Ditto Thanks Louis

I too want to say thank you to Louis. I have never stated that I knew much about the lives and lifestyles of folks who lived here prior to my arrival twelve years ago. And even then I only know some things. Mostly about the projects undertaken by the NSNA and my wife who is a local and grew up in North Shore. I grew up in Miami.

Louis' postings sounds very accurate. I too wish those two schools were still here today. Sounds like they added alot to the fabric of the Old Northeast. I know that when they announced the closing of North Ward Elementary many of us in North Shore organized to fight it. Folks like Kathleen Ford, my wife and I and many others tried to stop its closing. At that time the school was simply going to be shut down. No mention was being made as to any sort of re-use as a school of any kind. But the School Board had kept the information on the closing a secret so that by the time the public knew anything it was to late to stop it.

But Louis I would have to agree with you 110%. Life was probably much different when you were growing up since that is the period I believe you are relating to (since I do not know your age).

But, anyway, thanks Louis, I learned something from your posting.

By Steven D. Lange

Another Perspective

Perhaps both Greg and Steve have valid and helpful perspectives. I'd like to add mine. I've lived in North Shore, in an area that used to be called The Old Northeast, since January 1982. Residents of the large, diverse community of North Shore are bound by geography, a love of the historic character of the neighborhood, and by economic interest. That is true. But what goes on INTERPERSONALLY between neighbors, between the NSNA Board members, between the Board and the membership of the association, between the NSNA and the City, and between our Association and neighboring associations is critical to the quality of life in our neighborhood and to the efforts of the NSNA.

What goes on interpersonally can be improved and strengthened through many means, from Board members treating each other and the membership with respect and civility even during vehement disagreements; to informative communication through use of this website, the Newsletter, and chats on our front porches: to social gatherings like the recent pool party and the holiday Candlelight Tour of Homes.

When we moved into the Old Northeast, our realtor warned us that we were buying in a ''marginal'' ''less desirable'' area of the neighborhood but in better shape than south of 13th Ave and west of 1st Street. During the time that we've lived here, we've seen our avenue restored and avenues and streets south and west of us improve greatly. Strife and strain can occur when one area of the neighborhood has an issue critical to their quality of life and other areas of the neighborhood are not affected by that issue.

Perhaps that's the bottom-line question here--does the NSNA serve the entire geographic North Shore area without favor or prejudice? Will residents in Granada Terrace be concerned about the southern netherlands of North Shore? That depends on INTERPERSONAL connections, consensus-building (which can't occur without decent interpersoanl relationships), and effective leadership, and a vision of our neighborhood as a whole.