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Health & Fitness

Medford Rotary I Have a Suggestion

Dear Medford Rotary,
Haines Square is has been the forgotten zone, yet it has massive potential.  First, you all need to get it together and get rid of the two biggest eye soars both of which are political nightmares.  The first is the most obvious the MBTA bus parking lot known as the Car Barns locally.  Put pressure on your politicians to have the MTA buiding donated to the city for a Community Center for East Medford.  Second, the liquor store needs to go, it is the focal point of the square where once a Movie House used to be.  It is now trashy looking. The problem is that a very powerful politician owns the property and unless he is persuaded to change it - it will continue to be the focal point of the square as you drive up Salem Street.  Third, please work with black Americans to open two businesses in Medford Square.  The black community in West Medford will die out as Tufts takes over when the green line comes in if they can't compete with college professors with all their connections.  Opening up businesses in East Medford may offset the dis-proportioned wealth.  No special loans needed, how do immigrants do it, black Americans need to believe that the American dream is theirs too.  I say two store fronts because one singles them out as "the black store"  Race is never an easy topic but it needs to be said.  Black Americans will lose out to white encroachment in West Medford if new wealth is not created.  It will create self-esteem, connection, belonging, all the things that white people and other of color immigrant groups feel when they open up shop.
Respectfully,
Jeanne Martin.

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