It is no secret that at best, I consider developers to be a necessary evil, and at worst, a blight on society. This thought is never far from my mind as I travel through parts of town where folks of modest means once lived – but shiny new apartments and businesses have taken the place of inexpensive dwellings.

True, some of those homes may have been trailer parks or older houses, duplexes or apartments, but is creating an atmosphere where the original inhabitants can no longer afford to live really in the best interests of our community?

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I think the answer you are searching for is no.

In fact, whenever I see a new development in certain parts of town, the first question that goes through my mind is, “I wonder what happened to the folks who used to live here?”

Fayetteville history is rife with the stories of working class families who have moved to West Fork, Springdale, Elkins or any number of other communities, simply because they couldn’t afford to live here anymore.

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These are not only consumers, but also voters who are moving away.

Some call it gentrification, but it might more rightly be called civic immorality.

As a character in a famous radio play might well have put it, “Tain’t funny, McGee.”

******

Now on YouTube: Frank Scheide

My interview with University of Arkansas film historian Frank Scheide.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZOvfItiS3M

“On the Air with Richard S. Drake” celebrates 26 years on the air in 2017.

*****

Quote of the Day

In ancient times cats were worshipped as gods; they have not forgotten this. – Terry Pratchett

rsdrake@cox.net

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