Several years ago, after endless discussion and I dare say conflict, this body approved a site plan for the ever Notorious School Avenue Project. Although approved, the project is yet to be even started. The buildings remaining on the site are evidently unsecured and frequented by underworld figures of various description.

This attractive nuisance has alarmed the homeowners who live nearby.

They have petitioned the government to “DO SOMETHING” about the situation. In response to the neighborhood pleas a visit to the perimeter of the offending property was arranged. I was invited to join the expedition.

There were seven of us, eight if you include the underworld figure who hung around in the distance waiting for us to leave so he could go back “home” somewhere within the ruins. There were three from the neighborhood, two from the City Staff, two from the property owner and the guy who hangs out in there. The owner himself did not attend.

I certainly thought there was ample evidence from what we could see that the property was being frequented by persons up to no good. If what you are doing is OK, you do it in Payne Park, not hiding in the weeds where no one can see you. Some day we will follow circling buzzards to a body in there. Will the city act then?

As it is, the owner's man hinted that we were really “trespassing”. One of the City folk said there really isn't anything the City can do. The City can't do anything? Is that so?

Then NEVER, NEVER approve any other projects without including a remedial procedure, in the permit, to deal with such a situation should the project fail to be started and completed on schedule. And enforce it!