"Making the world right around them a bit better"

[Richard Cobb]

Several months ago, an annonymous person posted this comment on our "Neighborhood Issues ...." blog on the Huntington Herald-Dispatch website:

"The neighborhood concern that is most troubling to me is the seemingly widespread belief that fixing Huntington's problems is someone else's responsibility. Residents are quick to blame city government, out-of-town drug dealers, absentee property owners, etc, but it is very rare that an individual says, "I think this might solve some of our problems, and I'm going to make it my responsibility to try and make it happen."

Residents of blocks with poorly managed rental properties could make a point of introducing themselves to the tenants and letting them know that they are not pleased with the landlord's care of the property. Gardening enthusiasts could start and nurture community gardens on vacant lots or sponsor garden contests to encourage neighborhood beautification. A family could "adopt" an elderly or ill neighbor and help with errands, home repairs, etc. There are dozens of ways each resident of Huntington could spend one or two hours a week making the world right around them just a little bit better."

Well said.

[kittycat2525]

Rather than approaching tenets, why not go directly to the landlord and tell them you are displeased with the upkeep of a property? Cabell County has a very good resource that makes it easier to find out who owns a property. It's the Cabell Assessors website. http://cabellassessor.com/ On there, it is very simple to find the name and address of an absentee landord, just click on the parcel map and data box.

It's time to let everyone know that it's not okay to take rent out of our city without giving some back in the way of decent upkeep of the property.

[Richard Cobb]

Thanks for your participation, kittycat! Please feel free to post your ideas on any of our topics. Kindest regards,

Richard