Lower Beaver Neighborhood Association

My Thoughts...

Jul 31, 2006

I?’ve lived in this area essentially my entire life, and it?’s been interesting to see that although some things haven?’t changed much, other things have changed tremendously. A lot of the neighbors are still the same, but there are also a great many new faces. One positive thing I experienced from the Sawyer?’s Landing project is that I met a lot of my neighbors that I probably otherwise wouldn?’t have.

We seemed to have a real sense of unity, and although not everything went the way most would have preferred, we did display the power to affect some real changes. I?’d like to see more of that and personally encourage everyone to take an active role in our community and develop the strong neighborhood with the powerful voice that I know we can be. National Night Out is coming August 1, so please join us, grab a bite to eat, play some games, and engage in some good conversation with your neighbors!

We?’re also seeing a great deal of interest and cooperation from both Polk County and the City to provide things such as the Trestle to Trestle bike trail that is targeted for completion soon. The County has also been very generous with providing funds for clean-up along the east side of MLK. Though not yet completed, the area looks much better and will provide a nice backdrop for the bike trail.

As you can see, there is a lot going on in and around our neighborhood. I?’m sure there is more, and as we network and become a stronger neighborhood, these things will come to light. I have tons of questions and concerns, and I?’m betting I?’m not alone ?— Hy-Vee is suggesting a possible move from its current MLK location. How are the Tai Dam progressing with their plans for a cultural center? What is the latest with the Sawyer?’s Landing development?

Hopefully, some of these issues will be addressed in greater detail in this very newsletter. Awareness is the first step to being able to get involved and have an impact on the things that affect us closet to home.

?— Lesley Lynde