It is clear that the millions of dollars have been pumped into the community in the last couple of decades have made only scattered progress in improving the quality of life. According to at least one published report, the money helped landlords who actually own the bulk of the property in the community. That may be a cheap shot, since at least one landlord has stepped forward and shown that housing stock has improved. The reaction to Gordon's bombshell has been interesting. Area residents have displayed good sense by taking a cautious stance toward the proposal.
Businesspeople are also cautious.
At least until now, businesspeople have been working to improve the Brookmont Community with organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club and a remarkable coalition that is building a new community center. County Council members stress that demolition is just one solution. At this point we would opt for the enforcement option. In other communities throughout the nation, a zero tolerance policy regarding enforcement of codes and petty crimes has resulted in a sharp decline in overall crime. The state is beginning to put the technology in place that would allow tracking of crime patterns.