It just takes one empty, neglected home to tarnish a neighborhood. The grass doesn't get mowed; there are no signs of life or activity; and the home becomes an incessant, sad reminder of the happiness which once was.
Soon, more and more homes become empty and lifeless, and returning home at the end of school or work becomes joyless.
That's what is happening to small town Main Streets, suburban malls and strip malls.
It just takes one business to go under and paper its windows to facilitate a depressive atmosphere. And that closed business becomes a cancer to its neighbors. Shoppers don't want to get near the source of the disease -- it's a buzz kill. So, the neighboring businesses go under, perpetuating the belief that the cancer will win.
Or, as in the case of our small town, several businesses go under at the same time in various locations which creates a feeling that the cancer is already widespread.
I live in a seasonal town. Our season ends the weekend after Thanksgiving and resumes again in May. Many businesses already have "Going out of business" banners across their facades. Some are already empty.
How many will reopen in May? I don't know. Our business is holding on, but just barely. We may not be able to get our usual winter loan which covers payroll and expenses during the off season. But, even if we survive this winter, will people return to our town if it looks like Flynt, MI in "Roger & Me?"
And, that makes me wonder about other Main Streets, malls and strip malls. What do they look like right now? Please indicate your regional location if you comment.