What's with all the bums (houses, law, mall)

[Native_Son]

Originally Posted by Chromekitty

That's not the point. The point is that, there is a problem. A viable solution was presented/suggested. And because of it's location it wasn't good enough. THAT is the problem today, there are so many problems that have great solutions but people argue over the most ridiculous things and therefore nowhere near a solution can be accomplished.

you're really surprised that Eastland neighbors may be a tad bit upset with your 'viable solution'? I don't think that many people would find the idea of a homeless shelter super-center camped up next to their neighborhood a "viable solution"... no matter how kind-hearted the intent. I think it's a horrible idea... whether it's at Eastland Mall or Freedom Mall or Southpark Mall.

out of curiosity, may I inquire about your efforts for a solution? Do you volunteer your time for the homeless? Do you give money to the homeless? Or are your efforts limited to debating the merits of turning the east side into a convenient dump for Charlotte's undesirables since property is so damn cheap?

[Chromekitty]

Originally Posted by Native_Son

you're really surprised that Eastland neighbors may be a tad bit upset with your 'viable solution'? I don't think that many people would find the idea of a homeless shelter super-center camped up next to their neighborhood a "viable solution"... no matter how kind-hearted the intent. I think it's a horrible idea... whether it's at Eastland Mall or Freedom Mall or Southpark Mall.

out of curiosity, may I inquire about your efforts for a solution? Do you volunteer your time for the homeless? Do you give money to the homeless? Or are your efforts limited to debating the merits of turning the east side into a convenient dump for Charlotte's undesirables since property is so damn cheap?

I don't know that there was an Eastland *neighbor* here protesting, just one that said...we can't put it there, it will cause them to lose hope. Leaving them on the street offers so much hope...yeah ok.
I could careless if it upsets someone really. All anyone wants to do is, say that they shouldn't hang out on a bench, what a nuisance they are blah..blah....how crass! As I have said before no one in this country, sets out to fail but unfortunately often times they do. As far as Eastland goes, no one wants the property, it is going to hell in a hand basket, so let it sit there so it can be a haven for drugs as it is now? Yeah, that is productive and offers so much to that community. At least, it if was turned into something productive it could offer services and jobs that otherwise would NOT be available in that area.



Let's see....

I volunteer with 4 organizations in the greater Charlotte area. I also write grants so that others can continue their good works. I do give financially and I also have 2 families that we have adopted and we do things for them throughout the year. I also do work Internationally. I am also a child advocate throughout the United States. I would do more if I could and in a few years, I will be able to do so.

What about YOU?

[FrankTheTank2]

I am worried what will happen in the winter time. My good friend works for the largest shelter in uptown and he said they are already on the lottery system (not enough beds).

[anifani821]

Originally Posted by Krisia

Ani - I am a little bit in love with you right now - totally straight love though. My concern is the concentration of poverty in one area. It cannot be healthy for anyone. Use of space is certainly logical, but social implications of throwing the poor into a small area might cost more than the building.

Krisia, sending love back, LOL! I am just trying to find solutions that will lift up all of Charlotte - I am certainly not interested in dragging any area down.

I am concerned b/c as a society, we can write our checks, give our donations, including time and talent . . . but are we changing anyone's situation? That is my thing. I want social programs at the grassroots level. I don't want federal mandates and federal dollars. I know . . . it is not the popular way to do things.

I believe communities have a responsibility to figure out how to integrate the disenfranchised, but I also feel charitable organizations do that best. Less waste, for one thing. Bureaucracies are notoriously inefficient.

Seems to me that our city would be best served if the city fathers worked with charitable organizations we already have in place to provide infrastructure . . . and then allowed the organizations to move forward with innovative plans that don't just give a man a fish but rather teach people how to fish.

I envision a well maintained, clean, upbeat volunteer center that could include weekly meetings by SCORE members, reps from SBA . . . space for small businesses to locate using shared resources . . . a training center (such as landscaping maintenance, wh/ would also provide beautiful landscaping for the building and its surroundings) . . . some onsite classes w/ CPCC . . . a shelter for FAMILIES who often have nowhere to be housed at night . . . etc.

I see a beacon of light. Looks like a lot of folks see a black hole.

[Native_Son]

Originally Posted by Chromekitty

I could careless if it upsets someone really.

well there you go.

debate over, I reckon.

I understand now that the only people you don't want to upset are the homeless:

"Further more, it would be awful to take some of these individuals and put them out in South Charlotte. You want to talk about being treated less than???"

[Chromekitty]

Originally Posted by Native_Son

well there you go.

debate over, I reckon.

I understand now that the only people you don't want to upset are the homeless:

"Further more, it would be awful to take some of these individuals and put them out in South Charlotte. You want to talk about being treated less than???"

you could not be more wrong .......and this isn't a debate.

[anifani821]

I thought about what I wrote and I decided that if there are grants sponsored by the Feds that would help accomplish creating a center such as I envision, then I would certainly apply for them.

I would rather fund such projects at the local level but if there were dollars available, one has to follow the money.

I was hoping folks on this forum would find this an interesting proposition to create an enviroment that would both enhance the community in which it is located - and be a progressive step towards creating a map for success for folks who are struggling.

But - after the reaction - I wonder if I wouldn't be confronted w/ more of the same at the city level if I were to propose this sort of inter-agency cooperation and reclamation project. There really are folks like me out here willing to volunteer time to get something meaningful done to answer challenges - but these programs have to have the support of the residents nearby.

[Shamwow!]

Ani and Krisia, honestly both your visions for Eastland Mall as I read these posts are not all that different. As one of these plans would begin as the impetus, then grow and mature, I think eventually both of ideas would most likely come together. Just a thought.

Krisia, I can't remember exactly what you said, but you live near Eastland, right? I sort of recall you said the area (paraphrasing) had it's serious crime issues etc.. but that you never had a problem? If so, cool. However, it really can't be denied that use of the Eastland mall for homeless, poor, job training, healthcare services, wouldn't be a really good location. I drive through that area everyday back and forth and I believe its a location that would ideally suited for providing community outreach programs. However, building/ remodeling an entirely new facility in a neighborhood area that doesn't need these services seems really counterproductive.

My observations from experience versus what you have said previously:

"My concern is the concentration of poverty in one area. It cannot be healthy for anyone. Use of space is certainly logical, but social implications of throwing the poor into a small area might cost more than the building."-Krisia

The Eastland Mall area is not only the poverty related, demographically nor socio-economically isolated area in Charlotte, by far. There are plenty of other areas, including south Charlotte, that have significant challenges just like Eastland. As opposed to the city's effort of developing entirely new business and shopping areas on Wilkinson Blvd, Eastland mall presents an opportunity for something other than just business. The asphalt is laid, brick and motar are in place; let's put this large building to good use. Let's use the Upton's building, too??? I think this in an excellent location rather than building a whole facility and ramming it down an affluent community's throat. The poor and the needy are not in Meyers Park, last I checked. More would be spent in litigation for the sake of diversity instead of really assisting people locally and seeing a community like Eastland improve. Why not let Eastland benefit?

"I have never seen homeless people near Eastland..."-Krisia

If you have not seen homeless people near Eastland, then I would reccommend exiting on to Albemarle, stop at the intersections of Sharon Amity and Central you will find homeless begging for money EVERYDAY and people that would appear to be in need help. I get propositioned for reasons to give money to the homeless (or drug addicts) at gas stations weekly.

My point in the two quotes is, I disgree with your observations and ideas. My wife and I commute and shop daily from work or home through Central and Albemarle roads. I think Eastland Mall and Upton's could possibly be an excellent campus for SA, health services, job training, homeless shelters and CPCC community college satellite location. BTW, it has a major public transportation hub located there! Bonus!!! Regardless, whatever does happen it certainly is a good topic!

[sophialee]

Bottom line is no one is going to want it in their backyard the same way no one wants Section 8 housing in their backyard. High concentrations of poor people in one place usually equates to higher crime. Statistically, that is.

Is that what everyone is getting at?

[anifani821]

Originally Posted by sophialee

Bottom line is no one is going to want it in their backyard the same way no one wants Section 8 housing in their backyard. High concentrations of poor people in one place usually equates to higher crime. Statistically, that is.

Is that what everyone is getting at?

That may be it, Sophia. But the thing is . . . what I would propose would mean having "good neighbors" - CPCC, Salvation Army, a business incubator. . .

We have to use our imaginations. If you can envision a way to uplift what is already there - make it better - then that seems a plus, not a minus. After all, as Shamwow said . . . there is already a lot of deterioration and the whole point is to stop the deterioration.

Why does such a center have to be perceived as "run down" or being a place that would draw a "bad crowd?" Honestly, seems to me, there is already a lot of crime around that area.

Now think of this . . . what if some sort of teen rec center was also included and a study center for people working on their GEDs or ESL? Why couldn't this be a place that strengthens that area?

Just b/c folks are down on their luck, it doesn't mean they are criminals.