Thanks Annie for the kind words. It is gratifying to see Bassett Creek finally get the attention that it deserves as a wonderful natural amenity for this area. Kudos to City Pages and Meleah Maynard for doing a very fine, in-depth article on the creek and its surrounding neighborhoods. I am, however, disturbed that the creek restoration is viewed negatively by some as the first step in a movement to gentrify and displace the poor. I see no reason why the richest country on earth cannot move forward in restoring the environment and move forward in improving conditions for the poor at the same time. I can not believe that we must choose between these two goals as an 'either/or' decision. A pollution free environment, nature, and good parks enrich the lives of the poor just as much as, and maybe even more than, the wealthy. Annie, maybe we can dust off your ideas of an environmental institute in the Bassett Creek Valley. The 3 superfund sites here are one of the stickier issues that have to be dealt with. Dave Stack Harrison > From: Annie Young > >> Congratulations goes to e-list member Dave Stack who is featured in the Feature story of City Pages this week (picature and all). The cover story "Crippled Creek" talks about the Northside's plans for cleaning up the creek. When I worked over in Harrison in the mid-80's I had dreams about that creek, even once thought about an environmental institute along its banks and thought about ways to try to clean it up. It just goes to show that environmental work does make an impact - unfortunately, after the fact many times (global warming example) but Dave's tenacity prevails in this case. In regards to gentrification - hey Dave, its happening everywhere. Hi Lake is just another example, too. Thanks for your good work (along with many others) on upgrading the northside. Keep the faith! Good work. >>
