Broken windows syndromeWilliam D. Eggers and John O'Leary
Policy Review
Fall 1995, Number 74
Excerpt:
'In a 1982 Atlantic Monthly article titled "Broken Windows," James Q. Wilson and George Kelling argued that disorder in a community, if left uncorrected, undercuts residents' own efforts to maintain their homes and neighborhoods and control unruly behavior. "If a window in a building is broken and left unrepaired," they wrote, "all the rest of the windows will soon be broken. . . . One unrepaired window is a signal that no one cares, so breaking more windows costs nothing. . . . Untended property becomes fair game for people out for fun or plunder."
'If disorder goes unchecked, a vicious cycle begins. First, it kindles a fear of crime among residents, who respond by staying behind locked doors. Their involvement in the neighborhood declines; people begin to ignore rowdy and threatening behavior in public. They cease to exercise social regulation over little things like litter on the street, loitering strangers, or truant schoolchildren. When law-abiding eyes stop watching the streets, the social order breaks down and criminals move in.
'"Stable neighborhoods can change in a few months to jungles," declare Wilson and Kelling. Disorder also can have dire economic consequences. Shoppers will shun an area they perceive as being "out of control." One study analyzing crime in 30 different areas found that the level of disorder of a neighborhood -- more than such factors as income level, resident turnover, or racial makeup -- was the best indicator of an area's lack of safety.'
Broken Window Syndrome
The Woodlands Neighborhood Decay?
As the above excerpt shows, a neighborhood is a dynamic thing subject to change for good or bad. In speaking with many of our original homeowners, they tell of a time when The Woodlands was a highly desirable address with its proximity to two fine schools, its side-walked streets and expansive park - it was a place where residents took pride in their homes. There was friendly competition for “Yard of The Month” took place and Block Parties were common and participation in the Civic Association was enthusiastic.
As our neighborhood ages, along with recent downturns in real estate, our neighborhood has come to a cross road. We need to be aware of the “broken windows” (i.e.: overgrown lawns, junk vehicles, dilapidated fences, debris). We see deterioration that will certainly impact our property values as well as our quality of life. Overgrowth of vegetation is not only unsightly but facilitates concealment for criminals wanting to break into homes. Vehicles parked in the street are a frequent target of thieves and vandals. Fences in disrepair invite unwanted trespassers and are a safety issue – especially when there is a pool present.
These issues should be the concern of all Woodlands’ residents, and absentee owners alike, because it speaks of quality of life as well economic investment.
So, what to do?
#1 Check your own property. See how you can improve or maintain it.
#2 Check your neighbors’ property. Can you help your neighbor?
#3 If property with code violations, call Seminole County Code Enforcement at (407)665-1715. seminolecountysheriff.org is our sheriff’s website you can navigate to Code Enforcement for further information.
#4 If you see criminal or suspicious activity, call Seminole County Sheriff’s Office at (407)665-6650 or 9-1-1 immediately.
#5 Attend Civic Association meeting; Second Tuesday of each month.
Policy Review
Fall 1995, Number 74
Excerpt:
'In a 1982 Atlantic Monthly article titled "Broken Windows," James Q. Wilson and George Kelling argued that disorder in a community, if left uncorrected, undercuts residents' own efforts to maintain their homes and neighborhoods and control unruly behavior. "If a window in a building is broken and left unrepaired," they wrote, "all the rest of the windows will soon be broken. . . . One unrepaired window is a signal that no one cares, so breaking more windows costs nothing. . . . Untended property becomes fair game for people out for fun or plunder."
'If disorder goes unchecked, a vicious cycle begins. First, it kindles a fear of crime among residents, who respond by staying behind locked doors. Their involvement in the neighborhood declines; people begin to ignore rowdy and threatening behavior in public. They cease to exercise social regulation over little things like litter on the street, loitering strangers, or truant schoolchildren. When law-abiding eyes stop watching the streets, the social order breaks down and criminals move in.
'"Stable neighborhoods can change in a few months to jungles," declare Wilson and Kelling. Disorder also can have dire economic consequences. Shoppers will shun an area they perceive as being "out of control." One study analyzing crime in 30 different areas found that the level of disorder of a neighborhood -- more than such factors as income level, resident turnover, or racial makeup -- was the best indicator of an area's lack of safety.'
Broken Window Syndrome
The Woodlands Neighborhood Decay?
As the above excerpt shows, a neighborhood is a dynamic thing subject to change for good or bad. In speaking with many of our original homeowners, they tell of a time when The Woodlands was a highly desirable address with its proximity to two fine schools, its side-walked streets and expansive park - it was a place where residents took pride in their homes. There was friendly competition for “Yard of The Month” took place and Block Parties were common and participation in the Civic Association was enthusiastic.
As our neighborhood ages, along with recent downturns in real estate, our neighborhood has come to a cross road. We need to be aware of the “broken windows” (i.e.: overgrown lawns, junk vehicles, dilapidated fences, debris). We see deterioration that will certainly impact our property values as well as our quality of life. Overgrowth of vegetation is not only unsightly but facilitates concealment for criminals wanting to break into homes. Vehicles parked in the street are a frequent target of thieves and vandals. Fences in disrepair invite unwanted trespassers and are a safety issue – especially when there is a pool present.
These issues should be the concern of all Woodlands’ residents, and absentee owners alike, because it speaks of quality of life as well economic investment.
So, what to do?
#1 Check your own property. See how you can improve or maintain it.
#2 Check your neighbors’ property. Can you help your neighbor?
#3 If property with code violations, call Seminole County Code Enforcement at (407)665-1715. seminolecountysheriff.org is our sheriff’s website you can navigate to Code Enforcement for further information.
#4 If you see criminal or suspicious activity, call Seminole County Sheriff’s Office at (407)665-6650 or 9-1-1 immediately.
#5 Attend Civic Association meeting; Second Tuesday of each month.