The good, the bad, the ugly -- a visit to Union & Weld/Kenilworth


Thoroughly exhausted from my move. Much to write about and no time or energy. But thought I'd post this, a reflection on my return visit yesterday to Union and Weld/Kenilworth...

Thoroughly exhausted from my move. Much to write about and no time or energy. But thought I'd post this, a reflection on my return visit yesterday to Union and Weld/Kenilworth...

The good: I hear from residents that, while they have observed occasional drug deals, the constant, brazen, open air dealing that was going on when I first started working on the issues remains under control, thanks to ongoing police efforts (and I hope efforts on the part of other neighbors).

The bad: The prostitute we know as "Dee" was on the corner when I arrived, returning my friend JM and stopping for a visit with my former downstairs neighbor. Dee is a constant fixture. She glared at me. Though it is hard to tell when she is glaring as her face is often fixed in a glare.

The ugly: My absence from the corner is obvious from the weeds that have exploded in the patch I gardened last year, and in the front where I had kept the shrubbery and the volunteer baby maples under control. The day lilies I planted are hidden and appear to be dying in the overgrowth. Of course, the patches along each side of the front walk that I had dug up, intending to plant flowers, have long since been taken over by weeds.

The really ugly: Shortly before I moved, the wooden siding on the back side of the building was torn off. I understand this was with the intent to put up new siding, to conform to Rochester's anti-lead laws. It was done just in time for the July 1 deadline -- all projects had to be begun by then. Deadline passed, and nothing else has been done.

How long that side will stay that way, who knows?

Here’s the irony: my former landlord has been fighting efforts to increase low to moderate income housing in the area. She wants to “upgrade the neighborhood.” Somehow people with moderate to higher incomes are supposed to be enticed to live there.

Seems to me upgrading the neighborhood should start with making that building on Union and Kenilworth dazzle with new siding and decent landscaping. The building looks like hell. Who in their right minds with a decent income would purchase a home anywhere near a blight like that?

Posted: Fri - July 21, 2006 at 02:48 PM          

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