Everyone wants to live in a community that is beautiful, safe, and friendly. We want low crime rates, privacy, and quiet neighborhoods, but with plenty of entertainment, dining, and recreation opportunities nearby. We want things to do and pretty things to look at. We want paved roads and smooth sidewalks; good schools and quick emergency response times, all while having low tax rates and minimal regulations. Nobody wants to live in world of blight.
But no one wants to do that at the risk of the underprivileged, elderly, and disabled.
Sometimes, though, interests collide and government leaders are forced to make some difficult decisions.
Such is the case in Russell, Kentucky, part of the tri-state region between Ohio, West Virginia and the bluegrass state.
I’m author Gwen Alyce Clayton. My husband and I moved here last week and found it to be a wonderful community filled with friendly, helpful people who care deeply about their neighbors.
Our first morning waking up in the new home, I joined a Facebook group called Visit Ashland, KY (Ashland is the big city in this neck of the woods). I posted an introduction, saying I was looking forward to meeting new people and getting to know the area.
Over the next four days, I received 47 comments from folks welcoming me to town, many of them suggesting places to check out. The first suggestion was a bakery called Princess Pastry in downtown Russell. It turned out to be great advice. Eddie and I went there and greatly enjoyed the cranberry orange muffins.
While we were eating, Eddie met a Navy veteran named Todd. The two of them started talking military shop (Eddie’s retired Army and served four years in the Marine Corps). At one point, Todd mentioned that he was involved in a project called Revitalize Russell.
That’s when my ears perked up, since I am a professional business writer and getting my master’s degree in economic development. This project sounded totally up my alley.
Economic development is a critical component to any region. It drives growth to our local coffers, creating high-wage jobs and facilitating an improved quality of life. With money circulating in the local economy, government officials have funds to improve public services, and private citizens have more disposable income. Nice looking neighborhoods give residents a sense of pride in their communities, as well as a sense of safety.
After we got home, I hopped online and did my highly academic Google search on Revitalize Russell. The first hit in my Google search was an article in The Daily Independent, the newspaper covering Ashland, Kentucky and surrounding areas. According to an article dated May 6 by reporter Charles Romans, the City of Russell has pulled eminent domain on the property currently used as the Russell Convalescent Home at 407 Ferry Street in Russell, Kentucky.
As I read on, I learned the facility is home to 27 patients who have no family to care for them. These residents have all suffered an illness, injury or operation requiring the help of someone else to resume their day-to-day activities. There are also 12 employees who work there.
Dreama Hedge, the Med Supervisor for Russell Convalescent Home, told The Daily Independent. “Most of my residents don’t have family. So, the only family they know is us.”
Russell Mayor Samuel R. “Ron” Simpson posted a Facebook message dated Aug. 21 saying, “The property will be redeveloped as an open air pavilion so that we can have a farmer’s market and vendor space and also a play area for children and families with some additional parking for that space.”
He included an artist’s rendering of the planned use.
Now, I didn’t talk to anyone about this. And I’m not going to, even though the journalist in me wants to dig deep into the issue. But, for the purpose of this video, all I want to say is Russell, Kentucky is great little city. I’m happy to be here and I understand the need to revitalize the downtown area. No one wants to live in a town rife with urban decay. If we don’t create a vibrant community, we can’t generate tax revenue, which means we won’t have money to spend on public services.
The demolition of the rehabilitation facility is going to happen, and in my opinion, it’s a waste of time fighting it. However, it’s on us as individuals to come to the aid of the residents of the Russell Convalescent Home. If you want to help them, you can donate to their GoFundMe account.
Links
The Daily Independent “50-year facility may have to close” by Charles Romans https://bit.ly/3D37wRY
The Daily Independent “Fate of RCH in hot debate” by Charles Romans https://bit.ly/3bWCteP
Press Release from the Mayor’s Office, Russell Kentucky, August 21, 2021 https://bit.ly/3n1MTjO
Russell Convalescent Home https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-our-family-find-a-new-home-28
My Books
Gwen Alyce Clayton 