Englewood - Gentrification (Chicago: community college, prices, dangerous)

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by ajolotl

True, but as long as there are people who say things like 'the trees are painted white to cover graffiti', Candide Manigault's view is appreciated, if a bit ridiculous. Hope he doesn't mislead any earnest and naive truth-seekers, though.

Prove to me they are not painted to cover graffiti. I think I will be waiting for that proof a very long time.

[eevee]

Originally Posted by Avengerfire

Prove to me they are not painted to cover graffiti. I think I will be waiting for that proof a very long time.

not sure if this is proof, but white painted trees aren't unheard of:

Why are some tree trunks painted white? - Common Questions Answered

happy mundane: painted trees? (according to one comment, trees in the Midwest are painted to prevent insect damage/sun/water seepage)

Other: Tree trunks painted white (http://www.ask4greece.org/answer/99/ - broken link)

all the trees were painted white like this

All the trees were painted white, not sure why. | Brandon A. Cox - Personal and Pastor's Blog (http://www.brandonacox.com/photoalbums/photo/2267256812/all-the-trees-were-painted-white-not-sure-why.html - broken link)

doesn't quite explain the exact reasons why only a few trees are painted (I've personally never seen a painted tree, and I've lived in some iffy areas)

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by eevee

not sure if this is proof, but white painted trees aren't unheard of:

Why are some tree trunks painted white? - Common Questions Answered

happy mundane: painted trees? (according to one comment, trees in the Midwest are painted to prevent insect damage/sun/water seepage)

Other: Tree trunks painted white (http://www.ask4greece.org/answer/99/ - broken link)

all the trees were painted white like this

All the trees were painted white, not sure why. | Brandon A. Cox - Personal and Pastor's Blog (http://www.brandonacox.com/photoalbums/photo/2267256812/all-the-trees-were-painted-white-not-sure-why.html - broken link)

doesn't quite explain the exact reasons why only a few trees are painted (I've personally never seen a painted tree, and I've lived in some iffy areas)

Well at least there is evidence in these links that trees CAN BE painted white for reasons other than bug issues. That is my main point. Other people on here are so sure that the ONLY reason trees are painted white are for bug issues.

[Chuckity]

Originally Posted by Avengerfire

Well at least there is evidence in these links that trees CAN BE painted white for reasons other than bug issues. That is my main point. Other people on here are so sure that the ONLY reason trees are painted white are for bug issues.

I grew up on the south side. Hung out in areas where there was a fair amount of graffiti. Never in a million years did I ever see a graffiti covered tree.

I saw a lot of white tree trunks though - and I can say with 100% certainty that those trees weren't painted white to cover up tagging. Why tag a tree when there was a whole side of a building 10-20 feet away? Just doesn't make sense.

[ajolotl]

Originally Posted by Chuckity

Why tag a tree when there was a whole side of a building 10-20 feet away?

in addition to the unpainted part of tree above hip level

[Manigault]

I tell you what: I'll go back down 63rd street tonite and check it out, i.e. the trees. Did anyone notice they are new plantings, which are usually vulnerable to bugs and dogs? Been on the south side 30 years -- I've seen garages, buildings and cement with gang symbols -- never small trees.

I have no disillusions about Englewood. But to think that folks are out stabbing each other and having shootouts in the street 24-7 is inaccurate. Also, the view that the place is all deteriorating housing is obviously false. Plus it cannot be all poor folk -- someone is shelling out the $200k for those new townhouses. Something must be going into their decision to buy a new house in an old area.

I'm not trying to paint a pretty picture but an accurate one. I'm the one who went there to check it out and show folks some street scenes from this week -- not news photo ops.

And living in Englewood would not cut my commute time.

[thatguyandrey]

I can't believe there's a serious discussion about graffiti trees. How long did you spend under a rock to assume that?

[Manigault]

I think you're right. I'll save a trip -- some folks will never be convinced that those are not graffiti trees, no matter the explanation.

[Drover]

As Dave Barry might say, "Graffiti Tree" would make an excellent name for a rock band.

[ajolotl]

Originally Posted by Manigault

I think you're right. I'll save a trip -- some folks will never be convinced that those are not graffiti trees, no matter the explanation.

Uh, I think you mean 'one folk'.