As the curtain is drawn on the series of events to mark the end of “National Preservation Month,” we get a curtain call to witness an important part of our local preservation history. No, it’s not theater or drama or special effects or reenactments. It’s reality programming. After years of neglect and its contribution to blight in this neighborhood, we are finally closing the chapter on 1306 W. Maple. On Wednesday, May 26, the walls came tumbling down. History is all about understanding our past and learning from our mistakes in order to move forward in a positive direction. This was the point of Dr. Jon Taylor’s book, “Competing Histories.” But have we really learned from our past mistakes? I’ve always wondered what it would be like growing up as a young child on a block like this where homes are treated in this manner. You would think one would grow up with a distorted perspective on community stewardship. I believe the best thing our community leaders can do is put themselves in the shoes of individuals and families who live adjacent to institutional properties. It’s obvious the land adjacent to this property is being cleared for a purpose. Hopefully, the eventual purpose of this neighborhood block will be greater than its most recent negative influences on the neighborhood. From local history, we have learned that this has not always been the case. And as for the 100-year old home at 1306 W. Maple, “It’s History.”
This 100-year old home is one block over from mine. The blight around us has robbed many individuals of HOPE. Crime is not reported because it has been made clear the police can't or will not do anything about it. I have put all that I have into my home and business in Western Independence. I for one would like to believe that our neighborhood could be saved but for that to happen we need to first bring back HOPE! The fact that we have 0 comments on this blog is a very loud statement from the people who live here. The fact that many don't vote is yet another very loud statement.
ReplyDeleteHappy Groundhog Day to anyone who reads this. With only five comments that have ever been posted and with only two of us willing to give our name. This is yet another loud statement from the people who live in the Truman Area. It is bitter sweet for me to say it looks like we may have some home buyers for our home. My next step will be list our shopping center with CEAH. I would like to wish all of you faceless people Good Luck and Happy New Year for 2011! This charming area truly needs some hero's. Thanks for the faithful attempt to moderate some discussion to an area that people have been silenced. Sincerely Elisa Breitenbach
ReplyDelete