Martinsville Bulletin, Inc.
P. O. Box 3711
204 Broad Street
Martinsville, Virginia 24115
276-638-8801
Toll Free: 800-234-6575
Letter: MaKeiba Jones
Pros, cons of NCI plans
Sunday, April 8, 2012
In response to the proposed building of the NCI academic center in the area on Fayette Street known as Baldwin Block, I must say that the pros and cons of this must be taken into account. I do realize that in the initial look at this project the positives are obvious, but I strongly urge all who will be “directly” affected by this proposal to look at the long-term ramifications of this venture.
The effect of this project to the surrounding neighborhood has to be considered. How will its presence affect the cost of living for this “historically important” neighborhood? How will it affect the property tax level of a community that already can be described as a ghost town in comparison to its past? Will there be a strong concentration on improving the lives of those whose neighborhood is being “used” for this improvement? Will there be something to commemorate the rich history of Baldwin Block?
These are just a few of the questions that come to my mind when I look at this proposal from the viewpoint of those who currently call this neighborhood home. The word “gentrification” keeps popping up in my mind.
MaKeiba Jones
Martinsville
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