The other day I wrote a column titled Westside Story – You Don’t Get A 2nd Chance To Make A 1st Impression. The article included one of my photos pictorially describing what I was writing about related to an unkempt looking property. I have included a duplicate photo below for reference.
One of the comments connected to my column was written by a brave and confident individual who occupies some of the rental space in the complex. She stated that while my column brought an element of embarrassment, she was happy that I had drawn attention to the condition of the property. She or her employer pay rent for some of the space in the complex.
With great courage and foresight on her part, she bravely sent a copy of my published column to the owner and property manager of the complex.
She later reported that within two hours after having sent the Westside Story, the manager had a crew on site solving the appearance problem. She was extremely pleased with the new look, and so am I. In fact, I am so glad I made a special site visit to see for myself.
One of my favorite life management practices, which I call the 2-C Rule, is recognizing that while it is easy to Complain about the negatives in life, one should also expend an equal amount of time and effort Complimenting related to the positives in life.
My 2-C Rule puts me in high gear to write a second column regarding the good news at the Custer Professional Center.
Check out the updated look in my photo below.
When I wrote my column, one of my readers called me the “Grass Police,” which is his right based on our free speech rights. While at first, I felt terrible at being called the Grass Police, I feel favorable now, because the owner / manager of the property turned out to be extremely responsible and fast acting in terms of problem-solving. The manager is to be complimented. A lot of property owners / managers would have done nothing and hung their hat on name calling by calling me the Grass Police. I wonder if I can get a badge that says, “Grass Police.”
Lakewood is a better city thanks to the positive and constructive response from the rental occupant and the management of Custer Professional Center.
How about encouraging the city to remove the graffiti that’s on the electrical panel.
Marty,
Good idea. I will do it as soon as I get my MyLakewood311 system set up again.
Joseph Boyle
A little acetone and a scrub rag plus elbow grease will remove that spray can grafitti. Graffitti police not required.
Way to go, Joe. And never take name calling to the heart – it falls back on those who do it. That your article prompted positive change is the best reward a writer could get. Keep it coming!
Good work Joe. Many of us live in neighborhoods that have attractive and well kept front yards, except for one or two. How do we tell a few of our neighbors that they need to do better? What is a reasonable approach that will bring improvement without demeaning anyone? Interesting problem.
Report them to the grass police.
Good idea! Joe, with your people skills and tact, would you be interested in adopting my street? You could do it as a drive by. There is a free lunch at Harbor Lights in it for you, including Uber both ways.
Mr. King, I am willing to accept your challenge, followed by an article, followed by sending a copy to the owner of record. Perhaps the property owner can be motivated to stop punishing your neighborhood with a hoarder tenant. All I can do is try. Joseph Boyle
Thanks Joe!
I pass by there frequently and have wondered if some of the offices are vacant. The property looked almost abandoned except for the Althea’s signage. The action taken as a result of your article is a big improvement and there were small bushes there, who knew.
chance–change
Good for you, Joe! This job could keep you very busy and out and about in the “hood.”ss
Thank you Joe. I appreciate your offer to adopt my street. If you survive, it means cocktails, lobster, steak and Uber at Harbor Lights.
The house on 47th and 108th is boarded and things from the home thrown all around and nobody does anything homeless and scavengers rummaging all through the belongings and no one says or does anything!?!?