"Two corridor cities rank among the nation's 20 most dangerous. Independent publisher CQ Press puts New Orleans at No. 13 – down from No. 6 in 2008. Baton Rouge has moved up on the national poll ranking the country's most dangerous cities, to No. 16. That's up nine points from the previous year, when the Capital City ranked No. 25. The annual rankings are based on population figures and crime data gathered by the FBI. St. Louis edged out Camden, N.J., as the nation's most dangerous city. To see the complete list, click
here."
taken from 10/12 corridor weekly online publication.
The crime here is astounding. I've lived in crazy New York City and shady and transient South Florida and neither compare to the shocking crime and murder incidents we have read and heard about, and even witnessed, recently in our hometown. Over the past few months Downtown Baton Rouge has really taken a hit, with one of the most shocking incidents, the murder of a single mother and the shooting of her 9 year old daughter, happening a street over from me. I've hesitated in publishing this, as it has been a really trying time for Beauregard Town, as we have grieved and sought to find peace with it all and move on. Most importantly we are still striving to feel safe in our homes again and not flee from such a special close-knit community that NEEDS us. Sure, we could move to the suburbs and live picture-perfect "safe" lifestyles in cookie-cutter houses that look the same as the suburbanite's house next door, a block over or even 5 miles away. We could choose to sit in Baton Rouge traffic for 30-45 minutes as we travel to and from work, the store and dinner at a restaurant, but we CHOSE to live downtown as we cannot justify this lifestyle- fine for some, bland and depressing for me. I strive to feel connected to a community. To a rooted community with history. Near a downtown urban center. I want the option to walk to work. I want to be able to ride my child to daycare on my bike if I do so desire. I want the option to walk my child to the downtown Sundays in the park or to the museums. I want restaurant options within 0.5 miles of my home. I want to be able to take a walk and see things- and I'm not talking about large swaths of perfectly maintained, chemically-infused green lawns. And I can have the experiences I desire where I currently live, albeit in a neighborhood that is considered to be "safe" but on the "fringe." Beauregard Town is a cut-through neighborhood in close proximity to one of the most blighted neighborhoods in Baton Rouge, Old South Baton Rouge. While a group within my office works diligently on a daily basis to bring Old South back to its feet, there is always the underlying thought of, "are we even making a difference?" The answer is YES. Our efforts, combined with the passion and dedication of many Old South and Downtown residents who work to see this positive change, have not gone unnoticed. It may take a lot of time, but we believe in baby steps- and creating the foundation, or platform, from which others will soon be able to build upon.
On a positive note, yesterday I received a text from a friend and a notice on my door to let me know that a movie will be filmed beginning next week at the house across the street. Apparently the scene being filmed will be that of a fraternity house and the character is a "hoarder." I've been asked to save my mega stacks of magazines that were headed to the recycling bin, and my toenail and fingernail clippings. and hairballs. Seriously.
Hope everyone has a wonderful thanksgiving holiday. There is so much to be thankful for. Here are some updated house pictures.
love.t
