The above photo was published on several social media sites
so we might as well perpetuate the story.
It is a photograph of two men allegedly in the process of stealing valuable
building materials from the restoration site of 419 North Pleasant Street, a
Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) project implemented by Builders
Development Corporation (BDC), not-for-profit organization with the lofty goal
of neighborhood revitalization and stabilization. In this location, BDC is contributing
positively to the Truman National Historic Landmark District shortly after it
was listed on the state’s “Top Ten Most Endangered and Threatened List” in
2009. Yes, that’s right, they are
stealing from a “national” treasure and stealing from a not-for-profit
(charity) trying to accomplish this project against all odds including the local
criminal elements. It is not unlike the
thief problems suffered by Habitat for Humanity before they moved out the neighborhood
(see “Crimes Against Humanity” blog post dated 2-9-10) except in this case it
was in broad daylight. In fact, it was
under the watchful eye of 80 apartment balconies. In the photo, they are using the unsecure/unmonitored
parking lot of Heritage House Apartments to stage this crime, secure the lumber,
and place a red flag at the end of the long pieces, you know, so it is legal. If
you recognize these folks, please let them know how pathetic this behavior is
and notify the police. It is obvious the
person who took this photo cares about the neighborhood and hopes for the
success of hard-working people who want to restore and improve the Truman
Neighborhood, not just for us local folks, but to help preserve the important “national”
story of Harry Truman and his beloved neighborhood. Please be vigilant!
