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A D V E R T I S E M E N T
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T
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Praise for “Swingin’ ”
To the editor: I just wanted to take a minute to thank Jeff Prince and the rest of you for such a great article regarding the long-time treatment of the East Side (“The East Side Comes Out Swingin’,” March 26, 2008), as well as articles in the past. After moving to Texas from Pennsylvania, I spent 12 years in Arlington and a few more in Plano before moving to the East Side of Fort Worth 10 years ago. It didn’t take long to realize that there was something wrong about the area’s treatment.
City departments allowed constant neglect and a noticeable decline, such as in code enforcement and policing, and the mayor and council turned a blind eye to it. That is when I started learning about city hall and realizing that higher-ups were blocking the resources needed to address the problems. Then I started learning from others that the mindset was, “You just need to realize the part of town you live in.” That was unacceptable! I realized I had to get involved if I wanted to change the many years of history that were killing the neighborhoods of the East Side. I am so grateful to know all of those people whom you mention in the article. I hope you have brought some light to those who are unaware of what the East Side has been up against for many, many years.
Mike Phipps
Fort Worth
To the editor: Thanks so much for the excellent article! I think you accurately described the history and political evolution of Meadowbrook.
I was persuaded six years ago to move from Oak Cliff to Meadowbrook. I was awestruck by this beautiful place — the great houses, wonderful trees, diversity, and eclectic spirit. It reminded me so much of Oak Cliff: rows of cute little brick houses like those on the “M” streets, and the Lancaster warehouse district that could be another Deep Ellum. After witnessing the Oak Cliff real estate spark that became a flame in the late ’90s, I wondered why the same thing was not happening in Meadowbrook. Then I learned about the problems.
The cluster of homeless industries, the languishing businesses, the lowering of standards because “those people on the East Side are used to cars on the lawns.” How sad that this gorgeous little piece of paradise had to endure so much over the years. I thought about leaving. It would be so much easier to pick up and start over somewhere else.
And then something happened last summer. Maybe I like an underdog. Maybe, at age 51, it was finally time to put down some roots — and the roots here do run deep. I’m constantly amazed at the number of families who have lived here for decades or returned to live in their childhood homes after their parents passed on. I decided to stay and to join my neighbors in trying more actively to save this place. (I also own two wonderful rental homes here, so I have a vested interest in improving this part of town.)
I started a website right before Christmas, and I’m slowly rolling it out to friends and neighborhood contacts. (See MeadowbrookToday.com.) I’m naive enough to believe that we can all come together for the common good, no matter which neighborhood association we belong to. The recent gas negotiations proved my point. Last year I was suckered into signing away the mineral rights on my first house for $200 with 20 percent royalties — didn’t know any better and didn’t know who to talk to. This week I’ll sign the paperwork on my second house for a $4,800 bonus and 25.5 percent royalties, all because I got connected and informed.
I’m going to do everything in my limited power to help myself and others turn this ship around. Momentum on the East Side is certainly building. Your article provided much-needed wind in the sails.
Brooke Cooper
Fort Worth
To the editor: Jeff Prince’s “The East Side Comes Out Swingin’” was a near-documentary about East Fort Worth and the folks who want to preserve its historical significance and not allow the gas drilling companies to rearrange the landscape.
Wanda Conlin and her supporters are true pioneers in the effort to challenge and change city practices. With Louis McBee and her other sidekicks, this grand dame of resistance perseveres in her quest to save her part of the city. Since our very own congresswoman, Kay Granger, has roots in East Fort Worth, she should work for what’s best for this area. Granger is a high-ranking Republican woman in Congress, with savvy, influence, and a conscience. Use it!
Yvonne Roth
Fort Worth
Get on Board
To the editor: Eric Griffey’s story, “Carrying Folks to Care,” (March 26, 2008) outlines the problems of a large city with no public transportation system. The fuel that powers the resistance to public transit is the question of taxpayer funding. No one dares to say publicly that Arlington wants to keep crime at a minimum and cater only to the more affluent. Without public transportation, you limit the choices for those with a small amount of resources. You also create a demographic group with a myopic mindset that’s afraid public transit might “ghettoize” the communities it serves. The excuse that “I won’t ride it so I’m not going to pay for it” is valid only for those with ample resources. Arlington should get on board for a transit system available to all citizens, regardless of race, color, or income level.
Ethyl Brown
Fort Worth
Correction
In a story on public art in Fort Worth (“Garage Art,” April 2, 2008), the neighborhood of the firefighters’ memorial was misidentified. It is on the South Side. Also, the project consultant on the Fort Worth Convention Center’s new parking facility, architect Brent Byers of Jacobs Facilities Inc., should have been credited. Fort Worth Weekly regrets the error and the omission.
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