Inquirer: Concerned Reader has a real dump piling up next door

I get a lot of email from people complaining about their neighbor's yard being a dump. This time, it wasn't an exaggeration.

A Concerned Reader named Cecil lives on Calvin Avenue, which is just off Benning Road and next to a vacant lot that not only looks like a dump, but is also being used as one.

Cecil wrote: "About 8 to 10 years ago the last house was torn down in that section. Since then, nothing has been placed in that spot. The weeds and grass have been allowed to grow unabated.

"It has also become a dumping ground for anyone who has junk to get rid of. (Sort of a city dump of the Southside.) Tires, household debris, construction waste, everything.

"This is by far not the only area that needs attention on this side of town. But one that I, or should I say we, can highlight.

"Mr. Owen , I would appreciate it if you would help if you can. Thanks in advance."

You're welcome, Cecil.

As you can see from the picture, Cecil is not exaggerating. At least two piles of tires are poking out through the overgrowth and you can see plenty more junk lurking behind the brush.

Now I would usually call the Special Enforcement division and see if anyone's reported the property and if so, what is the city planning to do. But it's the Friday after Thanksgiving, and there's no one home at the city government.

Normally, I would not begrudge the city employees getting a holiday, but since I'm one of the skeleton crew at the paper, I will begrude the beejeebers out of anyone I choose to.

So hang in there, Cecil, I'll get back on this case as soon as the city opens back up.

Update

Speaking of the city, you will remember back in late August when we covered the opening of the "Resting Garden," which sits on the site of an old slave cemetery, according to ancient maps of the city.

It's a nice, peaceful, well-tended place that serves the memories of those who suffered so much so long ago.

Except

The historic marker outside the gates to the garden had a seriously ironic typo, one that was repeated a few times on the marker.

The marker was titled: "1828 Cemetery For Internment Of Blacks."

The city meant, of course, "interment" of blacks. Inter means to bury.

Internment means to lock up, as in the internment of Japanese Americans after the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

"Oh my goodness, I so appreciate you bringing that to our attention," Mayor Teresa Tomlinson said when told of the typo. "We're going to have to get right on that."

They did get right on that. The offending sign was down almost immediately. And now a new marker that says "interment" has been erected at the gate.

How many people do you think proofread that sign before it went back up?

-- Seen something that needs attention? Contact me at 706-571-8570 or mowen@ledger-enquirer.com.

This story was originally published November 30, 2014 at 10:48 PM with the headline "Inquirer: Concerned Reader has a real dump piling up next door."