What do you want?

By Win Emmons IV

March 28, 2009 8:03 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

Carol, this was a cool read. Do you know what happened? Why didn’t any of these plans move forward?

This week is an especially good time to consider our goals for East Waco as new restaurants and housing come alive on Waco’s square.

By Carol Dugat

April 1, 2009 7:16 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

Win, The simple answer to your question, as far as I can see is, nothing happened. I’m not sure why.

You say this week is an especially good time to consider our goals for EW. How would you propose we do that?

I would be interested in hearing whether people like this plan and if they would like to see it put in place. Do you think any changes should be made?

By mikey

April 3, 2009 12:26 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

Hey, I’m back after being toasted like bread, fried like a chicken, and butchered like a beef at the packing house. Cancer is tough, but the Good Lord is tougher, we’re fighting together on this thing. I read over the plan and was amazed at the progress that could have been made. It’s been almost 7 years now and what has happened? Very little that I can see. Poor Dr. Jackson, it seems as if the plan died with her. In her memory this plan needs to be resurrected What happened to my friend Fred? I have not run across him lately.

By Carol Dugat

April 4, 2009 9:11 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

Mikey, you’re back! What a pleasant surprise. I was thinking of you the other day, wondering how your bout with cancer turned out. Welcome back.

The plan was definitely side-lined, but it’s not dead and if it’s what people want - it can happen. EW is now on the radar of the city council, the Greater Waco Chamber and of course, the African American Chamber. It’s a good time for collaboration and forward thinking. It’s a good time to participate in things like 1000friendsofwaco.com. Check them out and let me know what you think.

By Arce

April 5, 2009 8:31 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

Carol, welcome back yourself. It seems like ages since I have seen a post. This plan is encouraging to me. There are some things that I think need to be added, like a venue for music and arts, such as jazz/blues, and perhaps an outdoor venue for summer sessions. Please keep this in front of our current mayor and council. RC

By imil delorosa

April 5, 2009 8:39 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

Ms Dugat-

If Mae Jackson had lived, I believe this design plan, wouldn’t have been, “Shelved”.

Ms Dugat, The main problem with any ambitions to improve East Waco, “FUNDING”. Who wants to spend money improving East Waco. Most of the big money people in Waco, won’t give their money voluntarily. So this leaves East Waco in the governments hands. Money spent on any projects, would have to come through Public funding. Usually when the government solicits these funds from Uncle Sam, they use them for projects they deem more economically important, to the overall improvement of Waco- rarely do they think in single use terms like “East Waco Improvements”.

The majority of big money in this area, won’t put their hard earned money into imporving East Waco. Because it only benefits, “The Blacks”; Its sad, but its true. And what little profits these big money people would make from stores in the area, would be meaningless- These big money people want Recognition. They want the world to know they done something good, and these people wouldn’t receive the same recognition, helping the black community as they would- giving a big money donation, to open a “Baylor Bear youth camp building”, etc….

Ms Dugat- The only way East Waco will improve, is for blacks to start doing what blacks in Dallas Texas and the surrounding big cities done- These folks “Marched”, their way to change. Blacks in this community are too docile-meaning their too quick to run from a good fight- In Dallas- Blacks up their would have staged protest in front of city hall, until city hall got off its behind and done something-

See- Larry Groth and Virgina Dupoy- are too comfortable. Blacks in this area, don’t make them wiggle in their seat. They don’t make the mayor and city manager, Uncomfortable.

The Blacks in this area must, like the blacks in Dallas, must become so radical in their beliefs for their communities- they make city manager and mayor, Scared to do anything that doesn’t include, East Waco.

Just like this recent situation with the Dallas Cop pulling over the NFL Player- Those blacks up their had that Dallas Chief of Police Shaking in his boots, and made him disown his own police officer- This is the way the blacks in this city must become in order to scare change into East Waco-

I got more to say……….

By imil delorosa

April 5, 2009 9:00 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

Here is my 2 cents again-

Blacks in this area, don’t educate themselves. We have the schools- Mcc is giving us more opportunities to get educated; The University Center there,is awesome. The more educated the blacks around here become, the more they will learn and know about processes, and procedures in place that they could use to pressure this city into changing. Barack Obama is no idiot- neither is Michelle Obama- two black educated lawyers.

Imagine have 20 black lawyers in this city and 100’s of black engineers, 100’s of black accountants and economist- this is what big cities have… And just imagine this city with hundreds of educated black people, with college degrees hanging on their walls-

An education is important.

So far, it seems like more whites in this area, are taking advantage of an education here, than blacks. And this is wrong. When young blacks in this area, do decide to go to college, They want to move as far away as possible to go to school; and even worse, when they finish, they move to a big city and wont think of returning to their hometown. This leaves these uneducated black oldtimers here, to fend for themselves against this educated white man…… Because the white man will use his education against the blacks here. And will annihilate the blacks because they just don’t know….. Knowledge is Power.

And don’t dare say- well they just can’t afford it- They can afford a Cadillac- a brand new Escalade- a new living room suit- but they can’t go to school.

Even in a two income household- husband and wife- the husband or wife needs to sacrifice to let one spouse go to school and the other work. and then when the one graduates- at least there is one educated person in the family-

By Carol Dugat

April 5, 2009 11:25 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

Imil, I agree that education is a gateway to success and the statistics do reflect that we lag behind in education. Personally, I think that our energies would be far better spent marching to school to educate ourselves rather than marching on city hall to force them to do something. I’ve been to a number of meetings on the east and west side of the river - change is coming to EW. I believe if you’re interested in a piece of the action, come to the work table with your best ideas, your best manners, your best investment and a willingness to collaborate. Opportunity is knocking.

By michael

April 6, 2009 8:05 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

East Waco lost one of its finest institutions when Paul Quinn College moved to Dallas. That’s when the marches, sit-ins, and demonstrations, should have taken place. But no, nobody either side of the river reared up. The East side was apathetic and sniffled a little. The West side couldn’t wait to see them go so they could exploit the property. All sides lost. The real losers are the thousands of children who are now adults who could have had a quality college education in their own backyards. How about Baylor, MCC, or TSTC building a satellite campus in East Waco? Instead of the Escalade, fancy wheels and bling, march those fancy shoes or get a fancy bicycle and go to school and get an education. My dad rode a mule 8 miles to school every day just to graduate high school, his senior year the school district received surplus buses from the goverment. He said it was like riding a spaceship to school now. He didn’t make it to college though. He was drafted into the Army right after graduation, WWII then started. He sent home and saved the majority of his Army pay so he could go into business when he got home. Even though he was very successful in business he regretted the rest of his life not going to college.

By James

April 6, 2009 2:00 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

Prayers answered. Welcome back Mikey

By mikey

April 6, 2009 7:05 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

An exert from Ted Nugents column: “Observe how the Obama media machine and soulless liberal media jumped on Rush Limbaugh’s comments that he “wanted Obama to fail.” Anyone with a half a brain knows Rush wants only this: for America to succeed and for anti-American policies to fail. To leave no doubt where I, your humble Motor City guitarslinger, stands, let me report without ambiguity, that I get down on bended knee daily and pray to God that he does what he can to ensure President Obama fails”. Ted Nugent

And Waco Trib. allows this man to have a guest column in their newspaper? I support his right to say these things. I spent 8 years in the service helping to insure him of his right of freedom of speech. But I also learned that I must obey the orders of the President of the United States and respect him no matter who he or she is, what race or color he or she may be, or if I like the man or woman or not. I must respect and honor my President because he represents the people and was elected by the people. This man Ted Nugent was not. What a great nation we live in. We can disagree without killing each other. You go, Mr. President. I will fight straight to hell for you and my country (Again). I may have my share of health problems but Nugent lit a fire under my butt and rattled the wrong cage.

By imil delorosa

April 7, 2009 6:13 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

HALF THE PEOPLE WITH WACO TRIB- SUPPORT TED NUGENT AND THEY ARE AGAINST OBAMA-

WACO- IS AN OVERWHELMINGLY CHRISTIAN-REPUBLICAN CONSERVATIVE TOWN-

BLACKS AREN’T THAT IMPORTANT HERE.

SO NATURALLY A BLACK PRESIDENT RUFFLES A FEW FEATHERS IN THIS TOWN AND THEY DEFINITELY RUFFLE THE FEATHERS OF MOST WACO TRIB EDITORS-

THIS IS WHY TED NUGENT IS ALLOWED TO POST HIS FRUSTRATIONS TOWARDS A BLACK PRESIDENT-

By mikey

April 8, 2009 6:41 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

City Manager Larry Groth said that Elm Street redevelopment is a priority but that the city should be careful about installing infrastructure there until it knows what kind of private development is going in. For example, he said curbs and gutters on Bridge Street would be a waste of money if a developer chose to create a pedestrian plaza there instead of a conventional street.

Mr. No-Groth; You in so many words told EW to get your butts in back of the bus where you belong. WacoTrib, why did you not report about the 2 1/2 million dollars for housing and community development? I got this from KCEN-9. When the Berlin wall was demolished I think it was rebuilt straight up and down the length of MLK/Lake Brazos Blvd. Come on folks, lets rip the back door of the bus off, throw it in coconut Sanchez’s office. We hear about so many good things for East Waco, but look on the ground—-nothing but dirt.

By James

April 8, 2009 10:21 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

I asked Larry Groth about some projects including curbs and gutters in EW and based on his reply, I feel the City has established a low priority system when it comes to the area. I have seen many massive projects started and is now completed in other areas of Waco in the last couple of years, especially on Lake Shore Drive and that area. The EW curb, gutter and sewer project at MLK Dr. and I35 (across from the electrical substation)is well over 2 years old now and 2 of the 3 lanes when travelling toward Franklin St. are still blocked with safety cones as of today.

By mikey

April 8, 2009 10:50 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

Yup,Yup,Yup, thats where all them rich white folks live, When I see how the city treats East Waco I am ashamed to be white even though I am a native son. Downtown Waco is like the Phoenix rising from the ashes. Cross the bridge and you may as well be in a third-world country. imel delorosa makes more sense everyday. Should we extend an invitation to President Obama to tour the area and intervene? I would love to see Mr. President bop No-Groth upside the head and see the First Lady show up DuPuy.

By Carol Dugat

April 9, 2009 5:42 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

Mikey, thanks for sharing your thoughts. The Trib has provided an opportunity for us to freely share our viewpoints, yet “before you comment, please take a few moments to make sure that what you’re saying is civil and respectful. No personal attacks, insults, name-calling, impersonations or generally hateful comments will be tolerated as they don’t make for a pleasant (or productive) conversation”.

That being said, I encourage each of you to attend the monthly roundtable discussion focusing on Greater Downtown Waco.

This monthly meeting series includes updates from various stakeholders working in the Greater Downtown Area including: the City of Waco, the Downtown Merchants Association, the Public Improvement District and the Greater Waco Chamber’s Urban Development Program among others.

Please mark your calendar for the upcoming 1000 Friends of Waco Monthly Roundtable Discussion on Greater Downtown Waco at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 15 in the Chamber’s Cooper Room at 101 S. Third St.

To become a friend, go to www.1000friendsofwaco.com.

By Dutchess

April 14, 2009 9:40 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

Back to Mae…. I wish KWTX would make a DVD of her “Minority Forum ” episodes and for that matter , Marvel Russel, Harley Berg and Ten Acres…. Mae was always so cool and had interesting ideas that could benefit everyone and asked good questions. I met her years ago at a party when my mom worked for the congressman ,Marvin Leath . It was great that I got to meet her.

By Visions in Waco?

April 15, 2009 9:26 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

In the mail yesterday, I received The City of Waco Annual Report and Financial Review for 2008 entitled Visions-Yesterday. Today. Tomorrow. and it was noted that the booklet was created by your city staff-copyright 2009. People, please have a close look at this booklet….EW?

By mikey

April 17, 2009 2:27 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

Visions in Waco huh, I saw that. You mean visions in White, excuse me I meant West Waco, South Waco, (way to go Alice) and even a token or two thrown at North Waco. East Waco gets a new fire station, then zilch, nada, nothing. Oh mercy me, I forgot. The Elm St. corridor is included in the “downtown overlay” Would you start a business there with 10 million rules, regulations, and restrictions? Even the aerial photography shows Waco WEST of the Brazos River. Come on folks, lets go to the back of the bus where we belong(again). Respect and civil on this blog huh? Pleasant and productive conversation huh? Why? The other side of the river spits on us every chance it gets.

By Bishop Frank A. Rush

April 18, 2009 9:55 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

Proud graduate of AJMoore class of 1970. Lived in E Waco-1105 Turner St-and still have many family and friends there. 30 yrs as an Atty and 22yrs as a Pastor. Proud to be a Wacoan. Got my start, support and continued nurturing there. Time for many of us-like me- tolovingly give back.

By Carol Dugat

April 18, 2009 1:07 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

Bishop, congratulations on your success. EW was indeed a great place to grow up. Tell me, what does lovingly give back look like to you?

Many people don’t believe that EW is going to be developed, but they are wrong. It is going to happen and we are going to have an opportunity to voice our opinion about what we would like EW to look like. So I encourage you, along with present and former residents of EW to really give some thought to what the ‘must haves’ are for you in EW. The new EW will be a blending of cultures. How do we ensure that our culture is not lost in the mix?

By mikey

April 19, 2009 9:11 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

One man handed me a documentary Obama DVD by the conspiracy guru Alex Jones, so I’ll soon know the shocking truth about our commander-in-chief. (Hitler youth? Space alien?)—JB Smith on his blog “Our Man Downtown”.

Does this surprise anyone but me? Does not the Tribs visitor agreement state clearly (in bold letters) no personal attacks, insults, no name calling? See it above. Now anyone who has read my entries knows that I am one of the worst violators of this policy. But, this man is talking about our President. Is he being comparing President Obama to Hitler Youth and Space Aliens because he is black? Herr Smith, old Adolph smiles up at you.

By mikey

April 19, 2009 9:19 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

Sorry Carol, I know that the last entry did not have anything to do with East Waco. BUT, it does have to do with how some persons on the West side of the river view blacks and along with the Ted Nugent column I am seeing racial overtones in the Waco Tribune Herald. I say boycott the paper until a full page apology is printed. Man, I stepped in it this time didnt I? Go ahead TribStaff delete me again.

By thelma

April 20, 2009 6:28 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

Mikey-

I’ll be straight with you. I reported your comment that got deleted. Not because you were saying awful things about the white establishment, though you’ve had plenty of inflammatory comments. But because you made some horrible racist comments that don’t contribute anything to the discussion. I can’t stand Ted Nugent either, I don’t like him being in the trib. But that doesn’t mean I can go around bashing others, especially those trying to build up the community.

So FYI- I may not have been the only one to report you, but I was one of them.

By mikey

April 20, 2009 8:34 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

So THEE establishment and hierarchy in Waco will continue to suppress minorities and the economically-disadvantaged and be allowed to get away with it. Did I expect any less? For your information Thelma, I am white. I was raised in a black community and I identify with my black friends more than my other friends. I am sick and tired of seeing the very people who helped raise me being stepped on like they were some king of bugs. I was a child during the 60’s I witnessed myself the struggle for equal rights. I saw my Father cry when Dr. King was assassinated. It seems as if East Waco has taken a giant leap backwards. Talk, talk, talk, promises, promises, promises, nothing more. Lets get back to the original discussion, I am tired and weary of argueing with people who will not stand up for themselves.

By mikey

April 22, 2009 4:00 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

From JB Smiths article on the Waco City Council Meeting April 21. The Waco City Council approved a $4 million contract for Cameron Park renovations Tuesday, telling residents who have concerns about the plan that the details aren’t yet set in stone. The contract with Barsh Construction was about $2 million less than originally budgeted for the project, funded by the 2007 bond election. The remainder will be used to fund other priorities listed in the $20 million Cameron Park master plan.

20 million dollar “master plan” for Cameron Park huh? “Massuh” did not even approve 20 cents for East Waco. No bond election here. See what I’m belly-achin about? Can anyone tell me different?

By calm down mikey

April 28, 2009 3:31 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

I think somewhere in the neighborhood of $3 million in improvements from the same bond election are underway in Cameron Park East, now known as Brazos Park East. Additionally work is underway on the Washington street bridge, a primary connection between downtown and East Waco to renovate the bridge and turn it from 1 way to 2 way, to the tune of $5 million.

educate yourself, you sound silly otherwise.

By Waco Resident

April 29, 2009 9:22 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

Calm Down,

Your point on the Washington bridge and the Cameron Park East fundings don’t matter as much as you act like they do when one realizes that neither of those projects even cross over MLK Drive. For that reason, I believe it is a huge stretch to try to claim those are East Waco projects.

By mikey

April 29, 2009 5:02 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

Brazos Park East? The most use of BPE is to hold the dragboat races for the “giter done” rebel flag waving crowd. The main reason East Waco residents go there is to fish. I suppose the Washington Ave. bridge reconstruction has its merits. It was a funky looking bridge within several hundred feet of the Convention Center, City Hall, and the Chamber of Commerce. Make no mistake about it, it wasnt refurbished for the betterment of East Waco. Like “Waco Resident” said, neither one of these projects cross MLK. If you want good questions to ask, ask these. 1. How many building permits have been issued in the area bordering MLK, Waco Dr., South Loop Dr., and I-35 within the past 24 months? 2. How many buildings in that same area were red or green tagged in the last 24 months? 3. How many demolition permits were issued in that same area in the last 24 months? 4. How much money from CDBG funds or any other funds have been spent in that area? What were those projects? 5. If every bridge on the Brazos river were to suddenly fall down, where would East Waco children go to school? All this would be very interesting information. You really want to see a bridge that needs re-building? Check out the railroad bridge between Franklin and I-35. Education and silliness, Boy has East Waco been through that accusation many a time. Truth is, some of the most educated people in Waco reside in East Waco. Talk to some of the former Professors and Students of Paul Quinn College. Amazing!

By imil delorosa

May 2, 2009 4:02 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

hey folks-

let me show you how much money is out there- THIS IS PRESIDENT OBAMA’S NEW STIMULUS PLAN- FOR IMPOVERISHED AREAS. THIS IS THE MONEY AVAILABLE FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO HELP COMBAT POVERTY- ITS NOT A LOT WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT IT- BUT- WHEN YOU CONSIDER, THIS IS MONEY BEING ADDED TO EXISTING BUDGETS, IT ACTUALLY GIVES US SOME HOPE.

• a $20 billion increase for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, as well as funding for food banks and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and children.

• The Act also provides for $2 billion in new Neighborhood Stabilization Funds to help maintain ailing neighborhoods and $1.5 billion in Homelessness Prevention Funds to keep people in their homes or rapidly rehouse them *(((((( The Act increases funding for the Community Services Block Grant by $1 billion))))))));

• The Act increases the Weatherization Assistance Program by $5 billion to help low income families save on their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient;

• The Act increases job training funds for those who need them most, with $3.95 billion in additional funding for the Workforce Investment system, which will support green job training, summer jobs for young people, and other opportunities;

• The Act provides increased income support, including an increase of $25 per week for Unemployment Insurance recipients and incentives for states to expand unemployment insurance eligibility, as well as an extra $250 payment to Social Security and Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries and new resources for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program;

By imil delorosa

May 2, 2009 4:23 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

Here is my point-

NO ONE, IS GOING TO HAND US A SOLUTION FOR OUR NEIGHBORHOOD-

WE HAVE TO COME UP WITH THE SOLUTIONS ON OUR OWN- BUT- THIS IS MONEY THATS AVAILABLE TO DO IT- IF WE FIND WAYS TO EXPOLIT IT-

LIKE FOR INSTANCE- THERE IS A SECTION IN THE AMERICAN REINVESTMENT AND RECOVERY ACT- FOR A THINGS LIKE- “GREEN JOB TRAINING” WEATHERIZATION PROGRAMS FOR MAKE HOUSES MORE ENEGRY EFFICIENT,

AN INCREASE IN WELFARE SPENDING FOR POOR FAMILIES- ETC………..

1 BILLION DOLLARS MORE IN THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANTS-

- ANY WHITE MAN, KNOWING GOVERNMENT MONEY IS AVAILABLE, WOULD GO GET TRAINING TO GET SOME OF THIS MONEY, OR THEY WOULD FIND A WAY TO GET SOME GREEN MONEY- EAST WACO RESIDENTS, SHOULD TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS , “GREEN BOOM”-

LIKE WEATHERIZING A HOUSE? HOW HARD IS IT TO LEARN TO WEATHERIZE A HOUSE? FIX A ROOF? SEAL A WINDOW? APPLY RUBBER SEAL AROUND A DOOR?

BLACK HANDYMEN IN THIS AREA CAN DO THIS-

AND IF THE WELFARE BENEFITS ARE TO BE INCREASED- WHY LET HEB AND WALMART CASH IN ON ALL OF THIS- BLACK FOLKS CAN’T SOLICIT WELFARE DOLLARS TO BUSINESSES GEARED AT CHILDREN, AND INFANTS-

WELFARE DOLLARS STILL SPEND- THEIR STILL COMING INTO THE ECONOMY-

AND WELFARE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WAS NOT DESIGNED TO SUSTAIN LAZY PEOPLE- ITS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE, UNTIL THEY CAN GET OFF THEIR BEHINDS AND WORK- NOT KEEP HAVING KIDS SO THEY CAN GET MORE WELFARE- AND ITS BLACK FOLKS THAT SHOULD TAKE THE CHARGE AGAINST THIS CRAP- LAZY BLACK WOMEN JUST COLLECTING AND NOT TRYING TO DO ANYTHING WITH THEY LIVES, BUT SUPPORT SOME LAZY-AS@!!! THUGGED OUT NEGRO THAT HATE THE POLICE- AND THAT HUMP EM ALL DAY-

EVEN MY BLACK BEHIND DON’T LIKE THIS-

MY POINT IS, ITS TIME FOR US TO START OPENING BUSINESSES AND TRYING TO DO SOMETHING MORE, THAN TALK ABOUT WHAT WE NEED TO DO-

“WE HAVE TWO WORKING CLASS BLACK PEOPLE IN THE WHITE HOUSE.”

WE HAVE NO MORE EXCUSES…………WE CAN DO IT-

By imil delorosa

May 2, 2009 4:38 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

AND ONE OTHER THING-

THE PRESIDENT- “INCREASED AND ADDED TO”, EXISTING BUDGETS. IN SHORT, THERE IS NOW MORE MONEY IN THESE BUDGETS TO HELP THE POOR AREAS-

I TOOK IT UPON MYSELF TO WRITE CHET EDWARDS AND NANCY PELOSI- SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE- TO SEE IF I COULD RAISE THE ISSUE OF ACCOUNTABILITY, ON OUR LOCAL GOVERNMENT SPENDING. I WANT TO KNOW WHAT OUR CITY, HAS BEEN DOING WITH ANY GOVERNMENT MONEY, SUPPOSEDLY SOLICITED FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO IMPOVERISHED AREAS-

THE CITY OF WACO EVERY YEARS HAS FILED TO OBTAIN MONEY FROM HUD- “THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANTS”-

AND ACCORDING TO HUD REQUIREMENTS, THE GOVERNMENTS IN QUESTION ARE SUPPOSE TO BE USING THIS MONEY FOR THE HIGHEST IMPACTED AREAS- NOW MY QUESTION, COMES DOWN TO DEFINITION- HOW DO YOU DEFINE, “HIGH IMPACT AREAS”. IS IT DUE TO HIGH CRIME IN THE AREA?? HIGH UNEMPLOYMENT? “LOW INCOMES” ETC…………

AND IS THE CITY GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBLE FOR DEFINING HIGH IMPACT ZONES?

NOW- I WANT TO GET AN INVESTIGATION STARTED, BY HUD- AN SOLICIT THEM INTO THIS AREA, TO SEE IF THE MONEY, OUR LOCAL GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN SOLICITING, IS BEING USED, ACCORDING TO THE HUD LISTED GUIDELINES.

RAPPAPORT ACADEMY/PAUL QUINN CAMPUS, MAY BE MEETING THESE GUIDELINES TO A POINT- AND IF THEY HAVE OUT THEIR RULERS AND CALCULATORS IN CITY HALL- UNDOUBTEDLY THEY MAY BE MEETING THE GUIDELINES, TO A SMALL EXTENT- WHAT ARE THEY DOING WITH THE REST OF THE MONEY IS MY QUESTION-

ANYWAY WRITE TO CONGRESSMEN AND REPRESENTATIVES- BLACK FOLKS HAVE THIS RIGHT AS WELL. AND LETS GET SOME GOVERNMENT SNOOPS IN THIS AREA- AND LET THEM START SNOOPING AROUND CITY HALL-

I AM GOING TO MAKE PHONE CALLS MYSELF-

By mikey

May 2, 2009 9:52 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

imil delorosa; Excellent job on your homework. I am interested in the expenditures and accountability of the CDBG funds also. City of Waco will have to do a real tap dance explaining that one. Example of locals doing a pretty good job of taking ownership of their neighborhood shows in South Waco. Many homes have been nicely remodeled, re-painted, and additions added on due to the sweat of the residents of the community. Long time residents and immigrants legal or illegal are taking pride in their community, just ride down some streets south of the railroad tracks and marvel at the workmanship on some of these properties. Not everyone is on the bandwagon but it is definitely on the upswing. This can happen in East Waco also. Another interesting investigation would be why does other parts of Waco receive the bulk of Habitat for Humanity homes? I see many of them with numerous nice vehicles parked in the front yard complete with the big rims, paint jobs, and fancy trim. Whats up with that?

By imil delorosa

May 3, 2009 4:46 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

The way you build East Waco up- THERE HAS TO BE A HIGH DEGREE OF ENTREPRENUARSHIP-

WE TALK ABOUT GOALS-

WELL- YOU CAN SET YOUR GOALS IN CATEGORIES-

VISUAL- HOW DO YOU WANT EAST WACO TO LOOK? RECREATIONAL- WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO IN EAST WACO

ECONOMY- THIS HAS TO BE DEFINED IN TERMS OF BOTH INCOME, BUSINESS AND EDUCATION/TRAINING MARKETING, INFASTRUCTURE- Y OU CAN’T JUST SAY, WE NEED THE ECONOMY TO GROW- THERE IS AN INTERDEPENDENCE HERE THAT NO ONE IS TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION-

WE WANT BUSINESS TO COME TO EAST WACO, BUT THE QUESTION IS, WHERE WE GOING TO PUT THEM- MAJOR INDUSTRIAL COMPLEXES NEED ROOM TO EXPAND, AND HAVE TO BE ABLE TO SUPPORT INCREASED TRAFFIC-

THIS IS WHY LARRY GROTH ,”NEM”, ARE MOVING STUFF, FURTHER SOUTH OF WACO- BECAUSE THERE IS PLENTY OF ROOM TO EXPAND AND GROW- THERE IS PLENTY OF TRAFFIC IN THE AREA- MULTIPLE ROUTES FOR BIG TRUCKS TO FOLLOW- AND THE HIGHWAY HUB- RIGHT IN THIS AREA- MULTIPLE WAYS LEADING OUT OF WACO- RIGHT IN ONE SPOT-

NOW THERE WOULD BE SEVERAL NOOKS AND CRANNYS WHERE WE COULD STICK AN INDUSTRIAL PLANT OR TWO INTO, BUT FOR THE MOST PART- EAST WACO LACKS THE ROOM TO BUILD AND GROW; AND ZONING IS ANOTHER FACTOR- INDUSTRY CAN’T JUST GO UP ANYWHERE HERE. MOST OF OUR ZONING RESTRICTS IT. SO WE WOULD HAVE TO REZONE.

THE NEXT ISSUE IS, ONCE THE INDUSTRY GOES UP- WHAT TYPE OF WORKERS WILL THEY NEED? SKILLED OR UNSKILLED? THERE ARE A FEW POSITIONS THAT COULD BE FILLED BY UNSKILLED WORKERS, BUT THEY WOULD STILL NEED SKILLED WORKERS- OFFICE, MACHINE OPERATORS,MANAGERS,MAINTENANCE PEOPLE, ETC…..

DOES EAST WACO OFFER THEM THIS POOL OF SKILLED WORKERS, OR WILL THE PLANT BE FORCED TO HIRE ACROSS THE AISLES, AS USUAL TO FIND SKILLED WORKERS?- “AKA- WHITE FOLKS” AND US, “MEXICANS”.

IF THEY DO THIS, HOW WILL THIS BENEFIT EAST WACO? ONLY ONE WAY- RESIDUAL SHOPS-

EAST WACO RESIDENTS WOULD HAVE TO SET UP SHOPS AROUND THE INDUSTRIAL PLANT, WHICH COULD, “SIPHON” OFF SOME OF THE TRAFFIC GOING TO THE PLANT- THE MAIN BUSINESS THAT WOULD DO GOOD- RESTAURANTS, GAS STATIONS, CHECK CASHING PLACE, LOCAL DELIVERY DRIVERS-ETC……..

THE ONLY THING EAST WACO CAN SUPPORT IN ABUNDANCE RIGHT NOW, “IS SHOPS”.

AND THE ONLY WAY THOSE SHOPS, CAN GROW THE ECONOMY, IS IF THE SHOPS THAT CAN ATTRACT A LARGE CROWD OF YOUNG PEOPLE.

ANYTIME WE PUT A CLUB IN WACO FOR THE YOUTH- THEY OVERFLOW THE CLUB- AND THE CLUBS GENERALLY DO REAL WELL- UNLESS THE FOOLS START SHOOTING AND CLOSE IT UP….. BUT YOUTH DOLLARS- 18-25 CROWD IS THE KEY TO GROWTH-

(I’LL GET BACK TO YOU)

By mikey

May 5, 2009 1:55 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse

Did I get this straight? The City and Baylor want to do a $350,000 study to include an area from 18th St. to Paul Quinn? Lord give us strength. I would love to see so many residents of East Waco march across the suspension bridge for that meeting that it would bow down from the weight.