Yesterday, I attended a meeting of the Lumberton Planning and Zoning Committee. The person that petitioned the committee had a very nasty disposition; especially since she continually claimed that she only had a few more years of living. The post is not about that meeting but to encounter someone that has a problem with an order of things is indicative of Lumberton. The problem she was having was not very difficult but she made it difficult because she did not want to take the proper steps for resolution. Instead, she wanted to rely on the word of Johnny Buckley and forget about the comprehensive plan that was in place. The situation is also proof that those that are in charge are not taking the time to read over the guidelines of the city. The matter was very minor. They, in essence, made a mountain out of a mole hill. But I have said time and time again, there’s a disconnect between reading and comprehension. There’s all this talk about the things I post in this blog but unlike others, I have read the comprehensive plan several times. For instance, one member of the committee went on and on about what was not permitted in a specific zone, thinking it applied to the area that was being discussed. Afterwards, I told him that the area was zoned agricultural residential and that allowed for other provisions. The elected officials and the citizens of Lumberton that want to continue to view this city with well placed blinders can continue to try and dissuade me from posting the things I say but until they realize I am more of an asset than a liability. Until they get off their high horses and stop festering in their sea of hurt feelings, they will not see the forest for the trees.
Now, for today’s post. As you know, we are about to enter the Easter weekend. For a lot of people, it’s about the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, but for a large portion of Lumberton, it’s about the Day in the Park. The original idea of the post was to be about the picture posted above. That is “the trap” or maybe it should be called “the blind side.” It seems that most police officers have a problem addressing the unsavory element that dwells in that specific area. From what I can tell, it’s easy to see from most directions but apparently, most of our police officers don’t have the ability to look to their left when turning into Frank Lee Homes or look directly in front of them when traveling towards the intersection of North 10th Street and Myrick Avenue. Maybe it’s a logistical issue. I can see where it would be difficult to get to those in that area because once the police stop; the people generally scatter and return once the police exit the scene. I think the property manger need to be more proactive in ensuring the peaceful enjoyment of those that actually reside in the area. There are steps being taken to add surveillance cameras on the property and there’s talk that a couple of LEO’s (Law Enforcement Officers) are moving onto the property. That should be helpful. The truly sad matter is that most of the disruptive behavior is coming from those that do not reside in the area. Generally, those that reside in Frank Lee Homes are respectful of others. For instance, the other week, there was a party and I am sure there were well over 30 people in attendance, but no one was disturbed. But in a more than too familiar situation, there can be 4 or 5 guys (probably in their late teens or early twenties) hanging out on the corner and they’re making more noise than a bag of marbles being pulled in a wagon on a gravel road. Keep in mind, there’s an empty field that is not close to the living areas of others, but apparently they want to be where they can be heard. I cannot blame all this disruption on the property manager and the police, I also blame the residents. I don’t understand how you can pay to live in an area and don’t care that your yards are being used as gambling rings, dumping grounds and noise sessions. I guess it’s the no snitching mantra that’s in place. Then again, how much can a person value their dwelling if they’re paying $20 in rent? I am almost certain that if most were not living off someone else, receiving a utility check and actually had to pay for that spot; they would be more interested in making sure they can peacefully enjoy their dwelling. I think some positive changes will be coming at the first of next month; hopefully, the disruptive elements will find other avenues of expressing their angst. And please don’t give me that there’s nothing for them to do crap. Boredom does not equate disrespect.
This weekend, the Lumberton Police Department will host the Day in the Park in an effort to give the children something to enjoy over the weekend. If anyone would like to donate their time, services or talents to the event, they are encouraged to do so. Please note: the police department is not collecting donations for the Easter Egg Hunt, so if anyone approaches you about giving a donation, contact the police department. Hopefully, the event will be successful. I actually thought of setting up a dunking booth to raise money for another event but the change in weather made me change my mind. Maybe I will do it at the Dianne Bennett Memorial Breast Cancer Awareness Walk. Let me get with Rachel Jefferson to see if people would be interested in trying to dunk the Lumberton Informer. I’m letting you know, talk is cheap but the cost for throwing a ball to sink me in a dunking booth is not. Please be safe this weekend!
Yesterday, I attended a meeting of the Lumberton Planning and Zoning Committee. The person that petitioned the committee had a very nasty disposition; especially since she continually claimed that she only had a few more years of living. The post is not about that meeting but to encounter someone that has a problem with an order of things is indicative of Lumberton. The problem she was having was not very difficult but she made it difficult because she did not want to take the proper steps for resolution. Instead, she wanted to rely on the word of Johnny Buckley and forget about the comprehensive plan that was in place. The situation is also proof that those that are in charge are not taking the time to read over the guidelines of the city. The matter was very minor. They, in essence, made a mountain out of a mole hill. But I have said time and time again, there’s a disconnect between reading and comprehension. There’s all this talk about the things I post in this blog but unlike others, I have read the comprehensive plan several times. For instance, one member of the committee went on and on about what was not permitted in a specific zone, thinking it applied to the area that was being discussed. Afterwards, I told him that the area was zoned agricultural residential and that allowed for other provisions. The elected officials and the citizens of Lumberton that want to continue to view this city with well placed blinders can continue to try and dissuade me from posting the things I say but until they realize I am more of an asset than a liability. Until they get off their high horses and stop festering in their sea of hurt feelings, they will not see the forest for the trees.
Now, for today’s post. As you know, we are about to enter the Easter weekend. For a lot of people, it’s about the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, but for a large portion of Lumberton, it’s about the Day in the Park. The original idea of the post was to be about the picture posted above. That is “the trap” or maybe it should be called “the blind side.” It seems that most police officers have a problem addressing the unsavory element that dwells in that specific area. From what I can tell, it’s easy to see from most directions but apparently, most of our police officers don’t have the ability to look to their left when turning into Frank Lee Homes or look directly in front of them when traveling towards the intersection of North 10th Street and Myrick Avenue. Maybe it’s a logistical issue. I can see where it would be difficult to get to those in that area because once the police stop; the people generally scatter and return once the police exit the scene. I think the property manger need to be more proactive in ensuring the peaceful enjoyment of those that actually reside in the area. There are steps being taken to add surveillance cameras on the property and there’s talk that a couple of LEO’s (Law Enforcement Officers) are moving onto the property. That should be helpful. The truly sad matter is that most of the disruptive behavior is coming from those that do not reside in the area. Generally, those that reside in Frank Lee Homes are respectful of others. For instance, the other week, there was a party and I am sure there were well over 30 people in attendance, but no one was disturbed. But in a more than too familiar situation, there can be 4 or 5 guys (probably in their late teens or early twenties) hanging out on the corner and they’re making more noise than a bag of marbles being pulled in a wagon on a gravel road. Keep in mind, there’s an empty field that is not close to the living areas of others, but apparently they want to be where they can be heard. I cannot blame all this disruption on the property manager and the police, I also blame the residents. I don’t understand how you can pay to live in an area and don’t care that your yards are being used as gambling rings, dumping grounds and noise sessions. I guess it’s the no snitching mantra that’s in place. Then again, how much can a person value their dwelling if they’re paying $20 in rent? I am almost certain that if most were not living off someone else, receiving a utility check and actually had to pay for that spot; they would be more interested in making sure they can peacefully enjoy their dwelling. I think some positive changes will be coming at the first of next month; hopefully, the disruptive elements will find other avenues of expressing their angst. And please don’t give me that there’s nothing for them to do crap. Boredom does not equate disrespect.
This weekend, the Lumberton Police Department will host the Day in the Park in an effort to give the children something to enjoy over the weekend. If anyone would like to donate their time, services or talents to the event, they are encouraged to do so. Please note: the police department is not collecting donations for the Easter Egg Hunt, so if anyone approaches you about giving a donation, contact the police department. Hopefully, the event will be successful. I actually thought of setting up a dunking booth to raise money for another event but the change in weather made me change my mind. Maybe I will do it at the Dianne Bennett Memorial Breast Cancer Awareness Walk. Let me get with Rachel Jefferson to see if people would be interested in trying to dunk the Lumberton Informer. I’m letting you know, talk is cheap but the cost for throwing a ball to sink me in a dunking booth is not. Please be safe this weekend!
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