That was a lot of formers! That's the problem. Yes formally had lots of good industry, good places to eat, great school system. But with shortsighted politicians at the helm, ran this city into the ground while surrounding communities all grew not relying on one thing like we did the mill.
Partney, vondee, Selph and Ed all failed and continues the slope of our current state by not trying to grow and diversify the cities make up. We stuck to a age old mill destined to eventually close. No change in thinking.
Ok don't compare to Edwardsville. Collinsville, Belleville, ofallon, Fairview all growing and developing their cities and cleaning up the derelict areas.
Downtown looks better but behind the station one fire house, Iowa and the like, has plummeted into filth and criminal haven! Relax still up and needs to come down. Developing rt 3 and maryville road. City screwed us on expansion. And now land locked. All the mayors I listed above contributed to that.
So yes just hoping for a better granite and get our house values to stop dropping. New leadership is needed for that.