Praying for community-minded neighbors, business community
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Equality & Nixburg News
Jennifer Williamson
Last week I wrote about neighbors and what makes a good neighbor. This week I am on my knees because more properties are going up for sale in Equality. I am praying, begging, for good neighbors, community-minded neighbors.
My fear is not of change or something different; my fear is greed and commercialism. There are two businesses on the market, as well as some residential property in prime locations which would be so easy for someone to think only about themselves and exploit for their own personal gain and the detriment of the community.
My dream since moving here was a locally owned business community that benefits the whole community. A Mayberry of sorts. A downtown area that is small mix use, with a small grocery store, maybe a bakery, and hardware store. Perhaps even a small-town park with a pond for water management, and a few fish, with a walking path and play area to encourage our kids and grandchildren to stay. And a sign on the corner saying, “Welcome to Equality.”
Amenities to add to the existing businesses such as Quality Earth Movers, Quality Food Mart, CJ’s Fishing Hole, Rita’s Antiques, Yates Paint and More, Russel Endeavors, Jenny’s General, Coosa County Live, as well as the locals who do engine repair, hair cutting, house cleaning, lawn maintenance, and egg stands (we need some farm stands, please).
Maybe I am just a dreamer who believes in Equality, Ala. I know my thinking is not outdated because I see big cities like Huntsville and Montgomery building multi-use communities within communities that are exceedingly attractive and popular. Walking communities with shops, businesses and schools close to residential. No high-rise buildings, limited to two or three stories of mix use with retail, commercial and residential all in one building. So, a person living in an apartment above can walk downstairs for groceries, a restaurant, or even shop for clothing.
I envision Equality that way, but not all the posh stuff, just small-town amenities. Apartments for seniors who don’t want to manage property, but also don’t want to move away from their neighbors and community. Able to shop locally without having to drive or be driven 25 to 30 minutes to another city or town to pick up groceries and other needs.
Local growers providing produce for those that can’t grow their own. Neighbor helping neighbor, each benefiting from and supporting one another. Locals being able to make an income without having to drive to another county for a job they can’t wait to retire from.
So, I am praying that those that buy the available properties in Equality are good neighbors who envision Equality as a small-town community and not just their way of padding their wallets.
Just a reminder on a local community event, this month’s Neighborhood Watch meeting is on the fourth Thursday, August 28, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Please plan on joining for safety information and community fellowship.
I depend upon my readers to share with me what is happening within your organizations, churches, neighborhoods, groups, or family to share in next week’s column. Please contact me; leave a voice message or text 256-531-6460 or email at coosacafe@gmail.com.
