PRESIDENT’S CORNER
Working together, playing together
2013-February
by Kyle Jensen, MHA President
As we roll through the remainder of winter and push to improve in 2013, I am reminded of the importance of each one of us, individually and collectively. I want to stress the importance of a healthy community of volunteers and neighbors that work together to communicate, serve, and steer our neighborhood into the future. We live in the best neighborhood in Fort Worth. We have great opportunities as individuals but even greater opportunities as a collective group.
Homeowners in the northeast corner of the neighborhood have been working to protect the area from a group of people who appeared to be homeless, but who are actually a group of gypsies or urban campers. This group was posing a number of safety issues, including littering, theft, fires, graffiti, and a number of other possible violations. It is important to help these individuals continue their journeys. These are some of the ways we can do that: Homes in the area need to increase their communication—report, report, report—report laws that are being broken and work with city officials. Law enforcement will in turn address the violations with frequent stops, citations, apprehend if necessary, and increase their patrols. It takes time and persistence but this is a great example of the value of working together as a group to address a problem. What can you do to help? Keep your valued items locked up, leave extra lights on, do not be afraid to contact the police, and keep an eye out. Do your part by calling 817.335.4222 to report violations. Look for public intoxication, indecent exposure, littering, loitering, open fires, and/or aggressive behavior. You may call the Homelessness Program Director, Otis Thornton, at 817.392.7552; he can begin the Code compliance process. He can also give these individuals information about shelters in the area.
On a lighter note: Are you aware of the importance of your neighborhood association? The purpose of this association is to enhance the livability of your neighborhood and to establish and maintain an open line of communication with the neighborhood, government agencies, police, and other neighborhoods. We are here for you. Attend meetings and get involved!
We have plenty of items on our books for discussion this month and given year. I would like to meet you and introduce you to the talented team of officers. Look us up:
• On the back of your newsletter (drop us an email)
• Our webpage www.mistletoeheights.org/contact
• Our Facebook chat room www.facebook.com/group/mhneighbors
• Our next members meeting (February 19 @ 7 p.m.)
Join us as we make an effort to clean up our neighborhood and improve the quality of life for all those that live here.