It's been 901 posts since I first started this venture, which I would call a benchmark. At times I have wandered the past, and the path which stems from it. I took time out for personal matters (the BST chronicles), championed unpopular ideas (the fight against the Art Museum comes to mind) and reported on the loss of historic sites. I have taken up the gauntlet of 'selling Roanoke'. Or, to be honest - selling the
HELL out of Roanoke.
But to be honest and forward about everything - I know I am off course. I have stepped away from the focus on the past, the historic aspect which used to rule the blog - and walked deep into the battle for the future of Roanoke. Understand this: I left New York City for all the right reasons, the same reasons we all move - a better life, a better home - boundless opportunity.
Yes, you heard me right. Boundless opportunity. From the first moment I laid eyes on Roanoke I knew this place offered things that even big ol' Noo Yawk Sitee could not. Sometimes it takes the eyes of an outsider to see things like that.
In all this time I have struggled with the lack of comments, the lack of engagement among the hundred or so readers I have daily. Oh, I hear word from plenty of you... some I hear about directly, and some as 2nd hand reports as to who knows about the blog and my positions on things. It's those that I find interesting. The ones who have the ability to actually direct change can't even post an anonymous comment to encourage discussion amongst the populous.
I do get the occasional comment anon - usually something benign and easy. Today, someone left me some flame bait. In reference to my post titled 'Whose Valley?', I received this lovely missive: "
Chances are, if you need to take the damn bus to get up there, you won't be spending anything anyway. " (emphasis added)
I could debate that point endlessly - backed up with fact, statistics, and opinions. Suffice it to say that not everyone who rides the bus is poor, sometimes it's just a good method of saving a dime or two. But let's take that at face value: someone was so offended by the very concept of my championing the use of Mill Mountain by all citizens - they were moved to leave a comment. Granted, it's not a good comment - it's base and smacks of class warfare - but thats the purpose of flame bait. It's to goad the author into a pointless argument. But it's something.
If there is one thing I hope to do is spawn conversation. I recently had opportunity to give a guided photograph tour of old Roanoke to a 20 year resident who had not the slightest idea of the history of the very downtown they have worked in, up to and including the 20 years they lived here.
I also gained some insight into the neighborhood she has lived in since moving here. It's a two-way street. The city is undertaking a massive project for it's 125th anniversary - recording the memories and stories of any resident who wishes to take part. They are encouraging the use of photographs and other 'props' in the storytelling.
There is still much to be gained by looking back at the past, and still a ton of hope for the future. But we all need to connect, become part of the 'problem' (he said with irony). The last election proved one thing to all of us - we need to become more organized - or the next city council will be 100% "For the(our) City". I am not asking you as a democrat, a republican, or an independent - I am asking you as a citizen of Roanoke.
Stop for a moment, and think about the city. Is this how you imagined it would be? And what do you think this will lead to in the future?
Look no further than the shell of the Art Museum, whose overhangs cover nearly half of Salem Avenue. And because they are sloped as they are, when the skin is added to the shell - I do not want to think about what Salem Avenue will be like after a snowfall, or worse. The simple act of decision-making has ramifications that some people would not like you to consider.
But this is the 21st century, and perhaps it's time to start working in OUR interests, not MY interests. If not, I fear South Roanoke will overrun the city, and the hardworking residents who keep the city going will be looking elsewhere for opportunity.
We are still strong, and on the razor's edge between a successful future and one which is troubled - and the decision lies in the hands of each and every person in Roanoke. Dangerous prospect, I know - but the truth.
As we press on with our mission here, I would like to invite all of you to take part. Through community effort the City Market was saved and revived, and through the same effort - the entire city can be the true Magic City once again.
Welcome to post 902
