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Post by Marc LeVine on Feb 19, 2007 10:33:16 GMT -5
I was just emailed by a member of PEOPLE asking me to begin a thread on a topic I publicly discussed at a recent council meeting. During public comments, I talked about "raising the bar" for code enforcement in Freehold Borough to help restore community pride in our neighborhoods. As a primer on this topic all this I recommended an excellent book, "Broken Windows, Broken Business, " by Michael Levine (not a relative). In the book, Levine explains how Mayor Rudolph Guiliani began his clean up of NYC. He started small. He began by riding the streets of annoying "Squeegee" (window) Washers. This tiny action eventually lead up to, among many other things, the turn around of 42nd Street and an overall reduction in crime throughout the City. Levine, tells us that leaving a single "broken window" in a neighborhood for more than a few days, can eventually lead to that neighborhood's ultimate decline. Neglectful behaviors are contagious and tolerating lower quality of life standards causes them to be more easily accepted and widespread. Listen to Michael Levine talking about this point, in his own words: www.brokenwindows.com/broken03/flvplayer.htmlAfter listening to this brief overview, let's discuss (Mike) Levine's concept in Freehold Borough terms. Marc |
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Post by admin on Feb 19, 2007 13:53:31 GMT -5
This topic is a very good one for us to look at. I knew immediately what Marc was speaking of when he mentioned this at council. I have always paid a bit of attention to NYC and what was happening up there because my wife works in Manhattan. My wife saw first hand what Rudy accomplished with the measures that came out of the "Broken Windows"concept.
Times square was taken from the drug dealers, pimps, and hookers and given to Disney. Absolutely a good thing. If that can happen there, then it is reasonable for us to expect no less here in Freehold Borough.
Make no mistake, it was not easy on RG. He took a great deal of heat from the usual riff raff. In the end, it was all worth it.
How does it apply here in freehold? Who are are squeegee men? Where are our broken windows? Who are the usual suspects that will defend that behavior? All of those elements are here. But so are the good people who can reasonably expect a certain level of standards to be applied. Evenly and fairly.
I hope that some of you will chime in here and offer your opinions and suggestions. My company uses these practices as well, and I can say they work well.
I once read that if you keep a neat house, visitors will ask if they should take their shoes off, or if it is all right to smoke. They will not ask about those things if you maintain a pig sty. This principal applies at the local, municipal level as well.
What say you, readers?
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Feb 19, 2007 15:10:27 GMT -5
1- How does it apply here in freehold?
Know any corporate sponsors? You need a "BiG Anchor Project" for a long term downtown revitalization. A few new restaurants will not offer a long term fix (unless it's a Hard Rock and an Indian Native American Casino.
2- Who are are squeegee men?
Walk along Throckmorton!
3 - Where are our broken windows?
How about most of the Rental Properties
4 - Who are the usual suspects that will defend that behavior?
I'll let you guess, I'll give you two letters to pick from "F&F"
All of those elements are here. But so are the good people who can reasonably expect a certain level of standards to be applied. Evenly and fairly.
The ACLU Fought for the rights of the "squeegee" People, claiming they had a right to work, freedom of speech etc...and were are they today? All moved to LA or Miami, or SF? You can postulate that if there were 15 Million "Squeegeers" they'd be on every street corner today...protesting "A Day Without Squeegees"!
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Post by Marc LeVine on Feb 19, 2007 16:18:12 GMT -5
Rudy Guiliani is a bastard to some, but I absolutely adore the son of a pregnant dog!
Marc
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Post by Marc LeVine on Feb 19, 2007 16:40:33 GMT -5
Here's how Rudy feels about illegal immigration. I agree with much (but not all) of what he says. But, I would have to add in more about "paying back the system" and stiffening internal controls to deal with illegal employment and controlling various types of fraud associated with illegal immigration. I'm surprised he hasn't addressed some of these critical components for reform.
Finally, Rudy (and others should realize that when you take away the unfair advantages that illegal immigrants have over citizens and permanant residents, you allow the system (itself) to help control the problem - A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD is all that is needed to keep illegal immigration in check.
Earning $8.00 -$10 per hour, less taxes (w/ contributory health benefits) and living in a $1500 per month apartment that is not overcrowded, is the best way to "Americanize" illegal immigrants real fast!
The system offers no breaks. And when it rarely does - Americans FIRST.
Marc
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HANNITY: How do you feel about the borders? It's one of our most important security issues. There's talk about building a fence all across the border with Mexico. Do you support that? Do you support amnesty? Do you support guest worker?
GIULIANI: I support security at the borders. I think security is enormously important in the post-September 11th period. I think we have to know who's coming into this country. We have to be able to identify them; we have to be able to figure out who they are.
I do think that, with the fence -- the fence honestly has to be a technological fence. The head of my party, the new head, Mel Martinez, who is a senator from Florida, a great guy, he was being interviewed about four or five months ago, and they asked him about a fence. Do you support a fence? Do you think a fence should be put up?
He said, sure, you could put up a fence, if you want, except the only people that will put it up will be the illegal immigrants. Nobody else will be building that fence.
And I thought what the point that Mel was making was, we need a technological fence. We need to be able to photograph people, observe them, see them, know who's there, record them.
And then I think there has to be regularization for the people that are here. There's got to be a program to regularize the people that are here, as you establish security at the border.
And I would add to many of the proposals, because there are a number of them in the House, the Senate, and the president has put forward. I would add to that, at the end of the road, if somebody's going to earn citizenship, with whatever other hurdles are put in the way, at the end of the road they should be able to speak English, they should be able to read English, they should have some knowledge of American history, particularly if you're going to regularize somebody who is in an undocumented status.
HANNITY: Does that mean amnesty, though? I mean, does that...
GIULIANI: It doesn't mean amnesty. It means earning it. It means -- here's the experience -- I said I learned a lot from being mayor of New York City. As mayor of New York City, we had a tremendous amount of crime. We did a survey. We figured out there were about 400,000 illegal or undocumented immigrants in New York City.
The immigration service deported 1,500 a year. That was the most they could ever deport, 2,000 a year. So I figured out I had 398,000. Now, the question was: How do you handle that? What do you do with it?
And then, when we would catch drug dealers and criminals, when we'd turn them over to the Immigration and Naturalization Service, and I'd say, you know, put them at the head of the line. Let's get rid of these drug dealers and criminals first. And they were dealing with, you know, somebody's maid and somebody who maybe was teaching at a college and just didn't have the right papers, or somebody who was working in a restaurant and -- well, that's all an issue. But the drug dealers, and the criminals, and now the terrorists are an issue.
And if you have a law that isn't working, and you have thousands and thousands and millions of people, then the terrorists hide among them. And we have to have a law that makes sense.
And that's why I think you've got to come up here with a solution that says: much more security at the border; register people, document them; have English at the end of the line; but then have a system to regularize people, as well.
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Post by admin on Feb 20, 2007 5:52:04 GMT -5
Geo, you are on track. I think a few will agree with the think big idea. I actually disagree with lifting of height restrictions. How about ED some apartment complexes and put the garage there?
I hate ED, but.......
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Post by LS on Feb 20, 2007 9:16:35 GMT -5
Geo, you are on track. I think a few will agree with the think big idea. I actually disagree with lifting of height restrictions. How about ED some apartment complexes and put the garage there? I hate ED, but....... Eminent Domain? You better organize a fund raiser. Or do you think FB keeps a few million dollars lying around to simply take people's property (does it make a difference whether you take a man's home or his business)? Why didn't FB do this with the Bartleson House then? Brian and Geo want to THINK BIG, big taxes that is. I forgot who called you a libertarian fake, but ... |
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Feb 20, 2007 12:41:43 GMT -5
Geo, you are on track. I think a few will agree with the think big idea. I actually disagree with lifting of height restrictions. How about ED some apartment complexes and put the garage there? I hate ED, but....... I Agree with "Big Anchor", not sure if GIANT office complex is the sole solution, as traffic patterns need to be reviewed, roads and street access too needs to be studied and there will be adjustment, stree widening etc... needed. I am not too sure we need to be a "Commercial Center", how would you define Commercial? More law offices and resturaunts? Banks and Brokerage Houses'? ANY NEW CONSTRUCTION...The Council needs to pass a resolution making certain that nay new construction needs maintain the communities historical aesthetic attributes, ie Victorian-Empire-Colonial. This should applied to all residential and commercial construction within a perimeter of downtown. |
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leelye
Junior Member
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Post by leelye on Feb 20, 2007 13:46:42 GMT -5
Marc,
My favorite neighbors have had a broken attic window for over two years. I have yet to see the issue addressed.
Leelye
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Post by admin on Feb 20, 2007 16:45:33 GMT -5
Geo, you are on track. I think a few will agree with the think big idea. I actually disagree with lifting of height restrictions. How about ED some apartment complexes and put the garage there? I hate ED, but....... Eminent Domain? You better organize a fund raiser. Or do you think FB keeps a few million dollars lying around to simply take people's property (does it make a difference whether you take a man's home or his business)? Why didn't FB do this with the Bartleson House then? Brian and Geo want to THINK BIG, big taxes that is. I forgot who called you a libertarian fake, but ... LS, You know that I despise eminent domain. My previous post was more to stir it up a little. I really can not except any eminent domain until I see some common sense injected into it. What is happening in Long Branch and the recent Supreme Court decisions are very scary to me. This country and this state are in dire need for property rights protections for owners. I thought the Constitution was enough, but get enough lawyers and politicians involved, and I am wrong. |
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Post by admin on Feb 20, 2007 16:49:52 GMT -5
And LS, it was John Galt who called me a fake Libertarian.
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Post by admin on Feb 20, 2007 21:58:27 GMT -5
I like this thread. Geo and Fiber are doing well taking things in the direction of big anchors. I am going to go in the opposite direction.
Remember, Rudy started small. Squeegee men and turnstile jumpers. That concept does not have to apply just to law enforcement.
Details. The little details. Nice brick walks, as opposed to concrete. the cigarette receptacles and sandwich boards in front of the stores. Streets lined with flower pots. Crews keeping the walks clean. The entertainment gazebo. The signs pointing to shops. The pocket parks.
I know these things are small and are not the big anchors that will matter, but they count. Do not forget the little things. They do add up.
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Feb 20, 2007 23:28:22 GMT -5
"the cigarette receptacles "How about Banning Cigarettes from Main Street or with 50 feet of out side dinning!!! I've seen folks light up while seated at street side dinning....tisk, tisk...!!!  
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Feb 20, 2007 23:44:25 GMT -5
"Remember, Rudy started small. Squeegee men and turnstile jumpers. That concept does not have to apply just to law enforcement".
My point with Bikes on the sidewalk,you need to start with the small nuisance crimes, this was the hallmark of the cleaning up of NYC.
Fact was, those who perpetrate nuisance crimes, where found to have outstanding warrants, so slowly you sweep the crap off the street!
I don't think this Boro could stomach this step!
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Post by admin on Feb 21, 2007 5:54:20 GMT -5
"the cigarette receptacles "How about Banning Cigarettes from Main Street or with 50 feet of out side dinning!!! I've seen folks light up while seated at street side dinning....tisk, tisk...!!! The receptacles are only as good as the smokers who use them. Many smokers are rude and disgusting. I hate seeing people throw their butts on the ground. Banning smokers from out side dining would put them right in the middle of Main Street. They will need to wear safety vests. |
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Post by LS on Feb 22, 2007 11:15:03 GMT -5
Little things mean alot. Once people start taking pride in their appearances, it is contagious.
So, I wonder, why isn't code enforcement out there after snow storms making sure that sidewalks are cleared. You know, it is usually those same houses that have garbage on their lawns, don't rake their leaves, and don't cut their grass often.
We shouldn't have to wiat for warm weather to completely melt everything in order to use sidewalks.
I hope that when it snows, a little alarm goes off in code enforcements' heads that says, wait a day and then check the sidewalks. But that did not seem to happen in this last snowfall.
Broken windows, high grass, snowfilled sidewalks, garbage and litter on lawns - there is no excuse for this behaviour from our residents - legal or illegal, and there is no excuse for code enforcement not picking up on these things.
Of course, having said this, who knows if a citation has been issued by code enforcement, but one would assume that after the ticket has been issued, the problem would have been corrected...
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Post by Marc LeVine on Feb 22, 2007 12:19:42 GMT -5
The rare ice storm that hit, last week, turned snow into a slippery "cement," literally, in minutes. I have to admit that I was also guilty of not getting to my own sidewalks cleared, in time, and noticed this to be the case in many spots around town.
Yes, we are ALL responsible for our own sidewalks and - at least -I apologize for not setting a better example his time around. No one brought this to my atention, but I'm bringing it to yours.
But, to the point that ice storms like that one are so rare (according to Sam Champion!). I suppose, in order to not come off as a police state, people were given a pass on this one. We must address future, though.
Now, I hear that two similar storms are coming - one tonight and another on Sunday night. I plan to be a little more ready at home...err..or, at least, preparing to send my son out there a tad earlier (since I have medical restrictions on heavy shovelling).
LS, you are right about the rest of the issues that need attention (for curb appeal) and I promise to address this some more with Hank Stryker and Job Bellina, as part of the new energetic initiative on property maintenance springing from the rental property report. We have a meeting set for early next week
As the committee noted in their report, staffing levels in code enforcement are a concern of the committee. We're looking into that right now.
Marc
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Post by Marc LeVine on Feb 22, 2007 12:34:05 GMT -5
LS:
I just left word with Joe Bellina and Hank Stryker that we need to discuss the icy sidewalk issue, immediately and the remainder at next weeks C.E. meeting. Let's hear what they have to say about going forward.
LS, thank you for being an outstanding resident in bringing these points to our attention. I'll report back on the matter as soon as I can.
That's why I LOVE this board. Would you have called me on this one or just sat home and stewed? Better this way.
Regards,
Marc
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Post by Marc LeVine on Feb 22, 2007 15:48:41 GMT -5
Re: Icy Sidewalks
OK. I am told that we'll do better next time, because this one was an odd set of circumstances. The snow/ice hit and we normally give the situation 24 hours before we get going on issuing violations. Unfortunately, that took us to the holiday weekend (Presidents Day).
In short, Joe, Hank and I know this was a concern and more attention will be paid next time. I will monitor this.
Marc
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Post by LS on Feb 22, 2007 16:07:56 GMT -5
my point was that it was like this yesterday. Today the warm weather continued and the rain probably got rid of the remaining ice and snow.
Hopefully it will snow tonight into tomorrow so that this could be a busy weekend for code enforcement. (insert evil laugh)
Not to defend myself, but when it snows or rains, and the sidewalks aren't cleared, people resort to walking in the street, which is hazardous.
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Post by Freehold Resident on Feb 22, 2007 16:33:22 GMT -5
Oh god....give me a break. Does anything make you happy??  FR |
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Post by Marc LeVine on Feb 22, 2007 16:38:20 GMT -5
And then we'll find out if you are a Libyan Sybil or a Delphic Sybil. Was that you in my HS art history class? I couldn't tell because I slept through it! Marc |
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Post by Marc LeVine on Feb 22, 2007 16:44:52 GMT -5
Freehold Resident: Watch yourself. I just used my cellphone to snap this picture of Sibyl in front of your house!  |
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Post by Marc LeVine on Feb 22, 2007 16:52:19 GMT -5
Earlier today...outside of Borough Hall...  Those Sibyl are nasty, spiteful little creatures! Marc |
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Post by admin on Feb 22, 2007 16:55:52 GMT -5
Little things mean alto. Once people start taking pride in their appearances, it is contagious. So, I wonder, why isn't code enforcement out there after snow storms making sure that sidewalks are cleared. You know, it is usually those same houses that have garbage on their lawns, don't rake their leaves, and don't cut their grass often. We shouldn't have to Wait for warm weather to completely melt everything in order to use sidewalks. I hope that when it snows, a little alarm goes off in code enforcements' heads that says, wait a day and then check the sidewalks. But that did not seem to happen in this last snowfall. Broken windows, high grass, snowfilled sidewalks, garbage and litter on lawns - there is no excuse for this behavior from our residents - legal or illegal, and there is no excuse for code enforcement not picking up on these things. Of course, having said this, who knows if a citation has been issued by code enforcement, but one would assume that after the ticket has been issued, the problem would have been corrected... Sybil, your first line says it all. That is the point of details. Show some pride and potential homeowners will want to be here. businesses will see hope and want to capitalize on that. I am not pointing fingers a municipal employees in our town, but this is where they do come in. This ties in with the poor choice of word "Deputize" in the RAB recommendations. I hope the Borough has protocol and training in place so that the public servants are proactive in the details. The municipal workers are among the first line in these issues-before code enforcement. With good practices, the municipal workers can do a great deal of good. On a more light sided note, the ice and snow was hell on me. I shoveled out a nice parking spot after the plows came, thinking I was safe. Wrong. The plow came back and plowed me in again. I did not catch it in time, so all that snow put my truck in a block of ice. When I finally chipped it out, I found out that my truck had crapped out. I had to call a wrecker and have some repair work done. That was my week.  |
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Post by Marc LeVine on Feb 22, 2007 18:03:30 GMT -5
And...here is how Brian spent his day... ...Freehold Borough Thanks Him!  Marc |
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Post by Marc LeVine on Feb 22, 2007 18:08:38 GMT -5
Look what Freehold Resident's dog did today's APP Letter to the Editor... Bad boy!!  |
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