Former Greenvillians Speak

These are some of the comments reflected on this blog and e-mails Red Dog has received so far:

There seems to be a basic problem with money flow in Greenville. Those that's got it don't want to give it to City Hall or anyone else for that matter. Understandable given the political climate at present. The issue of re-vitalizing downtown Greenville has been a topic for discussion lately. Now I'm not too familiar with the situation there since I moved away some years ago, but I return every now and then hoping to see progress, but not finding any. This is perplexing to say the least. It is inconceivable to me that they (politicos) want to re-vitalize downtown when they can't keep the streets repaired properly. Another mystery is what happens to the taxes generated by the casino on Lake Ferguson. Surely some of this money could be put to better use unless it is disappearing "under the table". As most of us know by now, downtown revitalization takes a very real commitment of time, creativity, and resources. Perseverance comes to mind also. It ani't gonna happen without real leadership by a "mover and shaker" that is trusted by ALL of the citizens. folks, we're talking years, not weeks or days. even worse there are no guarantees of success. A lot of the business people have to take risks that they probably will be uncomfortable with given the present circumstances. On the other hand they can roll up the streets and turn out the lights and let a city that was once the "queen city of the Delta" pass into oblivion. I hope not!!
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Not wanting to put myself in the way of abuse (we Southerners have a way - sometimes unkindly - of letting others know what we think),I will go by Dee. Having grown up in Greenville, the overwhelming negative that I get whenever we come back to Greenville for a visit or drive through is the deteriorated look in every direction, either on Highway 82 or on Highway 1. It is as though the merchants don't care - nobody cares. there are weeds growing everywhere, very rarely are there any trees, schrubs, flowers, but there is always plenty of litter. Buildings seems to be needing paint and repair..... I hate that feeling, but I don't believe I could bear living there again. And, I have always felt that I could make myself home anywhere. What you see as you enter town is the lasting impression you have as you leave. What I DO like is what they have done with the Welcome center and that area around with its flowers and landscaping, etc. There are likely other lovely areas too, but I rarely stay long enough to look further that what I see as I come in and out.
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I suggest finding SIGNFICANT financing to create a mall on the river and its bank.Of course this idea may be all wet.
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A major new mall south of town near Warfield Landing might have promise. Access to Arkansas, etc. Combine lure of the river with commercial enterprise!!!!!!!
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It was with great sadness that we left Greenville after 40-something years. However, we have dear friends and family still there. We have business interests and come back often. However, with the outrageous rise is taxes, the business are in the process of being sold.Instead of looking forward to our trips to Greenville, I have started to dread seeing the demise of a lovely city.The loss of Kings Daughters Hospital is one more blow to the city. Quality seems to decline if there is no competition. It is of great concern that DRMC (which has been involved in deceptive practices in the past i.e. Burn Center) has promised no job cuts, or salary reduction and then immediately did both. This combined with the tax loss will prove to be a significant change for the worse.I pray for some uplifting news soon so that my family might feel more secure and the community can once again prosper.
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Red Dog says: You really can't go home again. It's the same house I grew up in, the street hasn't changed much but this is not my "home." I look at my friends here who have never moved and I wonder "Is is worse to have lived here all your life, and not know of anything better, or to have experienced better and move back?" I'm leaning to the latter.

What I read above is that money could fix a lot of things, just showing small successes in the infrastructure would be a big step forward, the overall appearance is a detractor, and a lack of confidence in leadership and suspicion of others' motives continue to plague Greenville.

I think we can be hopeful but not overly optimistic. Let me continue to hear from you.