There was a news article concerning landmarks owned by the city of Baltimore. The city is considering the sale or possible lease of these properties to investment groups. The cost of maintaining the properties being the driving force. Some of these landmarks may be lost altogether if something isn't done. A public outcry from some quarters can be heard. The city should be fixing these historic properties and maintaining them for posterity. The same group doing the crying however,are not forthcoming with the funds. I suspect the very same group are the ones complaining the loudest about taxes.
This article brought to mind similar circumstances I had occasion to face before. A certain town, which I won't name, was offered a free gift of an semi-historic object. The immediate response was, wonderful, that will look so nice. This object, that was going to be given away, mysteriously refurbished itself. All at once it was already set in place and fully restored. I asked the question. How are we going to pay for this ? I was met with silence and hostile stares. Well, it is a piece of history ! It will add charm to our town. Children can visit it. It will be an educational tool. Yes, but how do we pay for the renovation and upkeep ? No answers there.
The point I'm trying to make is this. It is the saving of the object, whether that be a building or anything else, that is the most important consideration. These objects need to be in the hands of those that have the funds and others means of taking care of them. To put it another way it would do me little good to win a Ferrari ! I couldn't afford to insure it or have it serviced. It would just be a burden. Sometimes we need to rid ourselves of burdens. The city of Baltimore is no different. If these objects have to be sold or leased to ensure their survival so be it.
Tough choices for tough times. It would be nice doesn't equate to we should. White elephants I believe.
Just sayin'.
This article brought to mind similar circumstances I had occasion to face before. A certain town, which I won't name, was offered a free gift of an semi-historic object. The immediate response was, wonderful, that will look so nice. This object, that was going to be given away, mysteriously refurbished itself. All at once it was already set in place and fully restored. I asked the question. How are we going to pay for this ? I was met with silence and hostile stares. Well, it is a piece of history ! It will add charm to our town. Children can visit it. It will be an educational tool. Yes, but how do we pay for the renovation and upkeep ? No answers there.
The point I'm trying to make is this. It is the saving of the object, whether that be a building or anything else, that is the most important consideration. These objects need to be in the hands of those that have the funds and others means of taking care of them. To put it another way it would do me little good to win a Ferrari ! I couldn't afford to insure it or have it serviced. It would just be a burden. Sometimes we need to rid ourselves of burdens. The city of Baltimore is no different. If these objects have to be sold or leased to ensure their survival so be it.
Tough choices for tough times. It would be nice doesn't equate to we should. White elephants I believe.
Just sayin'.
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