Bob Yapp's blog

I know most folks think squirrels are cute and adorable. Not me, I consider them to be no more than rats with bushy tales. Not only are they pesky, they've had trouble adjusting to city life. It seems they like to play with moving vehicles, giving them the dubious distinction of being one of the top urban road kills.

In the mid-1970's some clothing designer came up with the brilliant design for polyester leisure suits. For about five years everyone just had to have one. Why, you wouldn't be groovy if you didn't wear one to work, the disco or even church.

In the past, nothing epitomized neighbor helping neighbor more than a rural barn raising. Today, in our central city, historic neighborhoods, a modern day version of a barn raising is bringing neighbors together, old house unveilings.

I was recently chatting with a neighbor who asked, " We love our 100 year old home. However, it sure is a drafty old place! We're interested in blowing insulation into the walls, what do you think Bob?"

Some people will tell you that if you live in a historic district or the community is thinking about making your neighborhood a historic district, the world is coming to an end. They say things like, "It's nothing but a left wing conspiracy to take my property rights away" or "The paint police are coming to tell us why we can't cover our old house with plastic siding".

Abandoned lots dot the central city landscape in small towns to big cities throughout America. Tearing down an existing historic house is one of the least green things a community can do. Doing so also takes away the cultural and historic context of our neighborhoods. Vacant lots are magnets for crime, trash and despair as well as a prescription for property taxes to plummet.

There's a lot of talk these day about being environmentally "green". So, what does it all mean and why should we care?