The same recently completed fencing that is keeping the gangbangers away from my house is also keeping children at risk of lead poisoning away from possible lead containing paint on my property. I have no children and only allow children in my home when they are properly supervised. Given the lack of any help from the city to solve this problem I doubt if I will be able to accomplish much more- the city has ordered me to paint my home, but doesn't seem to care what happens with the old paint I scrape off.
If the city had funded the replacement of my windows as they had promised through the Hawthorne NRP deferred loan program much of the peeling paint would now be long gone. The fact that our Housing Inspectors would cite a citizen for an appearance issue such as peeling paint and ignore the much more important potential environmental consequences of what happens to that paint is a glaring example of what's wrong with Housing Inspections. As I have observed from 4 decades living and from other list members comments, Housing Inspections seems to concentrate on appearance items that can easily be observed through the windshield of a city car. Unmowed lawns, unlicensed cars, and peeling paint are for the most part not hazards. They may lower property values but it is not the city's responsibility to force citizens to prop up their neighbors property values.
As the recent tragic loss of 3 lives in a Minneapolis duplex fire shows, when it comes to real health and safety items Housing Inspections is asleep at the wheel. Even a rookie firefighter would have caught the lack of a fire escape at that duplex. Housing Inspections has a staff of but 30, an easy number to reassign in our city government. Next we can reassign our city attorneys to prosecuting real criminals instead of crippled old ladies with peeling paint.
As for the peeling paint on my home, I've begun repairs on some of the areas I can reach. Unfortunately with winter coming and the gas company already threatening price increases insulation and weatherproofing are a much higher priority.
hidin' out in Hawthorne,
Dyna Sluyter
List members Allysen Hoberg asked me to forward her response to the Peeling Paint thread. PLEASE READ. While I may be a crank from time to time, she's not. Her message is the most informative one I've read so far regarding the peeling paint controversy.----Peter Schmitz CARAG
Actually, peeling paint is a lead hazard. The chips fall into the soil,
are ground up to dust by wear and tear, and can raise the lead levels of
the surrounding property soil. It is a particular problem on and around
windows and high traffic areas like porches, etc. Hundreds of children
in Minneapolis are poisoned by lead from peeling paint. Even low
exposure to lead paint can be hazardous. Chipping and peeling paint is
not just an aesthetic issue. So, when all of the "law breakers" are
scraping and repainting, please be sure to find lead safe ways to fix
the problem, or you may poison your pets, your children, and yourself.
Lead exposure in children under 6 can lead to ADD, aggression, and other
developmental problems. You can call the city of Minneapolis to find
out some safe ways to fix your homes, or you can call CLEARCorps
(Community Lead Education and Reduction) for more information (612)
872-3287.
Peace, Allysen Hoberg Audobon Park
REMINDERS:
1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list.
2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait.
________________________________
Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy
Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
REMINDERS:
1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait.
________________________________
Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
