
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, June 13, 1993                   TAG: 9306150375
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: D-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

NEIGHBORHOODS AREN'T HELPED BY `HISTORIC' SIGNS

I AM A homeowner in Old Southwest, a neighborhood that for the most part enjoyed a renaissance within the past few years. I have seen many acts of kindness, and there are those who have worked very hard to save the integrity of the district. However sad it may be, Old Southwest has a potentially dangerous problem - crack and cocaine. Last winter 50 arrests reportedly were made involving crack sales.

Lack of concern shown by Old Southwest Inc. leaders and the city bothers me. Since property values have risen on the other side of Elm Avenue, bad press is something that cannot rock the boat. Sweeping a problem under the rug and overglamorizing a neighborhood doesn't help anyone on Day, Elm and Marshall avenues.

I live next door to a woman who tells me that someone has been in her home and taken money from her. She doesn't call the police because she is afraid that she will be harmed by a revengeful suspect. Add to this Section Eight [federally subsidized] housing, which, in many cases, brings crime, drugs and racial unrest. Slumlords let appliances stay out on porches and in yards, so the city should enforce a fine for second offenders within a one-year period.

Historic-district toppers on street signs are laughable at best. They do not a historic district make. I don't have time, influence or power to wave my hand and make Marshall, Day and Elm avenues a sugar-coated dream for every homeowner. I was told at Old Southwest meetings that this side of Elm Avenue has no supporters. Am I to assume that every slumlord, crack dealer and prostitute has an interest in living in a better neighborhood?

I see Renew Roanoke bumper stickers and think of what ruin these so-called historic-district streets are in. Why not start with a better neighborhood? My home is worth exactly twice the price on the other side of Elm Avenue. Somehow I cannot justify that. It's time to regain our neighborhood and take a serious look at the entire picture. STEPHEN K. METTS ROANOKE

by CNB