Being a "newbie" in this forum I hesitated to post this "challenge" but a wise man once told me never to be afraid of being right. ;) I digress.
I challenge everyone to locate one issue in their NEIGHBORHOOD (not the entire city) and work to solve it. Cliche? Sure, but bare with me. If each one of us would identify an "ugly" building or a particularly poor road, faded (or non-existent) street striping, a missing crosswalk for kids going to school, trees in need of trimming, an alley unkept, or a home that needs attention but the occupants are elderly or poor and can't do it; if each of use could identify one issue and solve it this month, think of the positive energy we would create for more great things that could happen in our neighborhoods.
WE are the solutions to the vast majority of the problems facing our communities today.
I was reading a very old newspaper, several in fact, from a local community (10 points if you can guess which one). I found several articles illustrating how we got to be a great nation. People were laying brick in their neighborhood, pouring concrete for sidewalks, installing equipment at a park they wanted in their neighborhood.
I believe in this kind of work. Hard work indeed, but community changing work. I also believe it produces change much faster than almost any other method. Keep in mind, if you can't solve something on your own, ask for help. More often than not you will have better results if you include others in your projects. Hand out a flier and put your email address on it and ask for feedback or ideas. You can even hold a meeting at your home or a local church.
So this thread is for "us". You and me who are going to improve our neighborhood now. Tulsanow...what an appropriate name. :)
To start things off, I will tell you what I am going to do. Since I live in a small town just outside of Tulsa we don't have "neighborhoods" like Tulsa has, but we do have 'sections' of the community that are geographic in nature. I am going to hold a town hall style meeting this month with my neighbors. I am going to print off a bunch a fliers and walk my neighborhood inviting everyone to come and discuss what issues we feel are most important and work to solve them. (I am going to bet drainage is going to be a big one)
What are you going to do.
This thread is for those interested in getting involved in your community. Hope there are some takers. ;)
My wife can tell you, I love quotes...I want to leave you with a favorite of mine.
"Never doubt that a small, group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." -Margrate Mead
Good luck and keep us all posted on any developments!
I call the Mayor's Action Line fairly often to report hazardous street and sidewalk conditions in my neighborhood. These are usually a result of broken storm drains or water lines which result in subsurface erosion. When I notice caverns forming below pavements, I call.
They know me well enough to realize that when I call about something, it's a potentially dangerous situation. The City usually responds the same day I call or the next day.
Oh yes! I forgot to add, I am also very interested to hear your success stories. Ways you got involved and achieved results.
As a student Senator at TU, I successfully had Harvard Avenue's rough-riding, car-shaking southbound lanes ground down and it is now much smoother. It's not much, but it helped.
I'd be willing to help someone in their neighborhood if they can come up with something...
My issue is that recently a project was done to replace pipes in my neighborhood (I think water lines) that went under the street. They dug up the streets and curbs, ran new lines and replace the streets. They never replaced the curbs.
We pick up illegal signs.
I'm definitely going to help oust taylor and miller out of office!
quote:
Originally posted by RecycleMichael
We pick up illegal signs.
I do that as well. So far my success rate has been high -- 100% as far as I know. Each sign I've picked up has gone into the trash, and I assume into a landfill somewhere.
We already do everything we can to make our neighborhood a community. I live in Forest Creek (81st and Harvard). We clean our park, have regular groups that walk the stream bed and clean up debris.
We have a neighborhood association, but they just bicker and bi&ch and don't really accomplish anything. Our neighborhood pool/park acts as a social center for the hood where we make decisions on what to plant and what activities to set up for the kids and the neighborhood.
Last week my neighbor and I went around with pole-saws and helped some of our older residents get the old broken branches out of their trees. This last sunday, a group of us rented a soil aerator and aerated as many lawns as we could (until we ran out of gas). We have a pretty good little community.
When new folks move into the neighborhood it takes them a little while to recover from the shock of actually having friendly helpful neighbors. My in-laws live in midtown and are always a little unnerved when they come over and we sit on the porch. The neighbors always stop by during their walks to say hi or let their kids play with the dog. My mother-in-law says it's like the neighborhood from "Leave it to Beaver". They've lived in Florence Park for 31 years and only know a handful of their neighbors. She calls the city action line every-time the neighbor across the street lets his lawn grow over 6 inches. It's funny. When she walks her dog she has a little red plastic ruler with her. [}:)]
quote:
Originally posted by Gaspar
My in-laws live in midtown and are always a little unnerved when they come over and we sit on the porch. The neighbors always stop by during their walks to say hi or let their kids play with the dog. My mother-in-law says it's like the neighborhood from "Leave it to Beaver". They've lived in Florence Park for 31 years and only know a handful of their neighbors. She calls the city action line every-time the neighbor across the street lets his lawn grow over 6 inches. It's funny. When she walks her dog she has a little red plastic ruler with her. [}:)]
I thought the height limit on grass was 12 inches. Your mother-in-law's neighbor might be wasting time and gasoline keeping his grass at 6 inches...what's the response from the City when your mother-in-law calls?
quote:
Originally posted by RecycleMichael
We pick up illegal signs.
I helped with your efforts RM. Last weekend (or two weekends ago?) I was heading to the shooting range. I stopped at the corner of 21st and Harvard and there were those damn Tulsa Tree Removal signs standing about 2.5 feet tall. Which just happens to be the perfect height for me kneeling or prone. [:P]
- - -
I have called the mayors action line 4 or 5 times, usually AFTER asking the neighbor to take care of the problem. All of the issues have been resolved, so I'm pretty happy with them over all.
The problem on my street (back me up JNE) is 2 particular houses that are crap. A rotating cast of, ummm, nice but somewhat rural oriented residents (read: 3 pickups in the grass) take up residence for a year or 2 and move on. Nothing the city can do, nothing I can do.
The streets also suck, but again...
I got it!
At the corner of 28th St. and Pittsburgh there are two things:
1) The large cinder block wall that abuts EIS is panted an industrial tan/gray color. It's an ugly wall that gets graffitied somewhat often and then repainted. I would like to try and fund or otherwise get a mural on that wall.
Totally clueless in this regard. NO idea how much something like that costs, what steps I need to take etc... but there is an idea
2) At that same location, following Pittsburgh North under the BA there are horrible fences on either side. As you walk under it is like a cage trapped with weeds, bird crap, and dead pigeons. It would be far better without the fences.
Nice topic.
I live in a tiny strip of a neighborhood between the highway and the Promenade mall. Along the highway, on the neighborhood side of the sound wall, is a trail and park space. I occasionally think of what I could add to the park, and the entrance to the neighborhood. Perhaps an art sculpture, gazebo, park benches. Something that would make the area look friendlier and give a bit of pride, community and identity to our little cluster of houses.
quote:
Originally posted by cannon_fodder
At the corner of 28th St. and Pittsburgh there are two things:
1) The large cinder block wall that abuts EIS is panted an industrial tan/gray color. It's an ugly wall that gets graffitied somewhat often and then repainted. I would like to try and fund or otherwise get a mural on that wall.
Totally clueless in this regard. NO idea how much something like that costs, what steps I need to take etc...
Let me see what I can do to help...the art teacher at Eisenhower is a good friend and my company has adopted that school.
I could buy the paint and supplies and the kids could come up with the design...
quote:
Originally posted by RecycleMichael
Let me see what I can do to help...the art teacher at Eisenhower is a good friend and my company has adopted that school.
I could buy the paint and supplies and the kids could come up with the design...
That would be great! I'm not picky on what goes up there, with the caveat that it is of course nice enough that jerks don't want to graffiti over it. I'd be happy to help pay for the paint, help paint/prime (not an artist, well, not a good one or even decent anyway), help clear the wall/scrap, petition the school, city... whatever I can do (I'm not rich and have no idea of the cost, so I don't want to stick my neck out too far. Artist: what would be a material cost guess?).
I'd love to be more involved in things, I just really don't know where to start. And those two elements of my neighborhood reminds me of downtown Detroit (not the area itself, just those two elements). I would very much appreciate your help and would do what I can to carry the weight of the project.
quote:
Originally posted by RecycleMichael
We pick up illegal signs.
I love this one! One of my pet peeves is banners and yard signs...blah!
quote:
Originally posted by RecycleMichael
We pick up illegal signs.
Is there a way to take pictures of the signs then make a citizens arrest? The police should be able to present you with a ticket to sign. I don't know that much about it, just a thought.
Sid
quote:
Originally posted by cannon_fodder
quote:
Originally posted by RecycleMichael
Let me see what I can do to help...the art teacher at Eisenhower is a good friend and my company has adopted that school.
I could buy the paint and supplies and the kids could come up with the design...
That would be great! I'm not picky on what goes up there, with the caveat that it is of course nice enough that jerks don't want to graffiti over it. I'd be happy to help pay for the paint, help paint/prime (not an artist, well, not a good one or even decent anyway), help clear the wall/scrap, petition the school, city... whatever I can do (I'm not rich and have no idea of the cost, so I don't want to stick my neck out too far. Artist: what would be a material cost guess?).
I'd love to be more involved in things, I just really don't know where to start. And those two elements of my neighborhood reminds me of downtown Detroit (not the area itself, just those two elements). I would very much appreciate your help and would do what I can to carry the weight of the project.
We painted two huge murals in my community and both times the paint was donated by a local paint supply store...harder to get it from corporate chains but not hard at all from locally owned stores. I will post a picture of our murals later. Best of luck on this...murals are a great way to clean up a wall!
Sid
Thanks mrhaskellok for the terrific thread topic. Your pragmatic approach brings us all back to earth and reminds us that "small things make a difference." It's a terrific challenge. And just imagine if everyone who reads this forum takes one small action...and invites others to join in...and one thing leads to another....
My typical small thing is picking up trash when I'm walking. I used to carry a plastic grocery sack just for this purpose. You've reminded me that I need to do this more often.
quote:
Originally posted by PonderInc
Thanks mrhaskellok for the terrific thread topic. Your pragmatic approach brings us all back to earth and reminds us that "small things make a difference." It's a terrific challenge. And just imagine if everyone who reads this forum takes one small action...and invites others to join in...and one thing leads to another....
My typical small thing is picking up trash when I'm walking. I used to carry a plastic grocery sack just for this purpose. You've reminded me that I need to do this more often.
Thanks! I agree with you, one small step at a time is how we will solve these larger issues facing our community, our state, our nation. This is the genius of the Republic, breaking down a society into little bite size pieces that are manageable.
Trash is a huge one...Mike, are there programs out there for people like Ponder to get bags and pick-up service for trash pickup projects?
Best of luck to each of you!
Sid
quote:
Originally posted by booWorld
quote:
Originally posted by Gaspar
My in-laws live in midtown and are always a little unnerved when they come over and we sit on the porch. The neighbors always stop by during their walks to say hi or let their kids play with the dog. My mother-in-law says it's like the neighborhood from "Leave it to Beaver". They've lived in Florence Park for 31 years and only know a handful of their neighbors. She calls the city action line every-time the neighbor across the street lets his lawn grow over 6 inches. It's funny. When she walks her dog she has a little red plastic ruler with her. [}:)]
I thought the height limit on grass was 12 inches. Your mother-in-law's neighbor might be wasting time and gasoline keeping his grass at 6 inches...what's the response from the City when your mother-in-law calls?
You're right, it is 12 inches! (please read the above posts before just responding to this message. Thank you!)[:I]
quote:
Originally posted by mrhaskellok
Trash is a huge one...Mike, are there programs out there for people like Ponder to get bags and pick-up service for trash pickup projects?
I will provide free trash bags and gloves for any group who wants to pick up trash anywhere in the metro area.
quote:
Originally posted by RecycleMichael
quote:
Originally posted by mrhaskellok
Trash is a huge one...Mike, are there programs out there for people like Ponder to get bags and pick-up service for trash pickup projects?
I will provide free trash bags and gloves for any group who wants to pick up trash anywhere in the metro area.
Define "Metro" [;)]
I'd define it as anywhere I might end up going that trash would bother me. Particularly the Ranch Acres area. [;)]
When we walk I make my dog wear a backpack and use it to put trash it. Also make him carry her own toys, food, and water wen we hike. And if that sucker drops one in someones yard and I have to bag it, you better believe she's carrying it.
Hows your project coming? Did anyone else decide to join us?
Seems like there are a lot of people on this forum interested in doing good deads in our neighborhoods.
I saw an elderly couple picking up trash in our park. Made me grateful to them. If anyone needs help with the Murals I have a great contact for that. Like I mentioned, we have painted a couple and they look great. One lady in our organization really headed it up and did most of the work.
Any takers on Murals in Tulsa? Can we get a city-wide mural project kicked off this year? There is some money in the Oklahoma Arts Council (I think that is the right org) for this kind of work.
quote:
Originally posted by mrhaskellok
Being a "newbie" in this forum I hesitated to post this "challenge" but a wise man once told me never to be afraid of being right. ;) I digress.
I challenge everyone to locate one issue in their NEIGHBORHOOD (not the entire city) and work to solve it.
I have been doing this for 20 years. The one big issue to me in my Tulsa neighborhood is code enforcement. Trash in the yards. Overgrown and unkept landscaping. Junk cars on the streets and in the driveways.
My neighborhood does have a neighborhood association, but "the powers that be" in the association seem to think that code enforcement is very low, or a non-existent priority. A pity, and rather naive point of view, in my opinion. So I drive the streets of my subdivision about once a month, make note of code enforcement violations, and report them online myself to the City of Tulsa.
I feel I have invested my hard-earned money to purchase my home, and I don't want to see my historical Tulsa subdivision (Lortondale) go to pot due to trashy renters or trashy homeowners. I also walk the streets of my neighborhood about once a month and pick up man-made trash and refuse from the curbs and front yards. It always amazes me how residents ignore the trash on their own property; but then maybe they just count on me to pick it up.
Steve,
You are awesome! The reality is what you are doing, will ALWAYS be the best and most efficient way to accomplish something like code enforcement.
FYI, New Orleans is doing something like what you are doing on a city wide level. They are, instead of ignoring citizen calls, placing them highest on the priority list. This is empowering people like you to actually make a difference while encouraging more people to get involved in their neighborhoods.
Somewhere down the line, we were misinformed about how to grown and sustain a neighborhood. At some point, we got convinced that "the city" was 1) responsible 2) actually capable and 3) always going to use their knowledge and capabilities to do the right thing.
I am not bashing municipalities, just simply making the statement that WE [The People] can do great things if we can convince ourselves to take a little time each day to see to it these issues are resolved.
Thanks again Steve for what you are doing. Now, in retrospect of my reply, I only ask that you teach at least three more people what you are doing and inspire them to help/continue it. We are after all mortal. [;)]
Sid
I love this thread. THANK YOU! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I am sick to death of people who whine and gripe and moan about everything that's wrong with their community but won't do a bloody thing to make it better.
I'm big on mowing other people's yards. If a neighbor can't or won't do it himself, I'm happy to help.
When we lived in Illinois, our next-door neighbors had an uneven patch in their front yard where a tree had been taken out and the stump partially burned. It was difficult to mow and frequently looked overgrown and unkempt. I finally got sick of looking at it and asked if they'd mind if I spaded it up and planted California poppies there, as I'd filled up all my own flowerbeds and still had a lot of seeds left.
As it turned out, they were tired of trying to mow that spot and just weren't sure what to do about it -- so they were more than happy to let me turn it into a flowerbed. And unbeknownst to me, the girl who owned the house had been eying my California poppies enviously for a couple of years, so she was thrilled when I shared them with her.
The house next to me is empty. The guy who was planning to move in there started clearing it out and stripping the siding as part of a sweat-equity project, but he passed away recently, and the house is basically abandoned. Maybe I'll adopt it.
On the other side of me, there's a house that really needs a paint job. I've wanted to scrape and paint and replace a couple of pieces of siding since we moved in, but I can't figure out how to offer to do it without hurting my neighbor's feelings. Maybe I'll think of something clever by the time I've saved enough money to buy the paint and materials....
quote:
Originally posted by mrhaskellok
Steve,
You are awesome! The reality is what you are doing, will ALWAYS be the best and most efficient way to accomplish something like code enforcement.
Thanks again Steve for what you are doing. Now, in retrospect of my reply, I only ask that you teach at least three more people what you are doing and inspire them to help/continue it. We are after all mortal. [;)]
Sid
The leadership of my neighborhood association chooses to make the group mainly a social organization, sponsoring social functions and not be concerned with code enforcement. I accept that. But I refuse to let my neighborhood deteriorate, if I have anything to say about it, I take it on as a private Tulsa citizen to report code violations and clean up the streets myself.
I bought my home 21 years ago, own it free and clear, and refuse to let my investment tank without a fighting chance on my part, regardless of the poor habits or laziness of my fellow residents.
quote:
Originally posted by Emily
I love this thread. THANK YOU! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I am sick to death of people who whine and gripe and moan about everything that's wrong with their community but won't do a bloody thing to make it better.
I'm big on mowing other people's yards. If a neighbor can't or won't do it himself, I'm happy to help.
When we lived in Illinois, our next-door neighbors had an uneven patch in their front yard where a tree had been taken out and the stump partially burned. It was difficult to mow and frequently looked overgrown and unkempt. I finally got sick of looking at it and asked if they'd mind if I spaded it up and planted California poppies there, as I'd filled up all my own flowerbeds and still had a lot of seeds left.
As it turned out, they were tired of trying to mow that spot and just weren't sure what to do about it -- so they were more than happy to let me turn it into a flowerbed. And unbeknownst to me, the girl who owned the house had been eying my California poppies enviously for a couple of years, so she was thrilled when I shared them with her.
The house next to me is empty. The guy who was planning to move in there started clearing it out and stripping the siding as part of a sweat-equity project, but he passed away recently, and the house is basically abandoned. Maybe I'll adopt it.
On the other side of me, there's a house that really needs a paint job. I've wanted to scrape and paint and replace a couple of pieces of siding since we moved in, but I can't figure out how to offer to do it without hurting my neighbor's feelings. Maybe I'll think of something clever by the time I've saved enough money to buy the paint and materials....
Perhaps if you can find a "Sponsor" organization or church THEY can approach the property owner and let them know that THEY want to lend a hand. After they get started, just offer to help. Kind of a round about way to do it, but maybe it would work.
As for the poppies, great choice! They will last some time for your neighbor and they will always remember your kindness.
If you need any help on a project you know what to do...just ask for it! There are (obviously) people on this forum (including myself) who would be happy to lend a hand if your project needs an extra pair.
Sid
Yes, hell yes on the murals.
That one particular area has bothered me for years (28th St. and Pittsburgh) and I would love to help get the ball rolling. I just need a point int he right direction as far as who to contact. Correct my to do list and fill in the blanks!
1) Contact ? at Eisenhower Elementary
2) Contact ? at the City
3) Contact someone with art skills
4) Contact someone with paint
I've got the general idea, but have never done anything like this. Hand holder, I need a hand holder!
PM me for a great contact for a arts person. She has painted a couple murals and they turned out awesome! Not a ton of detail but very nice.
As for the paint, once you find out what you want to paint and what colors you need, grab your phone book and look in the paint supply section. Then Look for the smallest ads in there (they are very likely locally owned businesses). Call and ask them 1) if they would donate a few gallons of what you need and 2) do they have any mis-tints close enough to what you are looking for. The only problem with mis-tints is they are usually not the kind of paint you need for exterior mural work, but it is always worth asking. Another idea I had for getting paint is to talk to a company that paints buildings. They may have some or be willing to donate some too.
Some of your tech schools have an arts program too btw.
Best of luck and let me know when I need to come up and bring my brush!
Send complaints about illegal signs directly to the person in charge and bypass the mayor's inaction center. sbenge@ci.tulsa.ok.us.
Give her the business name, phone number and locations of signs. I take them down myself and have even been known to call the business to let them know their signs are illegal. Most, of course, have no idea, and even more could care less.
quote:
Originally posted by cannon_fodder
Yes, hell yes on the murals.
That one particular area has bothered me for years (28th St. and Pittsburgh) and I would love to help get the ball rolling. I just need a point int he right direction as far as who to contact. Correct my to do list and fill in the blanks!
1) Contact ? at Eisenhower Elementary
2) Contact ? at the City
3) Contact someone with art skills
4) Contact someone with paint
I've got the general idea, but have never done anything like this. Hand holder, I need a hand holder!
I talked to the art teacher today. He is stoked. He will measure the wall adjoining the school and make sure the Principal and the grounds committee are on board. I sent an e-mail to the school board President tonight.
The art teacher is going to have some of the kids conceptualize some art for us.
We need to make a task list that includes any prep work, undercoat, cleanup, etc. We could use some photos of "before" pictures.
I will run this past Ken Busby of the Arts and Humanities council and get a timeframe for approval by the school board, the arts commission, etc.
I don't know how much involvement we need right now from the neighborhood, but I think we need to do the actual painting all together.
PM me for more and I invite anybody who wants to give advice or help to jump right in.
quote:
Send complaints about illegal signs directly to the person in charge and bypass the mayor's inaction center. sbenge@ci.tulsa.ok.us.
Maybe we can have a yard sign graveyard! Does one exist anywhere?!? We could set them up in a field. Jeez, people would come from all around to see it! People coming from all around = TONS AND TONS of tax dollars.
[:D]
Count me in on the Mural project!
Now this is Progress as Promised!
[;)]
quote:
I talked to the art teacher today. He is stoked. He will measure the wall adjoining the school and make sure the Principal and the grounds committee are on board. I sent an e-mail to the school board President tonight. The art teacher is going to have some of the kids conceptualize some art for us.
We need to make a task list that includes any prep work, undercoat, cleanup, etc. We could use some photos of "before" pictures.
I will run this past Ken Busby of the Arts and Humanities council and get a timeframe for approval by the school board, the arts commission, etc.
I don't know how much involvement we need right now from the neighborhood, but I think we need to do the actual painting all together.
PM me for more and I invite anybody who wants to give advice or help to jump right in.
Where are we at? Do you want to have a meeting soon to see what we have going so far?
quote:
Originally posted by cks511
I'm definitely going to help oust taylor and miller out of office!
Count me in.
quote:
Originally posted by RecycleMichael
We need to make a task list that includes any prep work, undercoat, cleanup, etc. We could use some photos of "before" pictures.
Steps I see that would be needed:
1) Power wash/scrape the surface clean
2) Prime the concrete
3) Whatever steps are involved with painting a mural (or outlining it so the kids can paint, or whatever).
4) Seal the finish product
5) STOP RUST STAINS from running over it. The fence above it is old and rusty. The current wall has rust stains over it and it has only been painted for 1.5 years or so. Not sure if clear coating them or what will help stop that issue... but worth thinking about. (or maybe it just won't be visible on a non-tan wall)