I pulled into a parking space on Main Street in Lilburn. I sat, remembering when the village was vibrant with full occupancy in the retail spaces.
Using Main Street often I watched the community atrophy, the closing of businesses. On both sides of the street empty windows stared at me forlornly. A thriving restaurant is now empty. I recalled sitting under massive oak trees while having a cup of coffee, acorns cascading down, loosened by some frisky squirrels. The tables and seats were usually occupied.
It is a sign of the times. But it is more than that. Other communities around Atlanta; Norcross, Decatur and Woodstock still retain active businesses in their downtown areas. Merchants and property owners had vision.
Instead of being a destination Main Street in Lilburn is only a route to somewhere. If property owners and government enjoy looking at tired buildings the street will remain the same.
The national economy is in stasis because of governmental policies condoned by unconcerned politicians who are apparently too busy hanging on to their jobs to find solutions.
In Muncie, Ind., in 1954 the economy sagged. The hub of downtown business became stricken by inattention — buildings neglected, maintenance ignored. Business suffered more. The condition was unacceptable but we fortunately had a number of visionaries, including Ball Brothers.
When the economy became stagnant, assuring vacant buildings, the property owners, along with the city administration, made adjustments for merchants. Taxes were lowered and leases were adjusted enough that the business could survive until better times. That’s smart. Profits dropped but occupancy remained full with three entities sharing the pain instead of just the tenants. We spruced up the area. Better times returned quicker than in the surrounding cities.
I met with Johnny Crist, the Lilburn Mayor, and expressed my opinion that the place seemed weather beaten. I recommended landscaping on Main Street to make it bright and eye-appealing. Except for the park there is presently little to attract people to Lilburn.
Having visited in Victoria, Canada, Portland, Oregon and Key West, Florida and enjoyed their colorful flowers and shrubbery I gave him two brochures I had brought home from Victoria. We discussed the thousands of tourists who go there because they enjoy the beautiful landscaping in Butchart Gardens.
I think I wore out my welcome when I talked about the weeds along Main Street in Lilburn. Or maybe I mentioned I did not live in Lilburn. He said he had another appointment.
I got in my car and glanced at the vacant buildings along the street. Memories made me sad.
Bill York has lived in Stone Mountain for 35 years. Reach him at sioux2222@gmail.com.
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