A Tale of Two Neighborhoods

The headline in the March 19 Intelligencer Journal aptly refers to downtown Musser Park as "The 'jewel' of E. Chestnut St." At the celebration of the park's "rebirth," Mayor Rick Gray reminded a crowd of invitees that the City put up $200,000 of the $600,000 cost of upgrading, with the balance raised from neighbors and friends of the park.

NewsLanc doesn't begrudge Musser Park a penny of the money. But we do draw attention to the orphaned Rodney Park in South West Lancaster, with most of the area covered with crumbling macadam and hardly a blade of grass or a tree. Unlike the fashionable area surrounding Musser Park, the homes and neighborhood around Rodney park are decaying and the area has one of the highest crime rates in the city.

Just a hundred thousand dollars could return some grass, trees, lighting and benches to the site. Perhaps the City could put up the first $50,000. Then let's see if public spirited well heeled citizens, although comfortably living at a distance, will kick in the second $50,000. NewsLanc pledges $10,000 to the cause.

Perhaps Mayor Gray will provide the leadership to get this done.