Editor’s Note: “The Economic Development Side” originally appears in the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce’s weekly member e-newsletter. It is written by Rhonda Dishner, the Economic Development Alliance’s executive assistant.
A casual conversation with a friend the other day led to a discussion about home maintenance and repairs. Or more accurately, it led to a back-and-forth exchange about the merits of hiring someone to do the improvements versus doing it oneself.
One of us prefers being a “do-it-yourselfer.” The other thinks it’s easier to call a “qualified someone else.”
The do-it-yourselfer has lots of energy and loves to use it on projects. A big plus is having years of experience with home improvements and no qualms about tackling something new. Painting walls and ceilings, laying floor tiles and refinishing furniture are routine. Besides, it was noted, buying the supplies and doing it yourself is a money saver, an added incentive. In a similar vein, total lawn care is the planned workout activity for many weekends, and the window frames outside really need a coat of paint.
The call-the-expert side of the conversation began with a ready confession of neither the experience nor desire to tackle anything remotely related to maintenance. On top of that, isn’t it quicker just to call an expert from the beginning? And why buy the supplies, fail miserably at trying to do some repair, and still have to find a licensed professional after hours? Then came the supreme rational for being slightly work-shy: It’s being supportive of the local business community to make that call to the experts!
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
With that zinger, the conversation drifted. But the thought remained hours later. It became attached to thoughts about the many now-dilapidated but formerly striking, beautiful residences in Pine Bluff that are in desperate need of attention by some experienced do-it-yourselfers or call-the-expert renewal agents.
According to local real estate brokers, existing homes are selling well in the community right now. The monthly real estate guide is getting thinner because of all the recent sales, there aren’t as many “For Sale” signs around town, and many of the advertised homes have notations that a sale is pending. That bodes well for established residential neighborhoods.
However, one goal of several current community betterment programs is increasing Pine Bluff’s population. More individuals and families relocating here clearly would necessitate a stock of good available (and affordable) housing. A few new arrivals might be do-it-yourselfers willing to take on renovations, but most people probably prefer something that’s move-in ready. Regarding those houses in disrepair, “Fix It Now” is a reasonable motto for citizens interested in being prepared.
A recent news article about the community revitalization plan proposed by the Go Forward Pine Bluff initiative said proponents of the plan foresee a renaissance if it’s successful. Renaissance is a visionary word. It suggests a wide-ranging rebirth or renewal. Hopefully that far-reaching vision becomes reality and leads to more people moving here.
In this case, redeveloping the community is economic development. Especially when each house becomes a home.