Of neglect and decay

A section of the 7700 block of Cantrell Road, one of the highest-traffic streets in Little Rock, might serve as an example of the broken windows theory, the concept that derelict property with visible decay such as broken windows will send a signal to the community that neglect and vandalism are acceptable. The theory further suggests that the abandoned property influences criminal behavior because buildings with litter, graffiti, and broken glass suggest that city leaders do not care about public safety.

The buildings once housed a car-detail business, a popular drive-in, and retail stores. Today the buildings are abandoned, some with roofs sagging, some with walls visibly leaning. The eyesore is almost directly across Cantrell Road from a modern and well maintained McDonald’s restaurant. This is a busy commercial street, with thousands of cars and passengers driving past an urban blight every day. The unstated message is that neglect is tolerated.

A new business will eventually occupy these grounds. The property owner plans on putting a large car wash there, I have been informed by City

Director Capi Peck, who told me the commercial property has been allowed to remain in decay despite objections from city directors who represent the area. Ms. Peck said the city has had the owner clean the site on several occasions, but it has quickly deteriorated again. This property needs to be condemned and the site cleared. A busy commercial street such as Cantrell Road should be a model of prosperity and cleanliness, not neglect and decay. MARVIN SCHWARTZ

Little Rock