The city in which I live is undertaking a major construction project . The planning for this project actually began a few years ago. We have major routes leading into the city and out, and both main routes cross the railroad. These railroad crossings have caused many delays over the years, preventing emergency equipment from getting to their destination in a timely manner. So the project calls for the construction of a bridge over the tracks which will allow easy passage, no more delays. The cost of this project is high, not only in monetary terms, but also in the loss of business properties and personal properties. I have been in this area all my life, and I will be the first to admit, the buildings along these main routes are in sad shape, and many of the houses have not been cared for, for a long time, even before this project began. The area has seen a significant decline in homeowner pride, and though the project will bring about a big improvement in the visual aspect of this area, the fact remains, people are losing their homes, and that is sad. The photos in this collage show two major businesses that have gone by the wayside. The lower photo is of one home among many that are being demolished. The graffiti sums it up pretty well. Please check out the link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlkEsHh89Cc&feature=related
Great collage and interesting background story. It seems there are always some consequences and sacrifices that come with progress. I hope all ,or at least most everyone will benefit from it in the end.
I have mixed feelings about your project. We in the United States are often quick to turn our back on the historic, but this does seem like a sensible decision for the safety of the community.
Someone posted a picture of a gorgeous building that was demolished because the people of the time period didn’t think it was worth saving. i wonder how many things we tear down today thinking they’re of no future historic value.
We finally had a bridge built over the railroad in my hometown. After all the talk of not being able to get ambulances across the tracks to the hospital, the overpass was finally built. Too bad the hospital had closed 10 years earlier ... :(
This is happening everywhere and I agree it is so sad. As a Brit (living in Canada now) I love going home and walking amongst the history. I love good architecture (not glass houses but good solid buildings). They have a beauty about them.
@allie912 Allison, we have some beautiful old architecture in our hometown, and I am glad that they haven't touched those building yet, but it is still sad knowing how everything looked only a few years ago.
That is really sad, Rick. But that is a very long train. I watched the video and I wouldn't want to be in an ambulance on the wrong side of those tracks. Nice collage to show your hometown issues.
Hopefully, they'll do a good job of the changes and in the end, people will decide it was worth the upheaval. I don't think anyone that has their home pulled down will ever feel that way though. It's sad, but probably for the best in the long run.
Good collage!
I watched the video - 76 freight wagons - wow! Quite a delay if you are in a hurry!
The area looked different then! Very nice!
Maybe it will make the delays shorter in the long run.
Progress is always hard and comes with a cost. It's terrible that families had to be displaced, but I hope that in the end, it is a beneficial project for the whole community. Maybe that will soften the blow a bit.
great choice of images for this collage, it certainly sums up what some homeowners and business owners might be thinking. Neighborhood revitalization is bittersweet.
Great collage! I think I remember you mentioning this before. Always bad when people are displaced. Hopefully things will be better in the longrun.
The Mayor of Detroit has a proposal for residents. He wants to buy the homes of people in really run down areas and move them to more populated areas. Not sure whether it's a good thing or a bad thing but at this point it's just an idea.
I agree "It sucks" I was surprised to learn you live in Lebanon. I grew up in Ohio and PA. My dad lived in Erie, Pa and my mother in Conneaut, Ohio. I enjoy reading your comments each day and the photos you share. Please don't ever stop.
@nectarfizz Bekki, thanks for your kind words. My Mother-in-law lives in Ohio. Clyde, not far from Sandusky, and I've been to Erie a few times, but most of my life, right here in Lebanon, PA.
Great collage of a somewhat sad subject.
I watched the video - 76 freight wagons - wow! Quite a delay if you are in a hurry!
The area looked different then! Very nice!
Maybe it will make the delays shorter in the long run.
The Mayor of Detroit has a proposal for residents. He wants to buy the homes of people in really run down areas and move them to more populated areas. Not sure whether it's a good thing or a bad thing but at this point it's just an idea.