The way I see it, the neighborhood is coming back to us little by little. Some of the riff-raff got bullied out, to take their dealings elsewhere. When they moved, the large groups of kids disappeared with them. I think they got the message that they don't run the neighborhood -- the neighborhood runs itself. We really let them slide for too long -- they should have never gotten the foothold that they were allowed to have. But now we all see that it doesn't have to be like that -- we CAN take a stand, and it makes a difference.
There is much less trafficing within the immediate area than there was 2 months ago -- also less foot traffic and bike traffic, both. As the economy begins to turn around, we will probably see more positive changes -- like the lawns & right-of-ways kept neat by being mowed more regularly. (I have to admit, though: it cost $ for gas for the mower, but costs NOTHING to keep the litter picked up.) The down side is that there may be more vacant houses, lost to forclosures, and we may all need to pitch in to keep those lawns mowed so as to not draw attention to their vacant status. But we'll all do it together -- as a unified neighborhood, looking out for each other.
And with autumn approaching, folks will be putting out the decor for football season and the upcoming individual holidays, chatting back & forth as they decorate, brightening up the yards with the seasonal colors, and putting us all into the harvest spirit. Pumpkins on the porch, garlands of leaves around the shutters, scarecrows sitting on fake bales of hay -- only a month away! And don't roll up our flag after Labor Day -- remember that Columbus Day, Armistice (Veterans) Day and Thanksgiving are all patriotic holidays.
