But I really do believe that corporate irresponsibility has left a hole larger than a crater in the Central part of the Metro East, the part that mirrors the Arch, the right bank of the Mississippi.
East St. Louis is a victim of corporate irresponsibility. Not only has the economy of these areas been depressed since the 1970's but the air and soil have constantly remained polluted.
Even if someone had to spend money, billions would have to be spent first to clean the soil - it happened through no fault of the citizenry.
I believe that as many of these companies that can be taken to task SHOULD BE.
A very large area in the Metro East has suffered because of it. Only the poor African Americans have remained, those who were able to afford getting out are already gone.
It's more than loss of taxbase and a remaining 'welfare state' that has caused the demise of a large area stretching from Madison/West Madison/Venice - through Lovejoy, Eagle Park, Brooklyn, Washington Park, Centreville, Alorton, Cahokia, Dupo and the central City --- East St. Louis...
The one-time anchor of the Metro East is now a desolate crater... It is like a big nuke went off in downtown East St. Louis and created a crater about 7 miles in diameter or so.
A good amount of that land is severely polluted.
We have been a little more fortunate in Granite City, and I recall a major cleanup in the 1990's. Some people within 2 blocks of us and southward got new lawns thanks to a settlement with Terra Corp I believe -- and the EPA.
Or was it Jennison Wright? I dont' remember who caused the problem...but I recall some nice new lawns at some very ragged looking houses.