Department of Neighborhood Services
01/01/06

During the campaign for the Mayor’s office, we talked a lot about “Nurturing the Neighborhoods” – and that’s just what we plan to do.

The heart of this effort will be the staff and resources of the Department of Neighborhood Services. The department’s new administrator, Beverly Johnson, is a seasoned professional with a reputation for efficient organization and effective execution of assigned tasks. She has utilized the Municipal Technical Advisory Service of the University of Tennessee to reorganize and fine tune her responsibilities and the stage is set for a much more successful operation. At the enforcement level, we have the complete backing of both City Judges and the separate environmental docket will be continued.

Neighborhoods are like living organisms with a wide variety of factors contributing to the overall health of the community. Accordingly, expect us to undertake a broad spectrum of large and small measures to “nurture the neighborhoods” rather than depending on one or two major projects. First, we will continue to encourage and support neighborhood organizations – these are the best ways for residents to stay in tune with all that government can offer. Second, we will address deteriorating influences – both physical and societal. Our code enforcement officers will be working in a new team structure which – we believe – will maintain clearer focus on the most essential issues and prevent details from falling through the cracks. Also, we will seek a closer working relationship with police personnel assigned to specific neighborhoods – with improved continuity so that new officers are not having to constantly relearn the details that are important and unique about their territories. Finally, we will be devoting more money to physical improvement of the public infrastructure – particularly to sidewalks.

In the recently adopted capital budget, we have set aside more money than every previously allocated for sidewalk construction. In addition, we are attempting to identify additional funds that might be shifted to make this undertaking even larger. The only negative factor influencing this effort is the unprecedented increase in materials cost due to the Katrina disaster affecting Southern Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. Still, the overall positive effect of our efforts should be very observable and measurable.

We know that traffic speeding through neighborhoods is a major problem in some areas and the lack of public spaces for children and adults affects others. Accordingly, we will be doing more traffic calming where requested and appropriate plus many more programs involving recreation, parks and such.

Finally and simply, let me summarize by wishing everyone a Happy New Year with the absolute assurance that we are taking the necessary steps to make it happen in our neighborhoods.