Brownsville not making it
On July 11, the Herald-Standard published a commentary by me asking the question, “Can Brownsville make it?” An honest answer was requested. There were no answers (in the paper, the mail or the phone, or verbally on the street). It appears the answer is short and sweet: Brownsville can’t make it. Let me explain this honest answer further. A lot of citizens do not read the paper. They are uninformed. Then our city fathers have always urged us to attend council meetings. Their message being, don’t complain to your neighbor, your family or friends. Be present; speak to the council and the press. Let it all out so they (the council) can deal with your complaints, experience, input and suggestions – words, words, words.
Another important fact has to be with real estate. I took a survey of our small community. Look at this picture. The town is heavy in rentals. Homes for sale total 27 plus or minus. (How long have they been for sale, how long will they be for sale, what with the sale prices be?) Homes sitting empty add up to 31 (two on Front Street up for sheriff’s sale, both Liggett properties). Commercial buildings/storefronts empty figure 55 plus. Approximately 35 vacant lots. There is what visitors see as Brownsville.
Rite Aid is seeking to buy Eckards. How long before our Eckards (a Liggett building) will be no more? The future of the hospital is a question mark. I’ll let you judge the schools.
What’s left for us? Chuck your SUV’s (Hummers too) and your cell phones; stop playing bingo, the lottery and the slots. No more dining out (all you can eat), turn off the TV, give up Big Ben and the game.
Stock up on bottled water and canned goods. Sit back and wait.
Don’t forget to extend your thanks to those happy, smiling, thoughtful Liggetts for their outstanding accomplishments to Brownsville and us.
Have a nice day.
Robert N. Hess
Brownsville