Barksdale/Cloverdale Neighborhood Association, Inc.

NOTE FROM THE Vice President 10/23/06

Oct 23, 2006

NOTE FROM THE Vice President
Elbert Rich, Jr.

Remaining Stead Fast

Once again the BCNA has
survived another tough year. We
managed to continue certain
programs in spite of not having
grant funding.

In the year of 2005, our
challenges may become
greater. We must focus on
vacant homes in order to keep
the quality of the
neighborhood strong. Property
owners must be held
accountable.
We need to have a plan in
place when dealing with drug
infested areas of the
neighborhood. Your eyes and
ears are important in this
process. Surveillance of
certain properties will be our
request to law enforcement
agencies with the city and
county governments.
Rewarding our children for
good community service will
help train, gain respect, and
encourage our youth while
giving them a sense of pride in
their neighborhood. Therefore,
beginning in March of 2005,
we will hold youth meeting for
all youth in the neighborhood
in order to hear their voices
and opinions. We will invite
youth speakers to speak on
various topics relating to
becoming productive citizens.
During this process we will
plan events and outings.
Code Enforcement will help
keep us all in compliance with
the laws of being property
owners. In my opinion, clean
in front of your own front
lawn, be respectful of your
neighbors property, do unto
others as you would have them
do unto you, and always pray
for one another are ways to
keep a good relationship with
your neighbor.
Complaints are still being sent
in for small but important
issues. When it?’s all over and
done, respect and simple
common courtesy would
resolve the issues.

Finally, we must think ahead.
Cleo Jackson, my 11th grade
English teacher, always asked the
class ?“ where will you be in five to
ten years from now?” ? So, what
will the neighborhood become if
we don?’t take care of it today ?
Small things amount to much.
Vacant properties, leaves on your
front curb, parking in front of your
neighbors home and allowing
yours to remain clear, not focusing
on training our youth, not
maintaining your property,
ignoring drug use or sales,
speeding in through the
neighborhood, playing of loud
music, parking on the lawn, and
not using sound judgment in terms
of respect are all elements that
will destroy a neighborhood in
less than ten years.

A neighborhood that prays
together stays together. Let?’s pray
with and for each other. We need
each other. May God continue to
bless you during the new year.
Send comments to BCNA News at
1505 S. Barksdale, Memphis, TN.
38114or email us at
www.neighborhoodlink.com/mem
phis/bcnai.