Shelltown, Stand Up!

 

With heavy hearts and a shared determination, we come together to address a pressing issue that affects us all: the devastating impact of severe flooding on our homes and livelihoods.

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For generations, our families have called this neighborhood home, weathering storms and challenges with unwavering resolve. Yet, the recent flood on January 22nd, 2024, has tested our resilience like never before. In its wake, many of us find ourselves with nothing but the clothes on our backs, facing the daunting task of rebuilding what was lost.

 

It is abundantly clear that the severity of these floods stems not solely from natural forces but primarily from the gross negligence of those tasked with ensuring the safety and well-being of our community. Despite our repeated pleas and advocacy, the city has failed to uphold its responsibility in maintaining the sewage and drainage systems, allowing them to become congested as they deteriorate to dangerous levels, filled with years of vegetation, trash, encampments, furniture, abandoned vehicles, and more.

 

The city recognized the pressing need for infrastructure improvements well over a decade ago but prioritized a park project instead. In 2018, the City publicly acknowledged the urgency for improvement, and again in 2019, as evidenced by its quiet settlement of a lawsuit with a small group of community members who took action to address this longstanding concern.

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This pattern underscores a continuous disregard for the safety and welfare of our community, particularly amidst the escalating challenges posed by climate change.  The consequences of the City's actions, or lack thereof, are felt not only during the flood, but also in the immediate aftermath.  We were left to fend for ourselves for days with not a single city official in sight.  This was a fundamental breach of responsibility towards citizens it is sworn to protect, this troubling pattern must be addressed with urgency and accountability. 

 

We refuse to be passive victims of circumstance. We demand accountability from our city officials and a commitment to proactive measures that safeguard our homes and our future.

 

This is not a plea for handouts or empty promises but a call to action rooted in the collective strength and resilience of our community. City officials need to recognize this community is NOT just a photo op, nor are we simply sources of input or feedback to help them with their reputation repair.   We have done more for our own community than those elected officials, and WE DEMAND TO HAVE A VOICE IN HOW TO MOVE FORWARD!  Our strength, resilience, knowledge and determination have proven to be valuable assets and continuously ignoring and neglecting these assets is a form of bias. 

 

We refuse to remain the "forgotten neighborhood" of America's most expensive city to live in. We refuse to stay knocked down. We stand together, to lift each other up, and coordinate our efforts and voices to effect real change.

 

Together, we will rebuild, reclaim, and fortify our community against future adversities. In the face of adversity, we find strength; in unity, we find hope.

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This is a call to ALL underrepresented communities, our voices deserve to be heard!