one. But actively calling it a Quality of Life Fair sounds rather desperate. And no one wants to live in a city thats is needy.
Why is the city needy? Well, someone has to fill the service jobs it will take to keep the city moving with all these retirees here. Performing service-oriented jobs, basically taking care of everyone and everything - with no qualms about being stepped on and passed over in favor of the "Disposeable Income" crowd. Which will continue to happen as long as the young people allow it.
I have alot to say about the way the city treats the younger population here in Roanoke, but that is going to have to wait... I have to go to work.. from which I will gladly retire.
Out with the bad air, in with the good..
Very sorry to all I told yesterday that today was going to be much cooler. It seems like a cap has slid over the valley causing the heat to be trapped a little longer. Although that was one of the more interesting rainstorms I've seen yesterday downtown. There was thunder in SE, but not a sign of rain. No rain or thunder in South Roanoke, and reports from the airport indicate 2-3 storms rolled through.
I wish I had my camera moment: Driving up Franklin Rd. the other evening, rounding the bend by Kabuki heading towards downtown, that nice cool shady bend. Wet. Completely and utterly wet.
Everything all the way to the river (and possibly beyond, I don't quite recall) was wet. A mini-storm apparently. But so mini that I never even saw a hint of it from just across 220.
Fear not folks - the rain is on its way, and barring another last minute revision - tomorrow promises to be nearly 10 degrees cooler than today.
Perhaps the subtle hostility that is residing in the valley will vanish as well.
I've heard more car horns beeping in these past 3 days than I have in my whole time down here.
It's almost like New York again... now cut it out!
I wish I had my camera moment: Driving up Franklin Rd. the other evening, rounding the bend by Kabuki heading towards downtown, that nice cool shady bend. Wet. Completely and utterly wet.
Everything all the way to the river (and possibly beyond, I don't quite recall) was wet. A mini-storm apparently. But so mini that I never even saw a hint of it from just across 220.
Fear not folks - the rain is on its way, and barring another last minute revision - tomorrow promises to be nearly 10 degrees cooler than today.
Perhaps the subtle hostility that is residing in the valley will vanish as well.
I've heard more car horns beeping in these past 3 days than I have in my whole time down here.
It's almost like New York again... now cut it out!
8/3/06
6:01am 8/3/06
Hear ye! Hear ye!
Let it be known to all and sundry that at 6:01am today, the temperature was 78 degrees.
Also let it be known that I was not happy about that, and generally wanted nothing to do with it.
That is all..
Let it be known to all and sundry that at 6:01am today, the temperature was 78 degrees.
Also let it be known that I was not happy about that, and generally wanted nothing to do with it.
That is all..
8/2/06
The real State of the City (Part 2)
Picking up the drumbeat where we left off last time, the Mayor is now shifting his focus from extolling the virtues of a Victory Stadium-Free Roanoke and telling us how lucky we all are to be hosting (as a region) the US Challenge. And as wonderful and lucky as we all are to be gifted with such things, there are still a few key matters which hover above us.
The Market District plan, part 18a.
For the first time since Design '79, the public was directly involved in the process of brainstorming ideas for perking up the Downtown Market District. We were made aware of some immediate changes, the most important of them being the replacement of the vendor canopies.
Another "coming soon" item - a set of stairs leading from near the DogMouth Fountain on Salem and Market up to the Summertime Blast Furnace that is the pedestrian bridge. At least thats the best interpretation I can come up with. The way it actually reads is "Creation of a stepped plaza to draw people from the pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks into the city market."
I guess the escalators are too vague for the average visitor. Of course, I am not totally against this. I actually rather like the idea of having sweeping, dramatic steps against which the local youth (disenfranchised and bored) can sit, skateboard, and generally hang out. The panhandlers downtown would be given immediate access to those travellers who come across from the Hotel Roanoke.
No, but seriously - I think its cool. If done right, that is. My only question would be, where will the Wintery, Non-Denominational - yet Festive Tree go? Near as I can figure, the stairs will have to eliminate a good portion of the grass there.
Improving the City Market building can be done simply. Stop attempting to charge $2,000 a month in rent for 400 sq. feet of space, and end the current policy of "non-competition." Allow any non-franchise business access, offer the current and future businesses the option of being a "daytime only" establishment and taking a space inside the building, or operating days/nights/weekends on the outside rim of the building.
Yes, Williamson Rd. should be developed. Controlled, but developed. Once the new Art Museum and Floating Battleship (you didn't think it had a foundation did you?) is finished, I say the City should ask the Art Museum to vacate the warehouse at Norfolk and 3rd. That would free up a nice sized chunk of retail space, along with parking. And considering how nice a deal the AMWV got from the City, I'd say it would only be fair.
The Market Garage as a residence or hotel? You have got to be kidding me. With the quantifiable properties in direct access to the Market, and you want to offer a garage? Why not the parking lot behind WSLS while your at it? And those abandoned buildings on Salem down past.. no, scratch that last one. It's being done as we speak.
If this is indicitave of the business sense of the City, then it is a wonder we managed to come this far.
The first thing that should be done is a full and total inventory of every building within 8 blocks of the Market. Recording address, physical proximities (market.library.hospital), and condition. From that inventory, a database of the Marketable Market district, and the Unmarketable Market. Then the work begins.. how to make the Unmarketable, marketable. THAT is thinking strategically.
Without question, basic repairs AND upgrades should be made to the market stalls - and should have been made before.
I do wonder how the City Council and Mayor define the Market Area. It would seem a limited slice of the whole, from 2nd to 581, Shenandoah to Elm. Live, work, and play - in an area smaller than New York's Central Park. Unless you are looking to build more high rises, it's unlikely.
And stop pointing to the Art Museum as a "sign of great things to come." There are still no assurances that the construction will be completed, and with the sudden "no comment" policy to local businesses directly impacted by the construction - the plot seems deeper than the gravel and reinforced concrete piers it will be built upon.
Full disclosure - I happen by the construction site twice a day in my travels, and see many things - and hear even more. Insect infestations, water damage, and more - all a result of the construction.
I congradulate VACO on the expansion of it's business, and welcome the new retail space which will be added to Market St. Replacing a poorly-placed parking lot (with one interesting painted advertisement) with more jobs, more opportunities, and more commerce.
I have a choice here, stop now - and deal with the Drive for Youth movement the city is proposing, or try and jam it into this post.
Reading over the Mayor's comments - I feel this part needs it's own chapter. This is where the battles must be fought.
Refresh yourself with the subject matter here. And prepare to see the battlefield.
The Market District plan, part 18a.
For the first time since Design '79, the public was directly involved in the process of brainstorming ideas for perking up the Downtown Market District. We were made aware of some immediate changes, the most important of them being the replacement of the vendor canopies.
Another "coming soon" item - a set of stairs leading from near the DogMouth Fountain on Salem and Market up to the Summertime Blast Furnace that is the pedestrian bridge. At least thats the best interpretation I can come up with. The way it actually reads is "Creation of a stepped plaza to draw people from the pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks into the city market."
I guess the escalators are too vague for the average visitor. Of course, I am not totally against this. I actually rather like the idea of having sweeping, dramatic steps against which the local youth (disenfranchised and bored) can sit, skateboard, and generally hang out. The panhandlers downtown would be given immediate access to those travellers who come across from the Hotel Roanoke.
No, but seriously - I think its cool. If done right, that is. My only question would be, where will the Wintery, Non-Denominational - yet Festive Tree go? Near as I can figure, the stairs will have to eliminate a good portion of the grass there.
Improving the City Market building can be done simply. Stop attempting to charge $2,000 a month in rent for 400 sq. feet of space, and end the current policy of "non-competition." Allow any non-franchise business access, offer the current and future businesses the option of being a "daytime only" establishment and taking a space inside the building, or operating days/nights/weekends on the outside rim of the building.
Yes, Williamson Rd. should be developed. Controlled, but developed. Once the new Art Museum and Floating Battleship (you didn't think it had a foundation did you?) is finished, I say the City should ask the Art Museum to vacate the warehouse at Norfolk and 3rd. That would free up a nice sized chunk of retail space, along with parking. And considering how nice a deal the AMWV got from the City, I'd say it would only be fair.
The Market Garage as a residence or hotel? You have got to be kidding me. With the quantifiable properties in direct access to the Market, and you want to offer a garage? Why not the parking lot behind WSLS while your at it? And those abandoned buildings on Salem down past.. no, scratch that last one. It's being done as we speak.
If this is indicitave of the business sense of the City, then it is a wonder we managed to come this far.
The first thing that should be done is a full and total inventory of every building within 8 blocks of the Market. Recording address, physical proximities (market.library.hospital), and condition. From that inventory, a database of the Marketable Market district, and the Unmarketable Market. Then the work begins.. how to make the Unmarketable, marketable. THAT is thinking strategically.
Without question, basic repairs AND upgrades should be made to the market stalls - and should have been made before.
I do wonder how the City Council and Mayor define the Market Area. It would seem a limited slice of the whole, from 2nd to 581, Shenandoah to Elm. Live, work, and play - in an area smaller than New York's Central Park. Unless you are looking to build more high rises, it's unlikely.
And stop pointing to the Art Museum as a "sign of great things to come." There are still no assurances that the construction will be completed, and with the sudden "no comment" policy to local businesses directly impacted by the construction - the plot seems deeper than the gravel and reinforced concrete piers it will be built upon.
Full disclosure - I happen by the construction site twice a day in my travels, and see many things - and hear even more. Insect infestations, water damage, and more - all a result of the construction.
I congradulate VACO on the expansion of it's business, and welcome the new retail space which will be added to Market St. Replacing a poorly-placed parking lot (with one interesting painted advertisement) with more jobs, more opportunities, and more commerce.
I have a choice here, stop now - and deal with the Drive for Youth movement the city is proposing, or try and jam it into this post.
Reading over the Mayor's comments - I feel this part needs it's own chapter. This is where the battles must be fought.
Refresh yourself with the subject matter here. And prepare to see the battlefield.
8/1/06
Roanoke firefighter files grievance against city over job transfer
(article here)
Remember what I said months ago about the employees of the city working in a state of fear of retailiation from the Head of Human Resources (aka the city manager)? This proves my point exactly.
To some it may look like errant whining, but think about this - when you single out the head of a group (and it was easy to do, it's as simple as running a whois search on the domain name) and take action against them, your attempting to send a message.
I have a feeling this time, it might just backfire in the city's face.
Hi there.
I run a website, and a blog.
I have said unkind things about the city government in the course of the blog.
It's called "an opinion."
And should you attempt to retailiate, you better do it honestly. Come to me with facts, and let's debate. Take action, and face the darker side of the internet.
It's every man, woman, and childs god given right to bitch and moan about things they don't like. And nobody can take that away.
Nobody.
Remember what I said months ago about the employees of the city working in a state of fear of retailiation from the Head of Human Resources (aka the city manager)? This proves my point exactly.
To some it may look like errant whining, but think about this - when you single out the head of a group (and it was easy to do, it's as simple as running a whois search on the domain name) and take action against them, your attempting to send a message.
I have a feeling this time, it might just backfire in the city's face.
Hi there.
I run a website, and a blog.
I have said unkind things about the city government in the course of the blog.
It's called "an opinion."
And should you attempt to retailiate, you better do it honestly. Come to me with facts, and let's debate. Take action, and face the darker side of the internet.
It's every man, woman, and childs god given right to bitch and moan about things they don't like. And nobody can take that away.
Nobody.
7/31/06
Someone is out to get me...
And I think they work for the Roanoke Times.
See, this weekend they went right for the throat. Printed things they KNEW would get my blood boiling, and would raise the level on my blog here.
Well no such luck.
Sure I read the Ed Hall peice (Take a chance, make Roanoke cool.)and I too sat bewildered as one of the top Commercial Real Estate leaders in Roanoke spells out his dream of peace, love, and puppies in the Art Museum (all visible from the invisible Mill Mountain Inn (which cannot be built the way Ed lays out - due to a large LANDMARK star, 2 overlooks, and a zoo being in the way, not to mention the personal property of a taxpaying homeowner)).
But no, thats a softball for me. I like a challenge.
Then todays business section, "'Retirement jobs' are in demand by boomers". Oh the fun I could have with that one. You know, like perhaps the problem with the lack of "workers with experience" is that the Boomers will not step aside (as was done for them by the preceeding generations) and retire giving them the opportunity for advancement and learning those skills? It smacks of systematic lazyness, and a soft comfort knowing you have employees you have counted on for years still on the payroll. Rather than take the risk and allow some new brains on the floor to do the job, they would rather keep what they know.
Employer loyalty has been a subject hotly discussed among my co-workers and I lately. All of us have varying experience in the food industry, some have worked in it longer than others and some have worked other fields (as I did with my time in retail) - but the one common thread is the lack of loyalty in the workplace. There is no consideration to retaining the best and brightest, no willingness to compete to keep the competent ones. If I were to recieve an offer tomorrow for a job that pays more doing the same thing I am doing now (with the competition, for arguements sake) - I know with 100% faith that my current employer would wish me good luck, so long...
There is no reward for hard work, no reason to strive to keep yourself and the company doing the best it can. Everyone is expendable, whereas in the past it was 'Everyone is expendable, some at a higher cost.'
So lets see, pension - social security - possibly investments, and you still want to work? Then where is my opportunity? If you suck up 5% of the entire payroll budget for the department, and the other 95% is taken up (in varying chunks) by the rest of the staff - where is my opportunity?
And a 2% a year raise on a minimal hourly salary (we will say $9) is hardly worth the effort. At that rate, it would take me 5 years to go up a full dollar in pay. I've heard it said that the 2% raise is there to encourage people to move up, to advance. I've personally been told that, only to find out that the 2% is across the board, for everyone short of the manager. Who has been there 10 years, and shows no sign - nor has any plans, of going anywhere.
Truth of it is, there seems to be very little reward for experience and effort these days. And with the Boomers sticking around the workforce even longer, the situation will not improve unless the younger crowd strikes out on it's own and goes into head to head competition with the existing businesses.
But thats a topic for another time. The focus now is on getting the page ready for tomorrow nights roll out, the podcast seamless as a vintage radio show, and the HQ packed up and ready to roll.
Oh, and in my spare time - continuing the deconstruction of Mr. Mayor's State of the City Speech.
I hope your all taking notes, you will be tested.
See, this weekend they went right for the throat. Printed things they KNEW would get my blood boiling, and would raise the level on my blog here.
Well no such luck.
Sure I read the Ed Hall peice (Take a chance, make Roanoke cool.)and I too sat bewildered as one of the top Commercial Real Estate leaders in Roanoke spells out his dream of peace, love, and puppies in the Art Museum (all visible from the invisible Mill Mountain Inn (which cannot be built the way Ed lays out - due to a large LANDMARK star, 2 overlooks, and a zoo being in the way, not to mention the personal property of a taxpaying homeowner)).
But no, thats a softball for me. I like a challenge.
Then todays business section, "'Retirement jobs' are in demand by boomers". Oh the fun I could have with that one. You know, like perhaps the problem with the lack of "workers with experience" is that the Boomers will not step aside (as was done for them by the preceeding generations) and retire giving them the opportunity for advancement and learning those skills? It smacks of systematic lazyness, and a soft comfort knowing you have employees you have counted on for years still on the payroll. Rather than take the risk and allow some new brains on the floor to do the job, they would rather keep what they know.
Employer loyalty has been a subject hotly discussed among my co-workers and I lately. All of us have varying experience in the food industry, some have worked in it longer than others and some have worked other fields (as I did with my time in retail) - but the one common thread is the lack of loyalty in the workplace. There is no consideration to retaining the best and brightest, no willingness to compete to keep the competent ones. If I were to recieve an offer tomorrow for a job that pays more doing the same thing I am doing now (with the competition, for arguements sake) - I know with 100% faith that my current employer would wish me good luck, so long...
There is no reward for hard work, no reason to strive to keep yourself and the company doing the best it can. Everyone is expendable, whereas in the past it was 'Everyone is expendable, some at a higher cost.'
So lets see, pension - social security - possibly investments, and you still want to work? Then where is my opportunity? If you suck up 5% of the entire payroll budget for the department, and the other 95% is taken up (in varying chunks) by the rest of the staff - where is my opportunity?
And a 2% a year raise on a minimal hourly salary (we will say $9) is hardly worth the effort. At that rate, it would take me 5 years to go up a full dollar in pay. I've heard it said that the 2% raise is there to encourage people to move up, to advance. I've personally been told that, only to find out that the 2% is across the board, for everyone short of the manager. Who has been there 10 years, and shows no sign - nor has any plans, of going anywhere.
Truth of it is, there seems to be very little reward for experience and effort these days. And with the Boomers sticking around the workforce even longer, the situation will not improve unless the younger crowd strikes out on it's own and goes into head to head competition with the existing businesses.
But thats a topic for another time. The focus now is on getting the page ready for tomorrow nights roll out, the podcast seamless as a vintage radio show, and the HQ packed up and ready to roll.
Oh, and in my spare time - continuing the deconstruction of Mr. Mayor's State of the City Speech.
I hope your all taking notes, you will be tested.
7/28/06
The real State of the City (part 1)
Begin the drums.. sound the march - the City of Roanoke is at war.
Mayor Harris was right in stating that Roanoke is a changing city, but its the change itself that is causing the battles to be moved from the larger scale of politics, to the street to street - house to house battle more common of guerilla tactics.
We saw earlier this year wildfires on the ridgelines.. and we know how rapidly a fire can grow and spread from the news of California and the like. Roanoke has come to this; the wildfire-like spread of rumor and 'beliefs' can cripple a town. The alleged plot by Carilion to seek the land under Victory Stadium for it's own purposes, the deal for Countryside Golf, the delusion of prosperity just around the corner, the self-inflated real estate market (see the "desireable Garage on Campbell" for example), the lowering of property taxes while raising cigarette taxes.
All prime examples of the "feel good/do nothing" attitude of the city government. If it makes the citizens feel good, but accomplishes nothing for them - then so be it. As long as the citzenry 'feels' good. But the illusion has shattered, as the city itself has gone too far in its efforts to quell the battle.
There is no single stand-alone example of this. The city effectively washed its hands of the tainted Art Museum deal by selling them the property, it removed the ability of the citizens to question the design, or the motivation. Turning what is alleged to be a "public improvement" into a private venture for the public good. But leaving no chance for the citizens to have a say.
The Victory Stadium deal was a sealed fate years before this action was taken. The bricks and structure having suffered from floods, weathering, and a Dave Matthews concert, the stadium was beyond it's time. The citizens approval/disapproval meant little to the fate of the stadium. Had it served the city's purposes - the battle would be ongoing. Those 3 For the City canidates, now councilmembers - accomplished little. They were clever dupes, used to bring the "monied" citizenry on board. Who would not think that what a psychologist, a woman deep rooted in education, and a financial wizard/mentor and counselor have to say on the topic would be wrong?
Alot of people disagreed. The real problem was the fact of having too many choices. The combined votes against the trio gave indications that perhaps the popular vote was not as unanimous as was reported.
I still await a real challenge for these 2, as Mr. Dowe has been a member of the City Council since 2002. He has faced his share of victory and defeat, all while leaving a clearly unremarkable record.
I have yet to see one member of the council stand up for something, anything, that was not associated with Victory Stadium. And I actually like most of them. I just wish they were a bit more passionate.
But this is about the state of the city, and the current atomsphere of warfare.
To refer to the former Victory Stadium site as having "potential amenities the community may wish to include" is a slap in the face to anyone who loves this city. What the mayor, and by extension most of the city council are referring to is this: Prepare yourselves for another long, drawn out march of experts / pollsters / studies. In a war, this part is usually termed a "quagmire."
The mayor tells us how lucky we are to be hosting (as a region) the 2006 US Challenge. National exposure for the event, and footnote exposure for Roanoke. The lovely backdrop for for a new version of "battle of the network stars."
I want to thank the Roanoke Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau for the hard work they do, and the wonderful Welcome Center they have created at the Norfolk Western Station.
Yes, I do believe there are some highlights in this current adminstration, several programs you have never heard of come to mind. One of which I will be telling you about in late August. Very hush-hush.
(End of Part 1)
Mayor Harris was right in stating that Roanoke is a changing city, but its the change itself that is causing the battles to be moved from the larger scale of politics, to the street to street - house to house battle more common of guerilla tactics.
We saw earlier this year wildfires on the ridgelines.. and we know how rapidly a fire can grow and spread from the news of California and the like. Roanoke has come to this; the wildfire-like spread of rumor and 'beliefs' can cripple a town. The alleged plot by Carilion to seek the land under Victory Stadium for it's own purposes, the deal for Countryside Golf, the delusion of prosperity just around the corner, the self-inflated real estate market (see the "desireable Garage on Campbell" for example), the lowering of property taxes while raising cigarette taxes.
All prime examples of the "feel good/do nothing" attitude of the city government. If it makes the citizens feel good, but accomplishes nothing for them - then so be it. As long as the citzenry 'feels' good. But the illusion has shattered, as the city itself has gone too far in its efforts to quell the battle.
There is no single stand-alone example of this. The city effectively washed its hands of the tainted Art Museum deal by selling them the property, it removed the ability of the citizens to question the design, or the motivation. Turning what is alleged to be a "public improvement" into a private venture for the public good. But leaving no chance for the citizens to have a say.
The Victory Stadium deal was a sealed fate years before this action was taken. The bricks and structure having suffered from floods, weathering, and a Dave Matthews concert, the stadium was beyond it's time. The citizens approval/disapproval meant little to the fate of the stadium. Had it served the city's purposes - the battle would be ongoing. Those 3 For the City canidates, now councilmembers - accomplished little. They were clever dupes, used to bring the "monied" citizenry on board. Who would not think that what a psychologist, a woman deep rooted in education, and a financial wizard/mentor and counselor have to say on the topic would be wrong?
Alot of people disagreed. The real problem was the fact of having too many choices. The combined votes against the trio gave indications that perhaps the popular vote was not as unanimous as was reported.
I still await a real challenge for these 2, as Mr. Dowe has been a member of the City Council since 2002. He has faced his share of victory and defeat, all while leaving a clearly unremarkable record.
I have yet to see one member of the council stand up for something, anything, that was not associated with Victory Stadium. And I actually like most of them. I just wish they were a bit more passionate.
But this is about the state of the city, and the current atomsphere of warfare.
To refer to the former Victory Stadium site as having "potential amenities the community may wish to include" is a slap in the face to anyone who loves this city. What the mayor, and by extension most of the city council are referring to is this: Prepare yourselves for another long, drawn out march of experts / pollsters / studies. In a war, this part is usually termed a "quagmire."
The mayor tells us how lucky we are to be hosting (as a region) the 2006 US Challenge. National exposure for the event, and footnote exposure for Roanoke. The lovely backdrop for for a new version of "battle of the network stars."
I want to thank the Roanoke Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau for the hard work they do, and the wonderful Welcome Center they have created at the Norfolk Western Station.
Yes, I do believe there are some highlights in this current adminstration, several programs you have never heard of come to mind. One of which I will be telling you about in late August. Very hush-hush.
(End of Part 1)
Weekends here!
And I have a few things in the works - including the new page I promised you (look for it Sunday evening), a podcast (monday morning), and a few choice posts I've been rolling around my brain.
First off - Im terribly sorry that the price of gas has not come down yet. Im sure theres a good reason for it. *shakes magic 8-ball* Remember you can track it on the right side of the screen.
2nd - Panera Bread (Tanglewood Mall) opens today. It's the Starbucks of the bread world - a spin off of a mall-based chain of bakeries. And sadly, it's the closest thing Roanoke has to a real bakery (exception being On the Rise, but they are a bread-only bakery). Hopefully this will spur competition, as the complaints about Kroger cakes and WalMart cakes are coming fast and furious these days. However, Food Lion carrys Carvel Ice Cream cakes. And you really can't get much better than that.
Thirdly - You remember how I told you all in the past that the city still retains its historic charm, regardless of what crud building they choose to put up? I'll have proof of that this weekend. I'll show you where you can look back nearly 100+ years in time, and see the past clearer than one would ever expect. And it's right beneath your noses.
Fourth, and finally - I would like to hear your suggestions for topics and places to explore. I'd like to know what the people are interested in, and as long as its not Victory Stadium (which I have explained time and time again), I'll do my best to deliver. Heck, if your looking to buy a home in the city - give me the address, or a rough approximation thereof and I can tell you the basic story behind the neighborhood. Sometimes I can get specific about the house itself.
Also, keep your eyes open for the Mill Mountain Zoo Barnes & Noble donation coupons we will be peppering downtown with. August 16th, any book purchased at Barnes and Noble at Tanglewood will have a portion of its purchase price donated to the Mill Mountain Zoo, provided you have the coupon. So we are printing up a bunch of them, in hopes that you will take one and do just that. Support the Zoo.
Well, enjoy this miserable weather. 6am and 75 degrees out.. Im ready for fall, or even winter for that matter. Not long now though anyway.
First off - Im terribly sorry that the price of gas has not come down yet. Im sure theres a good reason for it. *shakes magic 8-ball* Remember you can track it on the right side of the screen.
2nd - Panera Bread (Tanglewood Mall) opens today. It's the Starbucks of the bread world - a spin off of a mall-based chain of bakeries. And sadly, it's the closest thing Roanoke has to a real bakery (exception being On the Rise, but they are a bread-only bakery). Hopefully this will spur competition, as the complaints about Kroger cakes and WalMart cakes are coming fast and furious these days. However, Food Lion carrys Carvel Ice Cream cakes. And you really can't get much better than that.
Thirdly - You remember how I told you all in the past that the city still retains its historic charm, regardless of what crud building they choose to put up? I'll have proof of that this weekend. I'll show you where you can look back nearly 100+ years in time, and see the past clearer than one would ever expect. And it's right beneath your noses.
Fourth, and finally - I would like to hear your suggestions for topics and places to explore. I'd like to know what the people are interested in, and as long as its not Victory Stadium (which I have explained time and time again), I'll do my best to deliver. Heck, if your looking to buy a home in the city - give me the address, or a rough approximation thereof and I can tell you the basic story behind the neighborhood. Sometimes I can get specific about the house itself.
Also, keep your eyes open for the Mill Mountain Zoo Barnes & Noble donation coupons we will be peppering downtown with. August 16th, any book purchased at Barnes and Noble at Tanglewood will have a portion of its purchase price donated to the Mill Mountain Zoo, provided you have the coupon. So we are printing up a bunch of them, in hopes that you will take one and do just that. Support the Zoo.
Well, enjoy this miserable weather. 6am and 75 degrees out.. Im ready for fall, or even winter for that matter. Not long now though anyway.
7/26/06
Ok Ok I know...
You are all waiting for my counter to the State of the City speech, and you will have it. In due time.
Theres alot to digest in this speech.. a whole lot.
But keep your eyes open - it will come.
(edited@10:15p - added link to speech )
Theres alot to digest in this speech.. a whole lot.
But keep your eyes open - it will come.
(edited@10:15p - added link to speech )
7/25/06
Oh - about that...
That tag-team post I had planned with Chef K, well - our schedules never quite matched up, so instead he put up a post over on his blog. ChefKofRoanoke
Slightly toned down from what he was telling me earlier last week, but a hell of a good read none the less.
Slightly toned down from what he was telling me earlier last week, but a hell of a good read none the less.
Op/Ed page - Todays Times
I am an area artist and crafter. I went to the Roanoke City Market
on a recent Sunday to sell some of my crafts. Being new, I was unaware
of the protocols, but was advised to just set up, and then someone
would come around and collect the table fee.
When the market manger came to collect my fee, she told me that
before anyone could sell on the market, they'd need to apply with the
city, and they'd need a business license. These two criteria are
completely acceptable. What is unacceptable, however, is that, to sell
crafts, a sample or picture of each item would have to be provided to a
review board for approval before it could be sold. And, she said, there
were items here she would not approve.
There is absolutely nothing offensive about my creations. I make
jewelry and crafts out of clam shells. When I asked which item she
specifically wouldn't approve, she pointed to a magnet in which I glued
a couple google eyes and added a tuft of hair on top. She told me that
she didn't know what that was, and didn't "get it," and would never
approve it. (read the rest here)
I, for one, welcome the googly-eyed refrigerator magnet makers of the world. As we pack up the HQ in prep for HQ2.0 - for the first time in a few years, we can see the fridge fully.
This is just another version of the current "class-ification" of Downtown Roanoke. Catering to a limited class of citizens, rather than serving the population as a whole. If the intent is to drive out the very people who are the lifeblood of the city market - then this is going well, I'd say.
7/22/06
Spotted today
A sign, very recognizeable. At Black Dog Salvage.
Yes, the same Black Dog that bought the items inside the Lonesome Dove.
Well, I guess the Lonesome Dove sign might be historic, but the Tony's Place sign is not.
Well, what ya gonna do.
I did not see a price tag on it, and was too irked to ask. Anyone feeling charitable, head on over to Black Dog - haggle a deal, and return the sign to Mrs. Tony, who was still driving by the old Lonesome Dove every Sunday on her way home - never stopping, just slowing down and looking.
Show a little respect.. unlike our lovely Art Museum folks. Selling everything to Black Dog, without reason.
Yes, the same Black Dog that bought the items inside the Lonesome Dove.
Well, I guess the Lonesome Dove sign might be historic, but the Tony's Place sign is not.
Well, what ya gonna do.
I did not see a price tag on it, and was too irked to ask. Anyone feeling charitable, head on over to Black Dog - haggle a deal, and return the sign to Mrs. Tony, who was still driving by the old Lonesome Dove every Sunday on her way home - never stopping, just slowing down and looking.
Show a little respect.. unlike our lovely Art Museum folks. Selling everything to Black Dog, without reason.
7/21/06
I want you all to think of this
Next time the city council makes a decision, next time the police drop the ball on an investigation, next time the Roanoke Times takes damage during an obvious "right-wing attack storm".. think of this:
An old year, a new pod...
| Screaming my way towards middle age (which with all the youth enhancing substances on the market today is beginning to seem even more elusive), we dive deep into the archives.. reaching back 31 years to bring you this weeks podcast. Enjoy! |
7/20/06
Bet your all wondering why I havent said anything about the storm
It's because Im still hiding under my blankets.. in case it comes back.
A first!
| Consider this an early gift from me to you, in preparation for the new page launching tomorrow - a little bit of fun. Although upon further listen, it's like the span of my youth in one song. Not a Mashup, not quite - not even a decent remix, but you tell me - what do you think? |
7/19/06
I wanted to share this with you all..
Yes, its a 9/11 memorial coin. It's up for sale on Ebay - 36 bucks right now. But its a bit more than that.
This coin can save a life.
From the listing:
This
is a very unique coin struck only for fundraising purposes. Only 800
coins were struck to help a police officer In Roanoke,
VA., raise money for medical expenses not covered by his
insurance. His son has a disease called Duchenne Muscular
Dystrophy.
The
coin's face displays the Statue of Liberty, The World Trade Center and
the Pentagon. Just below the casting is "9-11-01" It is Gold in color.
The perimeter has a black field That reads, "FIVE YEARS" on
top, with two white stars on either side and the bottom which reads,
"BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN".
The
coin's back is just as beautiful with the City of Roanoke's Police, and
Sherrif's Departments shields and the Maltese Fire/EMS Cross in the
center. The top also has a blue field that reads in gold lettering,
"ROANOKE VALLEY", then has two unfurled U.S. Flags. One on each side.
On the bottom, there is a gold field with black letters that reads,
"FIRST RESPONDERS". Great attention was paid to the minutest of
details!
100
percent of all money collected will go to Aiden Galleo's medications!
They are experimental and are NOT covered by insurance! You
may email the seller to get verification!
And I personally have verification of this, so it's not a scam by any means.
Normally I only shill for my sponsers (Miller High Life, Studabaker, H&H Grocery...) but this time I ask you all to take a look, send it to friends..
Let's try and get the price pumped up higher than the $36 it sits at. Remember, and rescue.
And here I thought it was just me...
Nope. The City has now gotten in on the act of Podcasting.
Cool, but its competition I guess.
Update though - dentist was not what was expected - so you still have my golden tones for another 2 weeks. HA HA
Cool, but its competition I guess.
Update though - dentist was not what was expected - so you still have my golden tones for another 2 weeks. HA HA
7/18/06
7/17/06
TIME.com Print Page: Science & Health -- Yes, It Really Is Brain Surgery
TIME.com Science & Health -- Yes, It Really Is Brain Surgery
Be nice to the man with holes in his head.
---
Boy, and I thought I was the only nutball to have brain surgery and write about it in a humorous way.
Suprise.
Be nice to the man with holes in his head.
---
Boy, and I thought I was the only nutball to have brain surgery and write about it in a humorous way.
Suprise.
7/16/06
Coming in the next week
- The long promised site update.
- A new podcast or two.
- Some other stuff I have yet to determine.
- An interview with a very angry Chef K.
I plan on getting some real work done this week, along with organizing and packing up here at Forgotten-HQ. I might come across a few things that you might find interesting. And as always, the rumor mill is buzzing with happenings.
Unfortunately, there is little I can do about the heat, so we will just have to bear it out till next week, when a little birdy told me it will cool down a bit.
I hate summer.. the first few weeks are ok, but after that - its over for me. Im thinking Halloween, Thanksgiving.. and yes - even Christmas allready.
Heat, Humidity.. blech.. Im going for a drive in my all new Studabaker Lark Convertable.. Im sure I will be sweating anyway.
7/15/06
7/14/06
No podcast this week
My voice is tired from all the sales pitches I (your humble chef and businessman) have been tossing around this week, along with informing the population at large on the things they should know about, but don't seem to.
In other words - I've been a blabbermouth..
So I give you this song, which describes the whole Victory Stadium situation to a T.
Have fun.
In other words - I've been a blabbermouth..
So I give you this song, which describes the whole Victory Stadium situation to a T.
Have fun.
Act NOW!
I mean.. really now.. like absolutely NOW!
Courtesy of Ebay, and yours for only $15.50 (plus $9.95 shipping and handling), but this is an auction, so the price may change!
Imagine the excitement of owning your own "bought and paid for" Victory Stadium brick - complete with dormant black mold from numerous floods! Perfect for your home or office.
100% Genuine! Made of real whatever bricks are made of!
(Also offering shipping insurance for an additional $1.50, because brick may be damaged during shipping)
Allright - Im not looking to single anyone out on this, but sheeeeeesh.. enough with the bricks allright?
Courtesy of Ebay, and yours for only $15.50 (plus $9.95 shipping and handling), but this is an auction, so the price may change!Imagine the excitement of owning your own "bought and paid for" Victory Stadium brick - complete with dormant black mold from numerous floods! Perfect for your home or office.
100% Genuine! Made of real whatever bricks are made of!(Also offering shipping insurance for an additional $1.50, because brick may be damaged during shipping)
Allright - Im not looking to single anyone out on this, but sheeeeeesh.. enough with the bricks allright?
Sometimes I love my inbox..
Aside from the helpful suggestions for the Victory Stadium bricks.. I also got this, direct from the city government..
ROANOKE, VA - As of Thursday, July 13, at 8 p.m., the City of Roanoke
has
given away all Victory Stadium bricks purchased from the
demolition
contractor for distribution to citizens. No additional
bricks will be
available for distribution.
As requested by City Council, a number of
bricks have been set aside
from those purchased to be used in the
construction of a memorial to
Victory Stadium. All remaining bricks on the
site belong to the
contractor.
Allright.. What the hell.. the city PAID for bricks from it's own building? Maybe we should have just let it fall down on its own, then the bricks would have been free.
I call for a full investigation into this "Water(logged)Brick-Gate"... no, seriously. PAYING for your own bricks from a building you PAID someone to demolish.
Oh, as if this weather wasn't headache inducing....
ROANOKE, VA - As of Thursday, July 13, at 8 p.m., the City of Roanoke
has
given away all Victory Stadium bricks purchased from the
demolition
contractor for distribution to citizens. No additional
bricks will be
available for distribution.
As requested by City Council, a number of
bricks have been set aside
from those purchased to be used in the
construction of a memorial to
Victory Stadium. All remaining bricks on the
site belong to the
contractor.
Allright.. What the hell.. the city PAID for bricks from it's own building? Maybe we should have just let it fall down on its own, then the bricks would have been free.
I call for a full investigation into this "Water(logged)Brick-Gate"... no, seriously. PAYING for your own bricks from a building you PAID someone to demolish.
Oh, as if this weather wasn't headache inducing....
For now and the foreseeable future
I've decided to add a ticker from VirginiaGasPrices.com to the sidebar over there. Every time you load up the page, it will display the high and low for the entire state - clicking on it will take you to the full list.
We paid 40 bucks to fill the tank yesterday at Sheetz, at $2.68 a gal. I have a feeling we might not see gas that cheap for the rest of the summer. But at least we have the sidebar thingy to let us know.
We paid 40 bucks to fill the tank yesterday at Sheetz, at $2.68 a gal. I have a feeling we might not see gas that cheap for the rest of the summer. But at least we have the sidebar thingy to let us know.
Things one can do with your bricks:
I do not pretend to understand the need for a brick, much less 4 bricks. But in order to be helpful, heres a list of things you can do with your bricks.
Well, thats all I've got for now. Any suggestions - send em' in.. You just know in another 2 months people are going to be looking at these bricks trying to figure out why they have 4 of them.
- Donate them to the Homeless Shelter. If enough people do it, maybe they can build a new shelter out of the old bricks.
- Use them to elevate your hibachi.
- Personal Protection.
- Doorstop for really windy days.
- If you heat all 4 of them in the oven, wrapped in foil - they will keep you warm while you shovel in the winter.
- Create a very small patio.
Well, thats all I've got for now. Any suggestions - send em' in.. You just know in another 2 months people are going to be looking at these bricks trying to figure out why they have 4 of them.
7/13/06
A new banner to march under...
A new flag to fly.
Something to unite us all again, beyond petty squabblings and forced community spirit. More on the new flag to come..
Remember the hoopla?
The C2C competition, the different futuristic types of housing it would bring. Haven't heard much lately have you..
(Via Architectural Record News)
First Cradle-to-Cradle House Built in Roanoke | |||||
 | |||||
| July 12, 2006
Gainsboro, a Roanoke, Virginia, neighborhood pockmarked by failed urban-renewal exercises, may be an unlikely place to find America’s first cradle-to-cradle (C2C) home. But this month local architects Stephen Feather, AIA, and Richard Rife, AIA, will complete a 1,623-square-foot, two-bedroom house that meets those sustainability principles. Several other C2C submissions are now in various stages of development. Feather and Rife’s design was one of 625 entries in a 2004 international competition to apply William McDonough’s C2C protocol to new residential construction. Local firm SmithLewis Architecture arranged the competition when Roanoke officials hired the firm's principal, Gregg Lewis, AIA, as consultant to jumpstart the city's neighborhood revitalization initiative. “We feel that sustainability needs to be part of the discussion,” Lewis says of the decision to launch the competition as a way to solicit the best designs. This inaugural project features locally harvested wood, low-VOC interior finishes, a geothermal heat pump, and roof-mounted photovoltaics. It also was designed for modular production, although this example was stick-built. “We hope our C2C house will be an impetus to get the industry involved in green building, as we see this as a way to make green building more affordable and more mainstream,” Rife says. Construction costs are estimated at $150,000 and were fronted by a local community development corporation. The actual sale price is $95,000 after mortgage incentives and product donations, to be commensurate with the market. When complete, the house will blend aesthetically with the modest Southern homes surrounding it. To Lewis, what began as “an incredibly rich design problem” now promises to be an engine for redevelopment. “All of a sudden you have this gem on the block,” he says. “People will be motivated to reinvest in the community.” | |||||
7/11/06
Allright.. quit hounding me for autographs
Actually, it would be nice if I could find one cohesive group of people who actually READS the paper, or watches the news.
I cannot begin to tell you how many people have no idea whats going on around them, how many had not heard of Oops or the closing of NokeTown, or the Record Exchange.
People, this is your life here - the news is the only thing thats going to keep you informed. Otherwise you become a victim of hear-say and rumor. Or worse than that - a victim of ignorance.
It's your choice.. but remember - to not know is to give power and control to those who do.
I cannot begin to tell you how many people have no idea whats going on around them, how many had not heard of Oops or the closing of NokeTown, or the Record Exchange.
People, this is your life here - the news is the only thing thats going to keep you informed. Otherwise you become a victim of hear-say and rumor. Or worse than that - a victim of ignorance.
It's your choice.. but remember - to not know is to give power and control to those who do.
Hello America!
I just wanted to take a moment here and say Hello! to all you fine folk coming over from Wikipedia (see entry: Roanoke, VA). Just one question for you all, whats with all the sudden interest in Roanoke?
I have months logged where I recieved nary a single hit from the Wikipedia entry, and suddenly - I am now getting steady traffic over from there. Why is Roanoke so suddenly popular?
Anyway, a small task for you folks - find me. I'm in the newspaper (again!), but this time not for Forgotten-Roanoke.com. So go hunting through the paper and let me know if you can find me.
No prize, this time. Maybe next time.
I have months logged where I recieved nary a single hit from the Wikipedia entry, and suddenly - I am now getting steady traffic over from there. Why is Roanoke so suddenly popular?
Anyway, a small task for you folks - find me. I'm in the newspaper (again!), but this time not for Forgotten-Roanoke.com. So go hunting through the paper and let me know if you can find me.
No prize, this time. Maybe next time.
7/10/06
As is being reported
Details are still sketchy, but it looks like NokeTown (2nd and Kirk) has closed it's doors.
I have no independant confirmation of this at this point, but I do expect it in the coming days. I wish Jason and the whole crew there the very best in life and their future plans. They are good people, but this business can kill you.
I have no independant confirmation of this at this point, but I do expect it in the coming days. I wish Jason and the whole crew there the very best in life and their future plans. They are good people, but this business can kill you.
Yeah - this is being passed around a bit
But thats ok.. call me a bandwagon..
Eddie Izzard presents Religion: Finally it makes sense!
Eddie Izzard presents Religion: Finally it makes sense!
From the halls of Montezuma, to the shores of Tripoli..
Word of Oops(!) has spread like wildfire, from "The Colorado Springs Gazette" to South Africa, and even Fox News just ran the story as part of Fox & Friends.
Nice of them to notice us, but I think the prize should go to the Salem Avalanche for "Most Creative PR use of a missing monkey":
07/09/06 "The Salem Avalanche will be holding Monkey Business
Monday at tomorrow's game against the Potomac Nationals. As with all
Monday home games, fans can receive $1 General Admission tickets with a
coupon from the Roanoke Times or roanoke.com. Tomorrow, however, the
Avalanche will extend the $1 General Admission tickets to all fans
presenting bananas at the ticket office, in hopes that Oops will seek out the tasty fruit."
Admission time: Your friends at Forgotten-Roanoke.com hit the mountain yesterday to "search" for Oops, and take care of some long outstanding business.
We walked the Loop from top to bottom and back again. First time too.. not a bad walk.. cannot imagine trying to jog or bike it though - not yet anyway.
However, it did firm up my commitment to one day gaining access from downtown Roanoke up the Mountain to the Zoo without a car. A shuttle bus, perhaps styled after a trolley, could easily run up and down the loop, or at the very least - up the Fishburn Parkway to the Zoo from downtown providing an opportunity for those who do not drive or folks too young to drive to get to the zoo on their own.
And your hosts here at Forgotten-Roanoke.com also joined the Zoo as members - so we witnessed firsthand the turnout the zoo had due to the publicity. We have been planning to become members for a while now, as we do hit the zoo perhaps 7 times a year or so.
Found out some interesting things about the zoo as well, in terms of public fundraising. Did you know they have a deal going with Sherwin-Williams Paint? 20% off regular prices, 5% off sale prices on nearly any paints. A percentage of the sale price goes to the Mill Mountain Zoo, similar to the Food Lion MVP card (which can also be linked to a charitable giving program).
There is no reason anyone can give to NOT support the Zoo.
What baffles me is the amount of people who seemed completely ignorant of the Oops(!) story. But I get baffled easily, we know this.
In the coming months and years, I'm hoping to build a relationship between Forgotten-Roanoke.com and the Mill Mountain Zoo to answer a question I've been curious about for a long time now. What happened to the stuff from the Children's Zoo?
Memories of the Central Park Children's Zoo (and another small zoo somewhere in NY) include some of the same items seen in photos of the old Childrens Zoo.
What can I say, I like the Zoo.. Im a Zoo guy.
Welcome to Sean Greene, the new Director - what a way to start your tenure.
Nice of them to notice us, but I think the prize should go to the Salem Avalanche for "Most Creative PR use of a missing monkey":
07/09/06 "The Salem Avalanche will be holding Monkey Business
Monday at tomorrow's game against the Potomac Nationals. As with all
Monday home games, fans can receive $1 General Admission tickets with a
coupon from the Roanoke Times or roanoke.com. Tomorrow, however, the
Avalanche will extend the $1 General Admission tickets to all fans
presenting bananas at the ticket office, in hopes that Oops will seek out the tasty fruit."
Admission time: Your friends at Forgotten-Roanoke.com hit the mountain yesterday to "search" for Oops, and take care of some long outstanding business.
We walked the Loop from top to bottom and back again. First time too.. not a bad walk.. cannot imagine trying to jog or bike it though - not yet anyway.
However, it did firm up my commitment to one day gaining access from downtown Roanoke up the Mountain to the Zoo without a car. A shuttle bus, perhaps styled after a trolley, could easily run up and down the loop, or at the very least - up the Fishburn Parkway to the Zoo from downtown providing an opportunity for those who do not drive or folks too young to drive to get to the zoo on their own.
And your hosts here at Forgotten-Roanoke.com also joined the Zoo as members - so we witnessed firsthand the turnout the zoo had due to the publicity. We have been planning to become members for a while now, as we do hit the zoo perhaps 7 times a year or so.
Found out some interesting things about the zoo as well, in terms of public fundraising. Did you know they have a deal going with Sherwin-Williams Paint? 20% off regular prices, 5% off sale prices on nearly any paints. A percentage of the sale price goes to the Mill Mountain Zoo, similar to the Food Lion MVP card (which can also be linked to a charitable giving program).
There is no reason anyone can give to NOT support the Zoo.
What baffles me is the amount of people who seemed completely ignorant of the Oops(!) story. But I get baffled easily, we know this.
In the coming months and years, I'm hoping to build a relationship between Forgotten-Roanoke.com and the Mill Mountain Zoo to answer a question I've been curious about for a long time now. What happened to the stuff from the Children's Zoo?
Memories of the Central Park Children's Zoo (and another small zoo somewhere in NY) include some of the same items seen in photos of the old Childrens Zoo.
What can I say, I like the Zoo.. Im a Zoo guy.
Welcome to Sean Greene, the new Director - what a way to start your tenure.
7/7/06
Hi Ho Hi Ho
It's back to work I go.. boooo
next major update to the site will be Monday, July 10th.
Thought you'd like to know...
next major update to the site will be Monday, July 10th.
Thought you'd like to know...
7/6/06
Heres a heart attack for you...
From the NY Daily News: "
Thanks to the purchasing power of the masters of the universe, the
average price per square foot also hit a record high at $1,083. The
median apartment price also hit a record at $880,000."
Due to the high cost of renting an apartment in Manhattan, the market for apartments is more geared to ownership - so you buy (with a mortgage) rather than rent (no mortgage).
Via Craigslist.org: Bedrooms: n/a LARGE STUDIO
(490sq ft)
Bathrooms: 1
Special Note(s):Negotiable Broker fee!
Rent:$1628.00
Available: Immediately
Allright.. let that sink in. A 490sq. ft. loft, no walls - no rooms. Just a bathroom. Nearly $20,000 a year.
The payments on Forgotten-Roanoke.com HQ V2.0 will be less than half that payment a month.
And thanks to the wonderful power of the all incompassing Internets - I can do just as much business down here as I could up there.
Just something to consider..
Thanks to the purchasing power of the masters of the universe, the
average price per square foot also hit a record high at $1,083. The
median apartment price also hit a record at $880,000."
Due to the high cost of renting an apartment in Manhattan, the market for apartments is more geared to ownership - so you buy (with a mortgage) rather than rent (no mortgage).
Via Craigslist.org: Bedrooms: n/a LARGE STUDIO
(490sq ft)
Bathrooms: 1
Special Note(s):Negotiable Broker fee!
Rent:$1628.00
Available: Immediately
Allright.. let that sink in. A 490sq. ft. loft, no walls - no rooms. Just a bathroom. Nearly $20,000 a year.
The payments on Forgotten-Roanoke.com HQ V2.0 will be less than half that payment a month.
And thanks to the wonderful power of the all incompassing Internets - I can do just as much business down here as I could up there.
Just something to consider..
VictoryPod
| The last word on Victory Stadium. Never again will that name be spoken here at Forgotten-Roanoke.com |
7/5/06
Creeping Meatballism
Creeping Meatballism: (sl. adj.) Kreep-eng Meet-ball-izm Loosely defined, Meatballism is the rejection of individuality. Creeping Meatballism is the adoption of (on a personal level) conformity. Ex: Commercial shows drinkers of Brand X drive nicer cars, look healthier, and generally have better lives than you. You being to drink Brand X, and acting (but not actually attaining) that better life. Deluding yourself to believe you are living the "Brand X Lifestyle."
Reminds me of the City sometimes.
Rather than take stock of ones person, and its supporting and surroundings - its easier to buy into the advertized "good life." The ease and "quality" of Kroger, the high life promised by an Art Museum, the attractiveness of a city with Stadii at the High Schools, the "Repo Sales" which give one the sense of getting one up on the other guy...
That's the insideous touch of Creeping Meatballism, the thought that you too can have a better life if only you had a car that was new. That you have no worries and nothing to fear by taking out a loan against the title of your car. The folks at the Payday Loan place really are only doing it because they want to help you. Just like they come across.
Not quite so, and there are many levels across which that is true. Just because "Brand X" is now suddenly "All natural" or has 23 flavors... that doesn't make it good. And it's not always about the product, as a matter of fact - its usually about life in general. Sure - I could get into specifics about what I feel the standout examples I see around here are, but that would be purely subjective.
But think about it - in everything from the way the news is delivered (both print and tv), the way the City itself works, Meatballism is everywhere.. creeping it's way ever firmer into our lives. If it's allowed.
Individuality is not something to be ashamed of, it's something to be celebrated and revered.
We just lost one such man.. Guilio Corsini - member of the Elks, the Italian American Heritage Club, Knights of Columbus... and yet was never defined by any one of these things - he was more than just a decent man, he was a skilled artisan - an upstanding member of the community, he was something no one else in Roanoke could ever be. He was Guilio Corsini.
Damned few like him around...
Although in a side note - who knew Roanoke had an Italian-American Heritage Club? Thats a positive sign, if I ever heard of one.
Reminds me of the City sometimes.
Rather than take stock of ones person, and its supporting and surroundings - its easier to buy into the advertized "good life." The ease and "quality" of Kroger, the high life promised by an Art Museum, the attractiveness of a city with Stadii at the High Schools, the "Repo Sales" which give one the sense of getting one up on the other guy...
That's the insideous touch of Creeping Meatballism, the thought that you too can have a better life if only you had a car that was new. That you have no worries and nothing to fear by taking out a loan against the title of your car. The folks at the Payday Loan place really are only doing it because they want to help you. Just like they come across.
Not quite so, and there are many levels across which that is true. Just because "Brand X" is now suddenly "All natural" or has 23 flavors... that doesn't make it good. And it's not always about the product, as a matter of fact - its usually about life in general. Sure - I could get into specifics about what I feel the standout examples I see around here are, but that would be purely subjective.
But think about it - in everything from the way the news is delivered (both print and tv), the way the City itself works, Meatballism is everywhere.. creeping it's way ever firmer into our lives. If it's allowed.
Individuality is not something to be ashamed of, it's something to be celebrated and revered.
We just lost one such man.. Guilio Corsini - member of the Elks, the Italian American Heritage Club, Knights of Columbus... and yet was never defined by any one of these things - he was more than just a decent man, he was a skilled artisan - an upstanding member of the community, he was something no one else in Roanoke could ever be. He was Guilio Corsini.
Damned few like him around...
Although in a side note - who knew Roanoke had an Italian-American Heritage Club? Thats a positive sign, if I ever heard of one.
Archiving, the Google way
In order to make certain subjects easier to find, I am beginning to archive them on GooglePages. The first one I am using as the trial run for this is the BST Chronicles.
Find them here.. 5 days worth week by week will appear there. This week's 5 days is up allready..
The BST Chronicles
Let me know what you think, any subjects you would like to see archived in the future, any ideas..
Enjoy..
Find them here.. 5 days worth week by week will appear there. This week's 5 days is up allready..
The BST Chronicles
Let me know what you think, any subjects you would like to see archived in the future, any ideas..
Enjoy..
7/3/06
Metropolis
| Filmed in 1926, Produced by Erich Pommer, writed by Thea von Harbou, and directed by Fritz Lang. In Public Domain. I realize you don't really have 2 hours to spend staring at my blog watching some grainy, black and white silent film - but give it a few minutes. And realize that even at 2 hours long, theres still nearly 40 minutes missing - possibly lost forever. There will never be an equal. | |
Grand Ol Podcast
| Here it is. The Very Special 4th of July Podcast.. Monkies, Mountains, BBQ and a Stadium... Enjoy! |
Important information (I suppose)
The City of Roanoke will make Victory Stadium bricks
available to city
residents in the stadium's parking lot on Saturday,
July 8, from 9 a.m. to
noon, and on Thursday, July 13, from 5 to 7
p.m., rain or shine. A limited
number of bricks have been cleaned and
prepared for distribution. Thus,
residents will be limited to four
bricks per car.
Cones will be set up
and signs will be posted in the parking lot to
direct cars to specific
entrance and exit paths. As cars enter the
parking lot, city staff will
verify residency for each car before
distributing bricks. If the supply of
bricks is exhausted on
Saturday, residents who come to the stadium but do not
receive bricks
will be given place card holders that entitle them to be one
of the
first to receive bricks on Thursday.
At the end of the 5 to 7
p.m. distribution time on Thursday,
non-residents will be permitted to
receive any remaining bricks from
7 to 9 p.m., at four bricks per
car.
available to city
residents in the stadium's parking lot on Saturday,
July 8, from 9 a.m. to
noon, and on Thursday, July 13, from 5 to 7
p.m., rain or shine. A limited
number of bricks have been cleaned and
prepared for distribution. Thus,
residents will be limited to four
bricks per car.
Cones will be set up
and signs will be posted in the parking lot to
direct cars to specific
entrance and exit paths. As cars enter the
parking lot, city staff will
verify residency for each car before
distributing bricks. If the supply of
bricks is exhausted on
Saturday, residents who come to the stadium but do not
receive bricks
will be given place card holders that entitle them to be one
of the
first to receive bricks on Thursday.
At the end of the 5 to 7
p.m. distribution time on Thursday,
non-residents will be permitted to
receive any remaining bricks from
7 to 9 p.m., at four bricks per
car.
7/1/06
I hope your all having a good weekend
I know I sure will be.. working. FEH!
Why haven't you folks sent me money allready so I can retire and work full time on this? You know you love me...
Anyway, I want everyone to pay attention to this article today. It welcomes our new Vice-Mayor (a postion of even less power than the mayor, but slightly more than your average Parks & Rec worker), and lays out the basic ideas the City Council has for the use of the Victory Stadium site. Everyone cut this one out, and keep it on the fridge, so we all have a guide as to what the city will screw up and when.
Sorry to see Bev step down like this, but maybe it will give him more time to work on the Buseum.
And again the specter of the silly Carilion conspiracy comes forth. Remember, nothing is more valueable to a company than easily-acessable public lands. Employees tend to like that sort of stuff.
Besides - arent they getting tired of being constantly under construction?
Why haven't you folks sent me money allready so I can retire and work full time on this? You know you love me...
Anyway, I want everyone to pay attention to this article today. It welcomes our new Vice-Mayor (a postion of even less power than the mayor, but slightly more than your average Parks & Rec worker), and lays out the basic ideas the City Council has for the use of the Victory Stadium site. Everyone cut this one out, and keep it on the fridge, so we all have a guide as to what the city will screw up and when.
Sorry to see Bev step down like this, but maybe it will give him more time to work on the Buseum.
And again the specter of the silly Carilion conspiracy comes forth. Remember, nothing is more valueable to a company than easily-acessable public lands. Employees tend to like that sort of stuff.
Besides - arent they getting tired of being constantly under construction?
6/30/06
Coming back down
The busy week has left me drained, and I still have 2 days to go before its really over...
But I have a nice chunk of time to devote to the site, the blog, and the world at large next week.
So - Starting Sunday night, RoanokeFound/Forgotten-Roanoke resumes its regular broadcast schedule.
For those of you needing something to read - might I suggest the BST archives, of which we are now nearing the 4 year mark. I will not be revisiting the story this year, but will attempt to centralize all the BST posts onto one page for future reference.
It's not so light reading, but an interesting tale none the less.
But I have a nice chunk of time to devote to the site, the blog, and the world at large next week.
So - Starting Sunday night, RoanokeFound/Forgotten-Roanoke resumes its regular broadcast schedule.
For those of you needing something to read - might I suggest the BST archives, of which we are now nearing the 4 year mark. I will not be revisiting the story this year, but will attempt to centralize all the BST posts onto one page for future reference.
It's not so light reading, but an interesting tale none the less.
6/27/06
6/26/06
Sorry for the light posting
Business is busy, life just as much so
And how about this weather folks.. Boy, instead of building an Art Museum, maybe they should think Ark instead... *scattered laughter*
I guess the sky is shedding a tear over Victory Stadium... I sure know Im not!
*silence*
Hello... Hello?
Is this thing on?
And how about this weather folks.. Boy, instead of building an Art Museum, maybe they should think Ark instead... *scattered laughter*
I guess the sky is shedding a tear over Victory Stadium... I sure know Im not!
*silence*
Hello... Hello?
Is this thing on?
6/23/06
LaserFiche!
Sounds dangerous, no?
While poking around the Roanokegov.com site, you might see a small link to City Clerk Online.. takes you here. Ze deadly LaserFiche!
Allright, it might not seem interesting at first glance, but keep poking around.
This is the actual, scanned minutes from a City Council meeting from December 8th, 1874. Mayor, John Trout. It includes information on the formation of a committe for creating public sidewalks and curbs. Taxes (natch.) are also created during this meeting.
From 1784 straight on through to this past Monday's meetings.. all information is available.
I bet there are few who realize (or remember) that we are now paying LESS in real estate taxes than we were back in the early 80's. The rate then was $1.35 per $100, and thanks to the Mayor at the time - reduced to $1.25 per $100, and now it is down to $1.21 and falling to $1.19.
And the best part, it's all right there in black and white.
Although, in looking over the details of the meetings myself, I do wish for a bit more detail, more accurtate reporting of discussions and conversations held on matters.
And all these closed meetings to discuss appointments to certain vacancies on various boards - well, I'd like to know who is being considered for appointment to what BEFORE they are appointed.
Certain conflicts of interest might not seem important at the time, but upon further digging, could be potentially problematic in the future.
I make no claims of impropriety here, but a certain high-profile architecture firm located downtown is working on a large scale project - and one of the members of this firm recently ran for city council. Again, not that there is anything wrong with that - but it certainly COULD be viewed as improper should any actions come before the council that deal with the site, or even topics similar.
Think of the city market building, and the "no competition" clause they seem to live under. Imagine if that were taken to the City Council.
By the way, is $3000 a month for 450 sq. ft. in the City Market building a bit high? Or is it just me?
There are times the City (and State I might add) hover on the border of certain federal laws regarding business and such things. In a sense, what the ABC is doing with Mango's down at the lake could fall under the RICO act, especially when you read the comments of the "investigator." As such an individual working for a state comission, you are charged with upholding the law, not telling a business that the particular type of band they wish to host is one that attracts those who wish to drink heavily and be obnoxious. Thats not your place, not your role. And that IS legally actionable. It might not be as clear as some might like it - but to exert undue influence upon a (legal)business as to sufficiently reduce it's ability to engage in its business, or to cause a business to suffer due to remarks made by an agent of the government outside it's legal bounds.. well, it's not good.
Not good at all.
But regardless, theres much to be learned about how the City operates, or doesn't - and much that we can discover to set the course for proper representation and accessability for all citizens of the city, create the business climate which is so frequently touted yet rarely seen, and develop the "young adult" lure that is a favorite topic of conversation, and in short - get this City back on track and rolling full steam again..
Did you know.. In 1899, the city was accepting bids for medicine for the Public Doctor, and the contract went to one Chas. D. Fox. There were 3 bids that came in for this contract. One of the other 2 bids was Johnson & Johnson.
Could this be why, all these years later J&J does not have a presence in Roanoke, other than a sign on a building? Perhaps Roanoke is located in the Karma Valley, and what goes around comes around.
I'll be back later - I have to go out and see if Chas. D. Fox makes cotton ear swabs, as obviously the J&J products are not nearly the quality of the Fox stuff.
While poking around the Roanokegov.com site, you might see a small link to City Clerk Online.. takes you here. Ze deadly LaserFiche!
Allright, it might not seem interesting at first glance, but keep poking around.
This is the actual, scanned minutes from a City Council meeting from December 8th, 1874. Mayor, John Trout. It includes information on the formation of a committe for creating public sidewalks and curbs. Taxes (natch.) are also created during this meeting.From 1784 straight on through to this past Monday's meetings.. all information is available.
I bet there are few who realize (or remember) that we are now paying LESS in real estate taxes than we were back in the early 80's. The rate then was $1.35 per $100, and thanks to the Mayor at the time - reduced to $1.25 per $100, and now it is down to $1.21 and falling to $1.19.
And the best part, it's all right there in black and white.
Although, in looking over the details of the meetings myself, I do wish for a bit more detail, more accurtate reporting of discussions and conversations held on matters.
And all these closed meetings to discuss appointments to certain vacancies on various boards - well, I'd like to know who is being considered for appointment to what BEFORE they are appointed.
Certain conflicts of interest might not seem important at the time, but upon further digging, could be potentially problematic in the future.
I make no claims of impropriety here, but a certain high-profile architecture firm located downtown is working on a large scale project - and one of the members of this firm recently ran for city council. Again, not that there is anything wrong with that - but it certainly COULD be viewed as improper should any actions come before the council that deal with the site, or even topics similar.
Think of the city market building, and the "no competition" clause they seem to live under. Imagine if that were taken to the City Council.
By the way, is $3000 a month for 450 sq. ft. in the City Market building a bit high? Or is it just me?
There are times the City (and State I might add) hover on the border of certain federal laws regarding business and such things. In a sense, what the ABC is doing with Mango's down at the lake could fall under the RICO act, especially when you read the comments of the "investigator." As such an individual working for a state comission, you are charged with upholding the law, not telling a business that the particular type of band they wish to host is one that attracts those who wish to drink heavily and be obnoxious. Thats not your place, not your role. And that IS legally actionable. It might not be as clear as some might like it - but to exert undue influence upon a (legal)business as to sufficiently reduce it's ability to engage in its business, or to cause a business to suffer due to remarks made by an agent of the government outside it's legal bounds.. well, it's not good.
Not good at all.
But regardless, theres much to be learned about how the City operates, or doesn't - and much that we can discover to set the course for proper representation and accessability for all citizens of the city, create the business climate which is so frequently touted yet rarely seen, and develop the "young adult" lure that is a favorite topic of conversation, and in short - get this City back on track and rolling full steam again..
Did you know.. In 1899, the city was accepting bids for medicine for the Public Doctor, and the contract went to one Chas. D. Fox. There were 3 bids that came in for this contract. One of the other 2 bids was Johnson & Johnson.
Could this be why, all these years later J&J does not have a presence in Roanoke, other than a sign on a building? Perhaps Roanoke is located in the Karma Valley, and what goes around comes around.
I'll be back later - I have to go out and see if Chas. D. Fox makes cotton ear swabs, as obviously the J&J products are not nearly the quality of the Fox stuff.
Less than, Greater than (<,>)
Since the inception of Big Lick - the changing of the name to Roanoke, and on through 2002 - the Charter of the City of Roanoke has been changed, amended, added to, and subtracted from no less than 50 (fifty) times.
The greatest and most substantive changes to the Charter(.pdf) came in 2002.
2002, c. 685 (§§ 1.1, 2.1, 2.2, 3, 4 through 18, 20 through 24, 25.1,
25.2, 26, 27.1 [repealed], 29 [repealed], 31, 32, 33, 35, 36,
37 through 42, 44, 45, 47, 48 [repealed], 49 [repealed], 51,
52, 53, 54, 55 [repealed], 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 62, 62.01
[added], 62.02 [added], 62.1, 63, 65, 66, 67, 72).
It's hard to know exactly what was changed, although some things can be assumed when reading through the Charter.
What cannot be assumed, or understood, is the ability of the city council to find the worst possible way to carry out the charges of the Charter.
Example: (7.1) To own, manage and operate a city auditorium, civic center, coliseum, convention hall, stadium, theater, exhibition hall, or combination thereof, or other place of public assembly, and to permit the use of the same by others upon such terms and for such charges as the council may prescribe; and in order to further the best interests of the
public and lead to greater use of any such facilities, to do all things necessary and proper to encourage the use thereof by arranging or engaging shows, plays, exhibitions, performances and all other entertainments of whatsoever nature.(emphasis mine)
Best interests of the public? That statement alone could cause decades of debate. "But that costs money.." some might cry.
"The council may appropriate funds to a special or revolving account in order to engage, advertise and promote any such entertainment and to operate any of the foregoing facilities,"and of course, then appoint someone to oversee this blah blah red tape red tape.
Oh - and it might interest you to know, this City originally had a Mayor.. not a mayor. There was a time when there was no City Manager, the Mayor worked with the council to set policy, and life actually still went on. Thats called Leadership.
Was the City in better shape under the guidance of a strong Mayor? Given the projects that were undertaken during the years before a City Manager - and those after: It could be so. Perspective, thats where it lies.
Theres more today, as we delve into the facts the City itself publishes online... and how many of you knew they were online?
The greatest and most substantive changes to the Charter(.pdf) came in 2002.
2002, c. 685 (§§ 1.1, 2.1, 2.2, 3, 4 through 18, 20 through 24, 25.1,
25.2, 26, 27.1 [repealed], 29 [repealed], 31, 32, 33, 35, 36,
37 through 42, 44, 45, 47, 48 [repealed], 49 [repealed], 51,
52, 53, 54, 55 [repealed], 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 62, 62.01
[added], 62.02 [added], 62.1, 63, 65, 66, 67, 72).
It's hard to know exactly what was changed, although some things can be assumed when reading through the Charter.
What cannot be assumed, or understood, is the ability of the city council to find the worst possible way to carry out the charges of the Charter.
Example: (7.1) To own, manage and operate a city auditorium, civic center, coliseum, convention hall, stadium, theater, exhibition hall, or combination thereof, or other place of public assembly, and to permit the use of the same by others upon such terms and for such charges as the council may prescribe; and in order to further the best interests of the
public and lead to greater use of any such facilities, to do all things necessary and proper to encourage the use thereof by arranging or engaging shows, plays, exhibitions, performances and all other entertainments of whatsoever nature.(emphasis mine)
Best interests of the public? That statement alone could cause decades of debate. "But that costs money.." some might cry.
"The council may appropriate funds to a special or revolving account in order to engage, advertise and promote any such entertainment and to operate any of the foregoing facilities,"and of course, then appoint someone to oversee this blah blah red tape red tape.
Oh - and it might interest you to know, this City originally had a Mayor.. not a mayor. There was a time when there was no City Manager, the Mayor worked with the council to set policy, and life actually still went on. Thats called Leadership.
Was the City in better shape under the guidance of a strong Mayor? Given the projects that were undertaken during the years before a City Manager - and those after: It could be so. Perspective, thats where it lies.
Theres more today, as we delve into the facts the City itself publishes online... and how many of you knew they were online?
Anger. Hostility. Bad Blood.
June 22, 2006
State reduces Mill Mountain Zoo funding
State reduces Mill Mountain Zoo funding
 | |
"Nina" is one of the zoo's newest attractions. |
Mill Mountain Zoo did not receive quite as much
money as it hoped in the latest state budget. The zoo requested
$200,000 but found out this week it's being allotted $40,000 in the
two-year budget, less than it received in recent years.
Zoo
Director Sean Greene says, "Well it wasn't what we expected,
hoping for a little bit more, then again, when you get $40,000,
you can't be sad about that. It's better than nothing."
In past
years, the zoo has received more than $80,000 in the state budget.
Greene says the zoo is paying down debt from the winter when the zoo is
staffed, but visitors don't come out.
The zoo does have a new
cougar, Nina, new paint, and some other improvements. Greene says
that's helped bring more people out. (via. WDBJ7.com)
$20k a year to run a zoo. Thats the equivalent of giving $200 bucks per school kid per year to educate them. What kind of outcome are you expecting when you decide to be that pig-headed and ignorant. That's not funding, thats an outright insult.
All local communties, governments, and businesses must dig deep now and make this a record breaking year for donations to the Zoo. People need to go, and break all attendance records, show some love for the Zoo. Perhaps the Zoo could be named a "possible terrorist target" and get some federal funding, I mean - if New York is no longer a target - then something else must be.
6/22/06
Funny that...
Im off tomorrow, which means I can do quite a bit of catch up on the blog and site..
Save your strength.. I've been waiting for a day like tomorrow.. Clear your schedules, lock the doors and windows, and put the phone on silent...
Tomorrow seems the spark that starts the firestorm....
No great revelations, no scathing discoveries - just plain facts.
"When you kill a king, you don't stab him in the dark. You kill him where the entire court can watch him die.
"
Save your strength.. I've been waiting for a day like tomorrow.. Clear your schedules, lock the doors and windows, and put the phone on silent...
Tomorrow seems the spark that starts the firestorm....
No great revelations, no scathing discoveries - just plain facts.
"When you kill a king, you don't stab him in the dark. You kill him where the entire court can watch him die.
"
6/21/06
6/20/06
Whose Vision?
We all know the Vision 2020 plan the City has, the first part of which being the recently passed new zoning laws, but how far has the City actually come?
All we have is an old report to go by, as the City as not issued a new scorecard for those playing along at home.
Recently, the City sat down with 3 different groups: Realtors, Home owners, and City Officials and Organizations to find out what they thought about the fate of the City. Interesting list from the Realtors:
What threatens the future of the City?
• The loss of neighborhood schools as schools are consolidated
• A loss of jobs in traditional industries
• Periodic flooding
• The spectre of increased interest rates
• The Dillon Rule that limits what the City can do
• There is a growing “no growth” mentality
• Many residents want the City to stay the way that it is
• The City’s housing court is viewed as a threat by landlords
• The perception that the City is overrun with crime and violence
• City participation with non-profits is considered a drawback for private investment
• The population is aging and fewer people will be available for the work force.
And those are just the Realtors, the citizens were far less reserved.
What has the City done that has not enhanced its livability?
• Widening of major streets, such as Gainsboro Road, has had a negative effect on pedestrians
• Transportation engineering has tended to disregard neighborhoods in favor of moving vehicular
traffic
• Poor code enforcement
• Allowing boarded/condemned/vacant structures and lots to accumulate
• Insufficient penalties for owners of derelict properties
• Insufficient regard for alleys
• Inability to reduce crime
• Inadequate enforcement on building maintenance
• Limited success in encouraging home ownership
• Disposal of open space and parks to the detriment of certain neighborhoods
• Parks that do not encourage users
• An overall sense of apathy
• There is a need for increased design standards
• Commercial and industrial development has encroached on traditional residential neighborhoods
• A need for more village centers
• There is no policy establishing equity in housing
• Vacant land is poorly used
What are some of the needs that the City could address?
• More design district overlays
• Enhanced rental inspection program that would assure better maintenance
• Development of jobs to attract people
• Move back to alley collection of solid waste wherever possible
• Provide more streetscaping
What does the City need in order to attract those who are choosing to live in the suburbs?
• The city needs more entertainment opportunities
• There needs to be more housing choice
• The perception is that the City schools are not as good as the suburban schools
• Too many social services serving low-income persons are located in the City
• The City is perceived as being neither responsible nor responsive to issues
• The City needs to acquire and develop more open space, greenways and parks
Then, the City Officials (I'd like to know who, personally) and Housing Organizations gave input.. (mind you Im not cutting and pasting the entire text of each group report - just the common parts, so you can see the similarities)
What are the weaknesses of the City?
• The infrastructure is old and decaying
• The housing stock is older
• The City is landlocked and cannot annex additional property without concurrence from the Counties
• Short commuting times encourage people to live in the suburbs
• Regional attitudes cause fragmentation of services
• There is a high demand for social services
• There is a general perception that the schools are bad
• Resident above the LMI are left out of the redevelopment efforts
• Redevelopment costs are high
• The housing stock is obsolete
• The region has a relatively high real property tax structure
• The airport is not a hub
• There is a lack of imagination and vision
• There is a high percentage of rental units
• Peoples lifestyles have changed in ways that it is difficult for the City to effect, i.e. a desire for one-story living
• There is a resistance to change in the community
• The population is aging
• Diversity is undervalued
What opportunities exist for the City?
• The tax abatement program is good and could be used more
• The City should look at the New Jersey Rehabilitation Code
• The City has been proactive in housing development but could increase its efforts
• The City should market itself more
• There are opportunities for regional conversations on housing issues
• There exists a need for more elderly housing
• The City needs to continue to market its lively downtown
• Public housing is geared toward self-sufficiency
• The City needs to continue to prioritize the use of its federal funds
• There are many areas where street improvements would enhance the neighborhood
• There is a need for partnerships with housing lender
• Commercial centers could be developed in many neighborhoods
• The zoning ordinance revisions could incorporate changes to improve housing development
What are the perceived threats to the City?
• There is a perception that Roanoke is a place for poor people
• There is a difference between the cost of improvements and the cost that is realized at time of
sale
• There are reduced funding resources from both the state and federal government
• VDOT supports sprawl with its road policies
• The population is aging
________________________________________________________________________
Now if you read through all 3 of those lists, and think about it - we are at a stalemate of inane proportions and assumptions. It goes back to what I always say about asking more of your elected officials. They figure you dont care - you figure they dont care, and guess what - no one cares!
Amazing how that works, ain't it?
For every civic minded person in the city, there are at least 20 who can't be bothered with anything more than complaining. At least.
But these lists were conducted as part of the Housing Strategic Plan, which is part and parcel of the Vision 2020 plan. Again, something which the average citizen has no way of marking the progress on.
I think maybe its time the City Council left its hallowed halls, and went out into the streets - public Town Hall-style forums, in each and every neighborhood. Maybe a few big ones at the Civic Center.. Time to really embrace each and every citizen and engage them in the business that is Roanoke.
Might just be my idea though...
All we have is an old report to go by, as the City as not issued a new scorecard for those playing along at home.
Recently, the City sat down with 3 different groups: Realtors, Home owners, and City Officials and Organizations to find out what they thought about the fate of the City. Interesting list from the Realtors:
What threatens the future of the City?
• The loss of neighborhood schools as schools are consolidated
• A loss of jobs in traditional industries
• Periodic flooding
• The spectre of increased interest rates
• The Dillon Rule that limits what the City can do
• There is a growing “no growth” mentality
• Many residents want the City to stay the way that it is
• The City’s housing court is viewed as a threat by landlords
• The perception that the City is overrun with crime and violence
• City participation with non-profits is considered a drawback for private investment
• The population is aging and fewer people will be available for the work force.
And those are just the Realtors, the citizens were far less reserved.
What has the City done that has not enhanced its livability?
• Widening of major streets, such as Gainsboro Road, has had a negative effect on pedestrians
• Transportation engineering has tended to disregard neighborhoods in favor of moving vehicular
traffic
• Poor code enforcement
• Allowing boarded/condemned/vacant structures and lots to accumulate
• Insufficient penalties for owners of derelict properties
• Insufficient regard for alleys
• Inability to reduce crime
• Inadequate enforcement on building maintenance
• Limited success in encouraging home ownership
• Disposal of open space and parks to the detriment of certain neighborhoods
• Parks that do not encourage users
• An overall sense of apathy
• There is a need for increased design standards
• Commercial and industrial development has encroached on traditional residential neighborhoods
• A need for more village centers
• There is no policy establishing equity in housing
• Vacant land is poorly used
What are some of the needs that the City could address?
• More design district overlays
• Enhanced rental inspection program that would assure better maintenance
• Development of jobs to attract people
• Move back to alley collection of solid waste wherever possible
• Provide more streetscaping
What does the City need in order to attract those who are choosing to live in the suburbs?
• The city needs more entertainment opportunities
• There needs to be more housing choice
• The perception is that the City schools are not as good as the suburban schools
• Too many social services serving low-income persons are located in the City
• The City is perceived as being neither responsible nor responsive to issues
• The City needs to acquire and develop more open space, greenways and parks
Then, the City Officials (I'd like to know who, personally) and Housing Organizations gave input.. (mind you Im not cutting and pasting the entire text of each group report - just the common parts, so you can see the similarities)
What are the weaknesses of the City?
• The infrastructure is old and decaying
• The housing stock is older
• The City is landlocked and cannot annex additional property without concurrence from the Counties
• Short commuting times encourage people to live in the suburbs
• Regional attitudes cause fragmentation of services
• There is a high demand for social services
• There is a general perception that the schools are bad
• Resident above the LMI are left out of the redevelopment efforts
• Redevelopment costs are high
• The housing stock is obsolete
• The region has a relatively high real property tax structure
• The airport is not a hub
• There is a lack of imagination and vision
• There is a high percentage of rental units
• Peoples lifestyles have changed in ways that it is difficult for the City to effect, i.e. a desire for one-story living
• There is a resistance to change in the community
• The population is aging
• Diversity is undervalued
What opportunities exist for the City?
• The tax abatement program is good and could be used more
• The City should look at the New Jersey Rehabilitation Code
• The City has been proactive in housing development but could increase its efforts
• The City should market itself more
• There are opportunities for regional conversations on housing issues
• There exists a need for more elderly housing
• The City needs to continue to market its lively downtown
• Public housing is geared toward self-sufficiency
• The City needs to continue to prioritize the use of its federal funds
• There are many areas where street improvements would enhance the neighborhood
• There is a need for partnerships with housing lender
• Commercial centers could be developed in many neighborhoods
• The zoning ordinance revisions could incorporate changes to improve housing development
What are the perceived threats to the City?
• There is a perception that Roanoke is a place for poor people
• There is a difference between the cost of improvements and the cost that is realized at time of
sale
• There are reduced funding resources from both the state and federal government
• VDOT supports sprawl with its road policies
• The population is aging
________________________________________________________________________
Now if you read through all 3 of those lists, and think about it - we are at a stalemate of inane proportions and assumptions. It goes back to what I always say about asking more of your elected officials. They figure you dont care - you figure they dont care, and guess what - no one cares!
Amazing how that works, ain't it?
For every civic minded person in the city, there are at least 20 who can't be bothered with anything more than complaining. At least.
But these lists were conducted as part of the Housing Strategic Plan, which is part and parcel of the Vision 2020 plan. Again, something which the average citizen has no way of marking the progress on.
I think maybe its time the City Council left its hallowed halls, and went out into the streets - public Town Hall-style forums, in each and every neighborhood. Maybe a few big ones at the Civic Center.. Time to really embrace each and every citizen and engage them in the business that is Roanoke.
Might just be my idea though...
6/19/06
The Podcast emergent.
Brought to you by Studebaker! Makers of the finest in American automobiles. And... We welcome our newest sponsor,
For the boldest, cleanest, most refreshing Ale available today. Aren't you an Ale Man too?
The Pod will be available later this evening, as the engineers work out some technical glitches in the transmission.
Allow for some obfuscation
Hey! Look over there! He's making a point, and has pictures to show it!
(as usual, link good every day - todays message only lasts till 12:30am)
Good - that should buy me enough time to finish todays page for Forgotten-Roanoke.com, the 2nd part in the continuing "Remember, Roanoke" series.
(as usual, link good every day - todays message only lasts till 12:30am)
Good - that should buy me enough time to finish todays page for Forgotten-Roanoke.com, the 2nd part in the continuing "Remember, Roanoke" series.
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