OVERDUE HELP FOR SEMINOLE HEIGHTS

In the larger scheme of things, the purchase of a few dozen street lights
may not seem like much. But this is precisely the kind of government
support that residents struggling to revive their neighborhoods sorely need.

Tampa City Council's recent vote to improve the lighting in southeast
Seminole Heights is a reminder of how important the small things are to a
neighborhood.

It is not always - or even usually - a big development project that makes
the difference in a neighborhood's comeback, but rather the street lights,
police patrols and rigorous code enforcement. Those improvements, seemingly
minor, can prevent a neighborhood from being consumed by blight and crime.

Together with determined residents, such inexpensive steps can stabilize a
neighborhood and help make it appealing to other home buyers and investors.

Southeast Seminole Heights is a good example of an older neighborhood with
great promise. It is close to downtown and retains many attractive homes.
But some houses have deteriorated over the years. While crime is not
rampant, prostitutes and drug dealers are a problem on some streets.

Homeowners sought brighter street lights for greater security. The city
council rightly agreed to install lights with higher wattage, clear away
vegetation that was blocking the lights and put bullet-resistant shields on
lights that had been vandalized.

The cost won't be much - $50 or so for the high-wattage light bulbs and
$800 for the bullet-resistant shields - but the step should make southeast
Seminole Heights streets considerably safer. It also should let residents
know that the city government is an ally in their efforts to revitalize
that community.