Office of the Neighborhood Liaison of the City of Valparaiso

I think I know why we have such a small turn out at our association meetings. Why would anyone want to attend when our ''neighbors'' are so quick to turn us in to the city for anything.

Recently, I and several other members of this association were turned into the city for various violations, at least according to the city. I will bet none of us were contacted prior to being turned in to. There is no better way to create disharmony in our neighborhood than this type of behavior.

It breeds contempt, and more importantly it breeds apathy. I dont plan to look out for my neighbors or this neighborhood if this type of behavior continues. Not to mention you are wasting my taxpayer dollars doing this! Talk to your neighbors! Dont turn them in!

 

I think I know why we have such a small turn out at our association meetings. Why would anyone want to attend when our ''neighbors'' are so quick to turn us in to the city for anything.

Recently, I and several other members of this association were turned into the city for various violations, at least according to the city. I will bet none of us were contacted prior to being turned in to. There is no better way to create disharmony in our neighborhood than this type of behavior.

It breeds contempt, and more importantly it breeds apathy. I dont plan to look out for my neighbors or this neighborhood if this type of behavior continues. Not to mention you are wasting my taxpayer dollars doing this! Talk to your neighbors! Dont turn them in!

The association provides homeowners with considerable information about city ordinances through its newsletters. What homeowners choose to do with that information is up to them.  If a neighbor decides to contact the city regarding an ordinance violation, the association has no control over that action. 

This has nothing to do with OUR association; so don't know why it shows up on our site. 

 

I do know, that at times, people around here, though, have also complained about city codes and even laws; but, our association has nothing to do with this either.  I would think if someone doesn't like what's on the books, it would be better to contact whoever is responsible for writing or editing, rather than avoid meetings.  BTW, laws and codes are written for all citizens to get along in harmony and with respect; if one doesn't like something and won't do anything about changing, I would wonder why.

 

The economy has changed SO much; many having to work extra hours and jobs just to get by and have no real free time for even finding out current codes and laws.  We try to be as lenient as possible with anything causing undue hardship; we don't even require all neighbors to belong and pay dues!

 

In this day and age, many in this neighborhood find meetings too formal and slow-acting; emails or telephone far better and easier...and faster getting results and answers.

While I'm sure contacting a person about a needed repair or violation of city codes would be better, it would be best if the person in violation would acually take care of it first and not have anything for another to get upset about.  Still, I know there are extenuating circumctances why one cannot comply..like money...or inability to climb ladders, etc.

 

I wonder, would you actually be nice if someone came to you first...or tell them off as you have here?  Would you even bother to comply if it was something you could do..and maybe just didn't know about this new code or that something was in violation?

 

If your neighborhood or neighbors are anything like mine, it would be a waste of time..and cause probably violence and harassment if they would go to that neighbor first.  Even houses ready to fall down, with boarded up windws and doors hanging open, broken glass and beer bottles and garbage all around, tree limbs sitting for months, gutters hanging, etc., etc. don't get fixed..or even the attention of necessary people...to even make these properties safe for curious kids who could get hurt.  Many neighbors think these properties should be left alone by the City.

 

Vacant, abandoned homes get occupied by all kind of people...again, okay with many neighbors..but not with those who truly care about their homes.

 

I can't even get the police to investigate, let alone do anything about a pimp and drug dealer whose Sundays look like a BK drive-through with distributing drugs, alcohol, and sexual favors by visiting "servicers".  Customers are in and out (other than for sex) in a matter of 5-10 min. while others often wait in running vehicle.  Number of cars on any given Sunday is between 30 and 100..and customers...well over 300!  This has been going for 30 years..the last 11 of which I have personally observed (although, it HAS gone from every night to only one day a week, most weeks).

 

Needless to say, these are customers who, when out of money and drugs, look for someone or someplace to rob...or when high, look for a fight or a rape potential...maybe next door, but maybe across town..no one or place is immune from this all! 

 

I'd say, don't complain so much about code violations; at least you have a chance to defend yourself and maybe get some kind of relief.  Around here we have little-to-none EXCEPT the Association..and even then, without the polcie really caring!