Well, Mr. Stone isn’t the only one with an automotive repair shop next door. We’ve been complaining for six months about impact wrenches going all the time, cars on block stands, cars being dropped off by tow trucks, parts delivery and lots of tires and old parts stacked on the side of his house. I was patient at first because of our economy. Auto mechanic loses his job and wants to make a few bucks. I understand this, but enough is enough. When you’re this busy… rent a shop.
I was recently advised to contact city council members as to this matter and then maybe even proceed to a city council meeting for an “open mic” chance to vent my frustration. Maybe we should go together.
Anne Hicks
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Where to begin – from the confusing title to the equally-confusing letter (perhaps I would need to see Mr. Stone’s letter for context). So the title (I don’t know whether the Dispatch or Ms. Hicks wrote it) implies that the automotive repair shop is blighted, and that City Hall (read Kelley, Leckness, and Ury) is ignoring it somehow. Well, from the letter it appears that Ms. Hicks hasn’t even raised the issue with the Council or City Hall yet, so it’s weak to claim that they’re ignoring it. It’s also dangerous to throw around charged words like “blight” (ask Larry Gilbert because he knows its proper usage). I’m also confused as to whether the repair shop is a commercial building or a residence. If it’s a commercial building, the owner is entitled to pursue his trade – that’s called capitalism. If it’s a residence, then there could be some improper commercial activity going on. If that’s the case, I wholeheartedly support Ms. Nicks’ efforts to stop it. Unfortunately, this looks like another of the Dispatch’s attacks on the sitting Council majority, as the letter lacks context and sufficient information to even determine Ms. Hicks’ real complaint.
[Editor's Note: Mr. Stone's letter is posted adjacent to and below Ms. Hick's letter, so perhaps Mr. Woodard overlooked it. The word "blight" is not being used in the context of redevelopment, so its conversational meaning is appropriate in the headline to Ms. Hick's description. Mr. Stone and Ms. Hicks both clearly describe the problem as being at residences in their neighborhoods, not business locations. Ms. Hick's complaint seems plain on its face.]
Good point Editor on the Stone letter. He does say it’s happening in a residence. However, as with Ms. Hicks, he doesn’t say that he has raised the issue with City staff. I know all the NIMBYs in this city expect them to be all-knowing, but lets at least give them the benefit of the doubt and inform them of the problem before we denounce them yet again.