Dear Editor:
Yesterday, I chanced to drive through Arnold for the first time in several years. Since I didn't have to drive, I watched the sides of the road as we slowly made our way along Hwy 4.
I had heard that the anti-building forces in Calaveras County had depleted incomes and that Arnold was now considered by its residents to be a poor town, but had not realized just how bad it was.
Building after building, with few exceptions, was vacant, for sale, dilapidated and forlorn looking, and the whole town looked desolate and abandoned.
The last time I had been there was in I believe 2007, when I met a friend for lunch at a delightful little place with a big deck, under the tall trees.
At that time, it was vibrant, crowded with happy people, with extra income to go to lunch with friends. What happened?
This is not a place I would now return to visit, even in my worst nightmares! Sad, but true. Can someone explain this?
We live in the valley, so we know things have been tough, but come on. Isn't there some elected official that cares how this town looks?
Thanks for hearing me out,
RAB
7 comments:
This post contains conflicting statements. First - mention is made of the "anti-building" forces in the County. Second - a statement is made about all the vacant buildings observed in town. How is the construction of additional buildings going to solve the empty-building problem?
Your letter upset me so much I got into my car and drove the length of Arnold and then back up.
Unfortunately, we who live here and see it all the time don't notice the decay as badly as an out-of-towner. Sadly, you are right.
I love Arnold. You're right that it's having problems. I heard the other day that the new supe is moving all the good businesses to lower elevations, like Avery and Murphys.
I heard it was just new homes they were against. But, that affects business totally.
Arnold hit its commercial peak in the late 80s. The building behind Giant Burger has never been fully rented. The shopping center has spaces that haven't been rented in 20 + years. So sad.
Not another "LEGACY DISADVANTAGED COMMUNITY" ? How long before that state given title will encompass all of Calaveras County?
When everyone whines about not wanting business or industry in Calaveras County, the outcome is Arnold. A county that once lead the State economically is now a county that leads in poverty.
The only industry thriving in Calaveras County is Marijuana which now makes us known as "Little Humbolt."
Be careful what you ask for. Arnold is proof that you get it.
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