In 2007, shortly after this blog first started publishing, the Associated Press ran a story on the increase in the construction of large grain silos due to the formerly booming ethanol industry. AP stories appear across the state and country, in newspapers that reach millions of Americans. Set in Dorchester, the 2007 silo story opened with the following: "DORCHESTER, Neb. -- Outside of two bars and a bank there’s little activity on Washington Street here, where more windows are covered by boards than 'Open' signs. But at the end of the street, semi-trailers stir the dust near a concrete symbol of economic activity. It towers over the signs of small-town decay ...
Back then, the Times wrote that we believe the story served as a good reminder why Dorchester must make improvements to enhance our public image. As we wrote, public image does matter. After all, it is what attracts growth or expedites decline in a community.
We ask readers to consider all the positive developments in Dorchester over the past few years: a new school, new businesses, repairs along Main Street, a beautified city park, a new concession stand and football field entrance, and many home improvements throughout town.
Dorchester has a lot going for it. So is it fair to the majority of Dorchester residents that some homeowners and property owners around town are allowed to keep their real estate in disorder and disrepair? 
Our town seems to have more than its fair share of negligent property owners. From the feedback we have received from fellow residents, it seems that taxpayer unrest is reaching a boiling point.
Perhaps it is time for a thorough scrubbing of the village ordinances. Also, community members should be asking themselves:
- Why isn't some type of action being taken against owners who have junk vehicles on their property?
- Does Dorchester need a committee on blighted property?
- Is there enough interest that current residents and former residents or school alumni might contribute to a clean-up fund to remedy neglected properties?
wondering if i can rent some of the uncut lawns for pasture ground so my cattle can graze.......................................
ReplyDeleteYeah! Richard is back! I've missed you, Cynical.
ReplyDeleteIs it true that if old junk cars have been burned that they must be removed?
ReplyDeleteIf that's true, that gives me an idea. Hmmmmmm.
Does Dorchester have a nuciance property ordninance? I know Crete does and they enforce them all the time. I think Dorchester does too and the city NEEDS to enforce it!
ReplyDeleteThese types of properties definitely do not look good in our community. It's about time something is done about it.
ReplyDeleteBulldozer in the middle of the night, anybody?
ReplyDeleteYou can't force a full grown adult clean himself and make himself more respectable if he refuses. Towns are a lot like people.
ReplyDeleteOrdinances are good, but only as good as those who enforce them. Perhaps it is time for "urban renewal" of the old order...out with the old town council, and in with the ones who have new, fresher ideas, and who aren't afraid to act. The town council KNOW's there are problems, but hey, don't rock the boat. Dorchester is looking dumpy. Who wants to live in a dump?
ReplyDeleteEnforce the ordinances, follow up, and follow through.
your right, if the people we elect dont want to do it, then we need ones that will. Things need to be inforced or people wont move. Fine them, and the will move. Or nothing will improve. Condem so of these house that are dumps.
ReplyDeletei was impressed with the appearance of main street when I returned to Dorchester the middle of May. However, the side roads were horrible and it appeared that nothing was being done to improve them. How deep does a pot hole have to get? Rob's and Ben's add a lot to the town. I noticed while driving around most of the places for sale had overgrown lawns. Couldn't the realtors write into the contracts that the yards have to be maintained. Also the amound of junk cars was astounding. I served on the village board back in the 60's and only the village clerk attended the meetings along with the board members and any of the public that wanted to sit in. The town employee DID NOT attend. If any thing was to be discussed with them, they were called in otherwise they kept their nose out of the meeting.
ReplyDeleteJim Sehnert
really? do city workers sit in on meetings?
ReplyDeleteHey jim
ReplyDeletewhat about the school board
employees sit in on these meetings also
should we kick them out too
Anonymous (6/17/10).....you are correct about the school board meetings -- Mr. Pohl attends because he is school's athletic director and I attend because I take minutes...we are the only employees that attend meetings. We are there because it is part of our job (no extra pay). Just wanted to set the record straight.
ReplyDeletespeaking of the school board
ReplyDeleteI was reading an article on Hickman and the buildings they gave away.
what happened to the buildings behind the school when the new building was built???
same issue
just checking
To mrs karl
ReplyDeletesupt, principal??????
NO DIFFERENT THAN THE CITY EMPLOYEES BEING AT A TOWN BOARD MEETING
I notice the dorchester village board goes into "closed session" very often and I am asking publicly if any city employees stay in these meetings during such sessions? If so that would seem like a blatant violation. I need to start attending these town meetings, we all do.
ReplyDeleteNo, city employees nor anyone else sit in on closed session. That's the purpose of a closed session.
ReplyDeleteVillage employee can sit in on closed sessions if the village board chooses to let them. It happens in Crete often just depends on the reason for the closed session. As for the city enforcing the nuisance properties they can. It is not a quick process though. I know a guy in Crete that the city has been after him for some time. First the city sends a letter and give them so much time then it has to go to court since you can't just go on someones property and do what you want. Then if the judge desides to give them more time then it takes even longer. The whole thing could take 2 months or 6 years like the guy in Crete.
ReplyDelete