Group 4 : Rivers Homeowners United

Despite perceptions to the contrary, a significant group of homes can be found in the river environs. River homeowners have united into an advocacy group to work toward improving living conditions in the area. Tired of run-down warehouses and abandoned buildings, which are often sites for crime and drug dealing, resident wish to see the river as a source for increasing property values. They, too, are concern about flood dangers, but they also want the river area to be greener and more inviting--a place where they can communicate with nature. Usually, this amenity is afforded only to the affluent in our society.

River Homeowners United has requested a plan for the river that calls for continued flood control, but in a more natural setting. However, they do not favor a true naturalization of the river such as the environmental groups propose because they may lose their homes through condemnation proceedings as land is needed for natural areas. They would like to see more planned recreation sites, like parks such as the newly created Elysian Gateway Park, golf courses, and picnic areas, even damming up the river for non-flooding times to use it for inner-tubing and rafting. Another need is for increased policing of the river area to improve public safety. They do not want new warehouses or businesses of a large scale moving in by the river. And above all, they DO NOT want businesses to tax them for their improvements.