Hi, I'm a longtime member of the dKos community -- I think I joined in 2003, back when GWB and his minions cast a dark shadow over the land -- but I'm mostly a lurker now. Stupid job! But I have a question and maybe a pleas for help...
I live in a small city outside Boston, Medford. It's experiencing lots of growth these days and was just named "Best Place to Buy a Starter Home" in Greater Boston by Boston magazine. That's high praise for a rough little hamlet run by the Mob not that long ago.
There's a old mansion, a designated historic property, the city owns that is run down and in need of repair. Many in Medford wants to renovate it (cost: 3M to start) and then run it as a function hall (weddings, other parties). The city could float a bond and then the property could actually start paying it back relatively soon. It should be noted that the city floats many bonds for things like technology in the school, a playing field for the kiddos, etc. BTW none of those bonds would be paid back.
Other screams that we have bigger priorities like a new fire station, fixing all the potholes after a nasty winter. They also cite the expense of widening the driveway for firetruck access (because apparently if the truck is there FOR A FIRE and gets another call, it won't be able to turn around and take off ???), a wobbly business plan, and pretty much anything else you can think of. They say do it later, even though costs will continue to rise. They say don't do it all, as there are concerns about traffic and noise. Some critics cast it as a battle between "old" blue collar Medford and "new" professional Medford.
I argue that it's not a zero sum game and we can get that new fire station, fix the potholes AND rehabilitate this historic home. I am wondering how best to proceed. The pissed off side of me wants to shame these city councillors who take the easy route of passing the buck on renovation year after year. The non pissed off side of me wanted to ask the Daily Kos community if they have any ideas on how to generate attention, interest and enthusiasm for this project.
Thanks in advance! Medford thanks you!
