The African-American members have enjoyed the quiet lifestyle for generations and now worry that they don't fit into the city leaders' plans for the future. We have a lot of elderly people here and if they are asked to sell, they will refuse. City officials claim that nobody will be forced off their land. But it's not enough for the church members. We'd like to have something in writing.
City officials contend they have tried to ease the church's fears.
We've got a few of those. Young and others hope that residents opposing the plan will be won over as the project progresses. Others don't need as much coaxing. Several developers have called, interested in how to get the process started. Area banks have begun courting the city, eager to offer low-interest loans to residents interested in relocating.