BEGGING IN THE STREETS?

     At the DA on Friday, Avis Blank spoke about people in or near her association going door to door begging for food and/or money. Yes, right here in the Village. You know, when the issue of the homeless in Sheffield O and I am sure elsewhere in the Village, arose, I wrote, half seriously, about what was next - assigning spots on the four corners intersection for the begging? Mass produced I am hungry signs?
     Well, the begging is here and what does that mean and what to do? First of all, understand that this bodes no good for the security and welfare of the Village. To be clear, I am not a Grinch. Gerry and I regularly bring food over to a food pantry, give charity and belong to a synagogue which very quietly takes care of those in need in the congregation and even outside of it. And I am sure that there are many people in the Village who do related work; in fact, I have spoken with quite a number, so we are not without heart here in the Village. In fact, the very best VP we ever had in CV, Phyllis Richland, was heavily involved in finding ways and means, governmental and private help for those who lived in the Village yet suddenly found themselves in need. Marcia Z. informed us about the large remotes - thank you. There is help to be found.
     That was all fine, as these people were owners, residents of the Village who due to economy, due to improved medical knowledge, have found themselves outliving their money and trying to get along on a pittance of Social Security. So we help. But, and that is a big but - it is not a good idea to become known as a full service welfare community for incoming homeless who are given an apartment to rent and who have nothing left over. They have no business renting here and the subsidy they get should be and would be better spent if the rent were lower and there were funds remaining for food and other necessities of life.
     San Francisco, for various reasons, became known as a city friendly to street people, homeless, whether by choice or need. Now they are overwhelmed and do not know what to do. They cannot allow the situation to continue, but the steps to take are far from clear.
     CV has already been publicized now as a place where homeless are granted new life in the form of an apartment. Are we now to become an east coast version of San Francisco and kill ourselves with the struggle to feed, clothe, pay utilities, offer mental and physical health needs, and the list is endless. There are other people, other places, governmental and private, even organizations to which many CV people belong. But, that but again - not here!
     Quite bluntly, many of the people who bought and who live here, especially those all year rounders, bought here to live in a bubble that they could afford. With limited funds this place looked and was great. Affordable units, great amenities, wonderful people (for the most part!), vetted buyers, a safe home and neighborhood so that one could leave a door open, a package in a car, and walk home alone at nite after visiting with a friend. Now, not so much, is it? We begin to think, to worry and quite frankly, that is not why I bought here.
     I, and many others, know our responsibilities as human beings, but also know that in order to do for others, first we must do for ourselves and take care of ourselves. It is not just a simple cure all of a couple of cans a week.That is why we worked so hard, why we struggled to give our kids the best education, be it for professional work, white or blue collar, and why we planned for a future that included a good and safe third act.
     Due to the sloppiness of UCO, or laziness, or blind denial, or veniality or whatever it was, along with the greed of investors and believe you me, that includes many people who live here! we are now in a situation that requires immediate intervention and not a go slow, let's see attitude. Yes, Irwin Levy is becoming active, helping out with a lawyer, but we got ourselves into this mess and need to become more proactive in fixing it. WPRF obviously did not do much for us, especially as they have known for a while and perhaps that means they need to investigate and perhaps make some heads roll, or perhaps it means that we need to part ways with WPRF in the next contract and that is another whole story where again, we are allowing UCO to leave us unprotected, in a state of unreadiness for post Millennium years, but there is nothing wrong in going ahead with plans for a rally by Kelly's development. Why should he be allowed to live in peace when we do not?
    In the meanwhile, wake up!!!! Get active in your association. Get new bylaws written to keep your building safe. Get rid of the crooked officers. Become an officer yourself and do not leave it to others. Speak up at the assemblies. Ask hard questions. Demand answers. Together we can fix this. It has not yet reached the tipping point. And the first step is to get a better UCO, new and fresh blood, people who dare to deny David Israel and Ed Black their every wish. Term limits, folks, term limits, and lots of hard work.