I would like to introduce myself and let others know that I am a new renter that will be entering the community next month at 6029 Sycamore Forge. I am from Indianapolis and moved this summer to Raleigh, NC but had to return due to an ill parent. I didn't intend to ever return to the Midwest long term (no more than 1-2 years depending on my father's condition) so this is why I chose to rent. I have been reading the posts and I am familiar with the area's decline and there is a concern about undesirables. I am a young African American teacher and I will help out in anyway that I can to maintain a safe community while I am here. My parents are battling the same issues in their community of Eagle Creek North, and rather than run I want to help. I have a son who is 6 years old in grade 1. I think there is huge potential for our area, but its going to take caring and concerned citizens to 'take it back' as opposed to fleeing. It seems like there is a cluster of apartments that allow ANYONE in their communities because overall it doesnt look like it's just the subdivisions. The home I lived in prior to relocating was on the farther north side so this will be different for me, however, I moved back to the state so abruptly that this home was one of the first that I found and it wasnt far from my parents. I hope this introduction assures some that I am not just another renter coming in to tear down your values. I am currently waiting on the house to be remodeled. Stop by and say hello sometime. We spend most of our time at school, karate or swimming anyhow so we wont be there much, but I just wanted to introduce myself as a renter moving into your neighborhood and again, I would like to help any way that I can...just email me.

Thanks!

Welcome

Well, I would like to say welcome to you and your son. We have lived on Sycamore Forge for 2 years, and love our neighbors. Alot of the problems that are discussed here I am not personally familiar with, but I am aware of them. I feel that renters are not bad people, and do not bring down property values. A renter can be just as damaging to a neighborhood as a home owner. It all depends on how the home and property are taken care of. I hope that you enjoy your time here in Oakforge, and that you do feel welcome. Please know that the comments of a few or one individual do not reflect the feelings of our entire neighborhood. I can say that in the 2 years that I have lived here, people wave when I drive by or walk with my children. I would like to think that we are a community that looks out for each other, because in the end we all have the same goals; to live here as happy and safely with our families as possible. Hope to see you around!

By ELT

Welcome!

I would also would like to welcome you and your son to our neighborhood. We do have a lot of kids here, so he should find a lot of playmates. I'm sorry to here one of your parents are having poor health-they are lucky to have you, since you are here to help them. I will pray for their good health. I have posted some task force meetings on the web site in case you are interested-they are mostly open to the public where people can discuss problems with crime in their neighborhood with the IMPD-the next meeting is Sept 5 6PM 3821 North Industrial Blvd. We are trying to find Block Captains for organizing a Crime Watch Program, but until we find enough Captains for the Crime Watch program, we will just use the Web site for keeping people up to date on crime in the neighborhood. At the last HOA meeting, someone is also trying to organize a walking group-which would also be fun for our neighbors.



By KH

Welcome

I would also like to welcome you to the neighborhood. I myself have lived in the neighborhood for 3 years by myself and now I have added a husband and 2 dogs.:)
It wasn't until about 4 or 5 months ago that I actually got to experience some issues with some of our young men in the neighborhood. I have found that it helps to share what you have seen with your neighbors to make people aware and then also to report anything that is illegal or damaging to your property to the police. Personally all the neighbors that surround us are fantastic and friendly and we all watch out for each other's property when we are traveling. I think you will find that this neighborhood will be a great match for you and your son. I appreciate your willingness to come into our community to help solve an issue. I hope that you find this community a great place for you and your family even if it is only temporary.

By ACH