What's the problem?

There was a story today on WJET-TV about the proposed Cathedral Prep athletic complex on W 12th St on the former Gunite property. The story mentions that local manufacturers in the area are opposed to the zoning changes that would be required for them to build there. The current zoning is for manufacturing. A spokesperson from a local business in the area stated that "..it would go against the urban renewal plan and 12th street history."

OK. First of all, I don't see how this would go against the urban renewal project. This is a chance to take something that is currently a pile of rubble into something that would be pleasant to look at and would be very functional. I drive through this corrodor to and from work, and it always smells and is a lot of delapitated looking brick buildings. This would be something to benefit the city, and like we always do, we have to look at everything bad about it, to the point that the Diocese will go somewhere out of the city and once again, we will miss out on an opportunity to make the city a better looking place.

The second part about 12th street history...That's what it is, history. We need to stop living in the past and move the city into the new millenium. I really don't think that people come to Erie on vacation to sightsee the 12th street manufacturing corridor. We need to take these blighted properties and make them into something that will make people want to come to Erie. We are losing tourists and more importantly losing youth that are leaving the area for better jobs. We need to make the city a great place for residents and tourists alike.

The next short rant is about the commonwealth and their budget problems. Not going to go on and on about this, but if I could get one message to Harrisburg, it would be to get a budget. If they issue these furloughs, it will hurt the two biggest tourist attractions in the area, Presque Isle and Presque Isle Downs. Make sure you send Governor Rendell a message telling him how his furloughs would hurt the Erie County economy. You can click here to send a message to him.