In the entire time my mother was trying to attract a buyer, I do not recall any mention of advice or assistance from anyone from the local governments responsible for economic development. As an old dry-cleaning plant, our building is an unattractive shell, not fit for much without extensive renovation or, as Ram Development plans, starting from scratch. With all respect to the artist, the depiction displayed in the Gazette Community News on July 6 puts a much better face on that corner than what now exists. That would seem to me to be a much more positive community experience than what is occurring at present. The delays and obstructions are proving to be a serious setback.
Costs continue to mount in the form of taxes and repairs, such as required by a recent vandalism.
The current situation is not one of a large corporation imposing itself on a small community. It is, rather, a constructive effort to economically revitalize an important location in the town. It is a case of a man who gave much to the community of Riverdale, both in professional and civic efforts, exercising his rights of property and ownership at the time in his life when he is in desperate need. Your consideration is greatly appreciated. I sincerely hope the mayor and council are able to take a more creative approach to this opportunity.