It is true that one person’s good news is another’s disappointment.
The West End Opportunity Partnership plans to buy the NIA Center from TARC for $2.1 million and allow Goodwill to lease it for just $1 a year. Goodwill plans to turn that building into affordable housing, which West Louisville desperately needs. If they do that, Norton Healthcare has indicated an interest in expanding its healthcare services next door. Swapping a rundown building for new, affordable housing is progress.
But this isn’t good news to the 13 business tenants already in the building. They are opposed to any changes and don’t want to move. I get it. They are paying rent that is far below fair market value and they like the status quo just fine. But renting doesn’t give you as much clout as owning.
One spokesperson for the merchants said, “We’re just trying to figure out how come we weren't forewarned.” TARC is offering them free rent through November! That’s a lot of forewarning.
Progress is usually messy and inconvenient, but without it, the alternative is deterioration.
Whenever progress emerges, it inevitably brings with it dissent, but progress is measured by its potential to improve life for the greatest number of people, and true leaders should remain focused on the broader vision rather than the loudest voices.
I’m Bill Lamb, and that’s my Point of View.
