On Emptiness

Dear Blog,

I was just thinking about how very lucky we are here in Roslindale. Within spitting distance of each other, right in our little shopping district, one can find many of life's essentials, bread, cheese, wine, sausages, pastry, and, on a very good day, even fairly fresh vegetables at Village Market (if you're willing to face the surly checkout automatons; would a little eye contact be so hard). Not to mention the flowers, books, pet supplies, and bulk spices.

And yet, Blog, every day on my way to and from the commuter rail station, I feel a little pinch in my chest as I pass by all the empty storefronts. There are far too many of them for my taste, and many with the same "For Lease" signs in the windows. I have hopeful moments of anticipation when I see properties being renovated, because I assume this means they've been rented. Alas, this not the case with the most recent renovations. But why? Is it that the economy is bad, and there aren't enough people with the entrepreneurial spirit to go around? Or is there something that prohibits people from renting these particular properties?

These long-empty storefronts make me worry about the health of our beloved Roslindale. Will people want to move into the neighborhood if it looks like the business district isn't healthy? And what will make the more lasting impression, the wonderful, thriving businesses that are, or the empty spaces of business that could be? As an observer of neighborhoods, I can say that when I see four or five empty storefronts in a two block area, even ones with freshly painted walls and newly sanded floors, I think, "Oh, there's somethings wrong here. Why don't people want to open businesses in this neighborhood?"

The Rambler will be making make further posts On Emptiness. Perhaps some of our readers will share their feelings on emptiness with us.

That's all for now, Blog.