Thursday, October 2, 2014

7 Reasons to Join the LHENA Housing Task Force

It's nearly that time again. What time, you ask? Task force time. What task force? The LHENA Housing & Development Task Force (LHENAHDTF). Geez, it's almost like you haven't been paying attention.

The next meeting is October 7th, 6:30 p.m., Jefferson School (Media Center), 1200 W 26th Street.

Any old fool can show up, the first Tuesday of every month, and be on the task force. Even I'm on the task force. Our task? To provide LHENA with a future talking point that goes something like this: "Listen, Mr. Developer Guy and/or Corrupt Politician--our task force spent many grueling months/years/decades working on these development guidelines, and look at you, just trampling all over them."

At least, I think that's how it's supposed to work.

But it doesn't have to be that way! I'm tired of being cynical. So, below I've listed some reasons every Lowry Hill East resident should be excited to come out for the Lowry Hill East Housing & Development Task Force (LHENAHDTFMRRDC).
  • It's an opportunity to help formulate development guidelines that may impact the future of the neighborhood.
  • Get to know your neighbors. It might surprise you to learn that many of them probably wish people like you didn't live here.
  • You'll have thought-provoking conversations that--for one evening every month--make you question why you even moved to this neighborhood.
  • Meetings are scheduled for two hours. But if you beg hard enough, you can probably get away after 90 minutes.
  • Take pride in knowing that--best case--your hard work will result in a finished product that is vague and meaningless pablum. Worst case? It will offend your most deeply held moral sensibilities.
  • A lifetime's worth of fun. Literally. There is no known time-frame for the task force to complete its mission. I think they're just waiting for some of us to move to Whittier.
  • Board Member/Task Force Leader Bill usually brings enough candles for the whole group.
Your arguments don't hold a candle to Bill. He holds his own.

Still not convinced to come out for the Lowry Hill East Housing & Development Task Force (LHENAHDTFMRRDCHealyProject.org)? Then you can always send your development-related comments to LHENAHDTF@gmail.com.

Image credit: Tony Webster