We fell in love with the FX series, Justified. We were due for a vacation; my husband had never been in that part of the south. Beginning in Lexington KY we found, as expected, very expensive horse country. Then onto Harlan KY. I was looking for the Justified store. I was very excited. I would have spent way too much on “stuff” and any other thing I can spend money on in the town.
I have been to the Kentucky and West Virginia coal country. It has never been Lexington, Knoxville, Nashville, or the other medium cities that are experiencing a rebirth. The coal country has always been rougher. The people there lost their lives and livelihood to provide prosperity for the rest of this nation. It was a very difficult life. We need to remember their contributions led to amazing economic growth of this country.
Knowing that, having a love for the people, I was shocked at the state of Harlan. It is impossible for me to describe the hopelessness I felt. The downtown is completely vacant – except for the churches. The churches were active. There was no economic activity. In fact, where do the people purchase their groceries? The few places for lunch were pizza and fast food. I know there are people who can cook in this part of the country. Where were the homestyle restaurants? Where was my Justified store?
Some people say, “just leave; go to Lexington or Knoxville or another city.” Maybe you neglected to notice, until recently many of these places were also in economic disarray (Glass House, Brian Alexander). Further, some people like to have land or family connection. These are their support systems. Why should the answer be – leave?
I have a different idea. We need to create a revolving fund in this country that places like Harlan can use to redevelop. Our country should put a couple of billion dollars into a revolving account that is a) managed by governors and mayors; b) used to demolish buildings. Cities and states can use this fund only for demolition; no rehabilitation. There were buildings in many of the towns we traveled through that just need removed. Let’s take the buildings down and create “green space.”
The land then becomes the property of the city. The owners have not done a damn thing to maintain the property, they probably walked away years ago. Businesses receive no additional tax support to build something on the vacant land. Someone wants to build on the land, they pay for the land. We say we believe in capitalism, let’s do it. Part of sale proceeds returns to the fund.
If the City wants to permit churches or non-profits create on the space, that is better than a multistory building that is literally going to collapse. I know there are people in the towns across this country that can come up with experimental and creative ideas for the space. They simply need a bit of support.
Only government can make this happen. There is, at this point, no economic gain for the private sector or they would have already done it. And, let’s be realistic, private sector is only going to do something that pays them (Winners Take All, Anand Giridharadas). Opportunity Zone concepts might have something to offer. I have read a bit about it, but right now, we need to focus on creating space to generate hope.
I know I can find my Justified “swag” on-line. I would have preferred the experience of talking to a local and laughing about the show. Instead of a positive memory I am left with anger. I realize coal is a “fossil fuel.” I realize we must change. However, in the change, we are a better nation than just leaving behind the community and buildings who gave all “to get us to this point.” We need to do more – a great deal more.
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