Ground Hogs Day, Again?

As we plan to make improvements in what is called the “12 Blocks West” of the Truman Home, it would be good idea to look at lessons learned in previous attempts to revitalize Old Town. About 20 years ago we had “Fast Forward Independence” which didn’t really do anything but possibly assisted in getting some new faces at City Hall. Then in the mid 90’s, the “Midtown / Truman Road Corridor Neighborhood Revitalization Plan” (M/TRC) was initiated. This plan actually had promise because it included millions in tax dollars and full-time staff while incorporating a historic preservation component. Unfortunately, the plan looked better on paper than performance. We shot our wad, did some good, but apparently didn’t fulfill promises. Then comes “The Great Northwest Independence Neighborhood Strategic Plan.” Again, it made people feel good to talk about some of these issues but I can’t image citizens believe conditions in their neighborhood are better because of it. And now, community leaders led by Dr. Hinson with the Independence Public Schools wants to start “12 Blocks West.” While we are using arithmetic to add up the blocks, it should be noted that 8 of those 12 blocks have already been a part of the award-winning, multi-million-dollar, comprehensive M/TRC Neighborhood Revitalization Plan. With M/TRC (combined with other programs), there were more financial incentives to restore neighborhoods here than practically any area in the country and we still came up short. Consider all these attempts from the last 25 years as group therapy sessions for a somewhat dysfunctional family. Every now and then the family gets another therapist to help them with the same issues of self-esteem, getting along with others, and giving the family a sense of purpose, potential, and direction. “It’s déjà vu all over again” (and again and again and again). It’s important to continue to make attempts for improvement. Looking to success stories in other communities, such as Atlanta, is a good investment. But is everybody really at the table? And are we going to be open and honest about real issues? Someone said, “If you keep doing what you have always been doing, why are you surprised that you keep getting the same results?” Today on “Ground Hogs Day”, let us pledge to not make the same mistakes over and over and over ……...