This is a re-post from the 19th Ward Community Associations website.

President's Message October 2009

Greetings 19th Warders!

A lot has happened since the last time we spoke, and as you know I like to get straight to the point and let you know how I feel on the issues.


First, I want to congratulate our very own Dana Miller on his Democratic primary victory on September 15th.

Second, I want to chime in on the issue of the proposed development near the Staybridge Suites hotel by developer Ron Christenson. As most of you know, there was a very contentious community meeting held on July 22, 2009. Since I've been asked on numerous occasions regarding my position, here it is. Although I am sincerely thankful for the great risk, investment, and sacrifice of Ron and his investment team, I am not a fan of development at any cost or by any means necessary. In other words, I believe that any development in the 19th Ward must take into consideration the needs, wishes, wants, dreams and aspirations of 19th Warders. I, like most people, want the 19th Ward to become the best place to live. I am not opposed to development per se, but I do demand that anyone who wants to develop here become a partner and not a bulldozer. As was reported in a recent story on NPR about gentrification in the historic 3rd Ward in Houston, Texas; I don't want developers or speculators playing monopoly with our community.

Significant concerns that have been expressed to me have been:

1) reduced view of the river front;

2) increased traffic congestion;

3) parking deficiencies; and

4) private vs. public uses.

But I am not here just to be a naysayer. To paraphrase one adviser to the former San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk, "You just can't be against everything; you must also let people know what you support." Well, one thing I'm for is for the community to begin a dialogue regarding what we want to see developed in our backyard. We must create a collective vision, because until our community starts acting proactively and creates a master plan, we will perpetually be playing catch up and being reactionary instead. Thus, I want the dialogue to continue and not have us lose focus on the issues. I am no way saying that we must stop the development by any means. However, I am saying that procedure and principle matter to me and that the shape of the proposed development must continue to be hashed out.

On a lighter note, I want to comment on a few recent and upcoming events. We were pleasantly surprised to have Mayor Duffy stop by our September Delegates' Council meeting. He spoke little and listened a lot. He wanted to hear concerns, and was joined by an aide who took copious notes and promised to return to follow-up. Some of the issues raised were Ren Square, Thurston Road development, and camera installation by the RPD.

As well, I want to follow-up with a goal of mine to create a 19th Ward Spelling Bee. I have been in discussions with local principals and educators and will be calling a meeting of interested persons in the very near future. If you are interested, please e-mail me or contact Ann at the office.

Please save the dates of the upcoming House Tour on Saturday October 10th and our annual Convention on Saturday November 21st at the Staybridge Suites Hotel. And don't forget to enjoy the changing of the leaves!



Be Well!

JB



The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world's problems.

-Mohandas Gandhi