Progress or Regression? What is Right about Property Rights and Time Restraints

I've been doing some research about historic values of properties over time. It is a very timely subject due to the fact that there are at least four historic buildings being threatened with demolition in my hometown. Some would say that it is progress. The new super gas and market center will bring revenue and jobs to the town. Others will lament the cold hard fact that money leads to a sort of regression and erosion of the area in question. Sure, it is reasonable to expect that the value of the properties in question has gone down because of this. It is also reasonable to suggest that traffic concerns will be noted as a non-issue for some. They want the convenience that super gas station/market will give them.

The facts are that the properties in question have been abandoned. Some of them have been abandoned for years due to circumstances beyond anyone's control. Others have been bought by corporations that are just looking for a quick buck. They don't see the property rights that have been established in the past to prevent something like this.

It has happened before with the same corporation in that area. They totally demolished a distinctive row of old businesses and old houses to build the original market. I'm of the opinion that they really don't care about the communities they serve. If they did care, then there wouldn't be this huge threat to destroy five beautiful old buildings. Some would call them eyesores and havens for the homeless to destroy on their own. Yes, one of the buildings definitely needs some TLC. The other four buildings could go on the market without too much work.

Many do feel that allowing the gas station/market to go up will actually show progress, while others know that it will actually be a regression of sorts. Both environmentally and aesthetically it will be a disaster that the town will not recover from or be able to reverse once it happens. There are time restraints to the process as well. It just seems that there is not enough time to do all that needs to be done. Looking at it from a financial standpoint enforces the view that it will be progressive and good for the community.

I feel sad that it has come to this. I also feel a bit helpless to do anything about it. It does seem like it's a done deal especially since the town's land is involved as well. I just can't help thinking that this isn't progress. The ordinances were put in place for good reasons and this smacks of encroachment and a loss of environmental controls. I can understand the lure of money when you are strapped for cash. I do...I'm at that point myself...but I can't think about selling my soul for that...