Monroe Dispatch - No Struggle, No Progress

Parkview Apartments are categorized as public housing residences. Public housing residences have been developed as modernized structurally safe dwellings for affordable living for citizens to make a comfortable home.

Parkview Apartments, located at 1101 Richwood Rd No. 2, Monroe, LA has a project-based Section 8 contract with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). There is a low-income housing tax credit and a HOME Investment Partnerships Program. Since this property has a project-based contract with HUD, some or all of the rents at this community are based on tenant incomes.

Historically, some of Monroe's finest citizens of all ages were residents of Parkview Apartments. They enjoyed a reputation for living in modern, well-kept apartments and lived up to their good reputation. Through the years, some of the residents were confronted with legal problems, initially small minor infractions and later leading to much more serious crimes. Most of the violators were not always on the resident roster, but they were usually guests of Parkview Apartments.

Having such an out-of-the-way location, on the outskirts of the hustle and bustle of the city, guests tended to migrate to this location to stay out of the eyesight of law and order. Males found female counterparts who were conveniently official residents. They became couples, and before anyone could realize the infiltration, Parkview Apartments gained a negative reputation.

To be clear that negativity doesn't always leave right away; it usually makes a gradual exit. Sometimes it may not all disappear. The important thing is that some residents are facing the fact that the stigma is there is an initial step in the right direction. The most significant thing to consider is the company being kept. Most of the residents are actually "good" people and should try to engage in more positive activities. They could also possibly try getting together as a group and brainstorm about activities that can be arranged to shed light on the community. A recommendation could be to get with management to get permission and ideas to do positive family-oriented activities. It is always timely to have "open-house" events, inviting area vendors to give back and support the community's development. Plans around the holidays are also great ways to connect. Remember, a negative reputation attaches itself over a period of time, and it will take time to lose it.

Be encouraged and engaged. All the best citizens have had to overcome some negativity along the way.