Remembering the Ruskin Heights Twister is the most stupid activity the local media urges residents to take part in . . . The tornado didn't come close to doing the damage that "diversity" (read: white flight) has done to the neighborhood. Greensburg actually had a bit of good luck . . . If you really want to see a community fall to shambles, just look at what happens in a KC neighborhood with the demographics switch rapidly. R.I.P - Ruskin Heights.
The biggest house in Ruskin was about 900 square feet. As "starter homes" they were OK, but they were never the homes many of the first residents were going to inhabit forever. There are starter home neighborhoods in Blue Springs that have fallen into similar disrepair. After the first generation moves out, in comes the second, poorer generation, and the people looking for rentals. Each succeeding generation has been less affluent. It's easy to blame "diversity" (whatever that is) but the fact is everybody has to live someplace. As people moved up, 900 sq foot starter houses became too small. Many of the initial families moved out, many to Johnson County, some to Blue Springs, and others to Grandview. As more renters moved in the community became poorer. Don't blame Ruskin or its residents. The subdivision suffers from a the same problems you find in a lot of similar suburban communities.
Good point, CJ ... but as someone who has to go into the area on a regular basis (due to older family who refuse to move because "Oh, it's not as bad as all that!" and "They won't mess with ME ... I'm a fixture in this neighborhood!" -- yeah, lots of luck with that train of thought, after someone shoots you while your mowing the lawn), I'm afraid some of the residents actually do need to be blamed. No, as with anywhere, not all of them. But it gets worse all the time, and Grandview is quickly following.
Up yours Tony!!
ReplyDeleteCyclones Rule!!!
Stags Drool!!!
Besides they are in 2 different classes now and won't play each other.
Ruskin Heights - I remember that place. I'm glad I moved out.
ReplyDeleteThe biggest house in Ruskin was about 900 square feet. As "starter homes" they were OK, but they were never the homes many of the first residents were going to inhabit forever. There are starter home neighborhoods in Blue Springs that have fallen into similar disrepair. After the first generation moves out, in comes the second, poorer generation, and the people looking for rentals. Each succeeding generation has been less affluent. It's easy to blame "diversity" (whatever that is) but the fact is everybody has to live someplace. As people moved up, 900 sq foot starter houses became too small. Many of the initial families moved out, many to Johnson County, some to Blue Springs, and others to Grandview. As more renters moved in the community became poorer. Don't blame Ruskin or its residents. The subdivision suffers from a the same problems you find in a lot of similar suburban communities.
ReplyDeleteGood point, CJ ... but as someone who has to go into the area on a regular basis (due to older family who refuse to move because "Oh, it's not as bad as all that!" and "They won't mess with ME ... I'm a fixture in this neighborhood!" -- yeah, lots of luck with that train of thought, after someone shoots you while your mowing the lawn), I'm afraid some of the residents actually do need to be blamed. No, as with anywhere, not all of them. But it gets worse all the time, and Grandview is quickly following.
ReplyDelete