Ordinary Maine

Every once in a while you see something and wonder what the thinking process is behind the scenes. Life is complicated and often there are no easy answers, but sometimes someone just needs to ask. I am hoping this will become the first of many such entries in by blog.

Many in Westbrook know that the neighborhood from Spring Street over to Saco Street is considered a rough part of town. It could be worse, it could be better, but it is what it is. Anyone who spends any time in this area knows it is teeming with children. Children just ready to explore places like this. The night it burned the fire department pulled it's firefighters out because the floor was unstable.

Now I understand that this area is prone to car theft, vandalism and the occasional murder, but how safe is this situation? I would hate to be the person wondering why this building was not torn down until after a child was killed. I am the last person to wants to see the government interfere with private property rights, however seven months is clearly enough time to get this situation rectified.

This leaves me to wonder a few things:

1) What happens in the winter when this building becomes a haven for the homeless?

2) If the above happens how will we react if a firefighter gets injured fighting another fire here?

of course I saved the best for last......

3) Do you think this kind of situation would be tolerated on Oakland St, Munroe St or Berkeley St?

The first two are pretty straight forward. I will let you all figure out why I asked the last question.