Supply, but where's demand? - cleveland.com In a fascinating article the Cleveland Plain Dealer pointed out the results of a study done by graduate students at Cleveland State showing that there is actually a 29% increase in retail space and 6% decline in population. The theory is that if you build more retail stores, people will move back into the city and inner ring suburbs. Really?? How does that make any sense when we have cars and gas stations? People can easily live outside the city and drive to these shopping areas. They always have and will continue to do so. Seriously, who thinks "Did you see they just built that new shopping center? Let's move there and keep it in business?" Unfortunately, this another example of consumerism and capitolism getting the best of Americans. If you want to "develop" some space and draw people, how about building a new community center or indoor gardens, something just for the local people to really appreciate that is within walking distance. Ultimately, this is where it is important to see the need for the church. While the government can help to build new structures and increase the "market value" of a given area. It can never change the hearts of the people who live there. God must change people to see that building new shopping centers actually enhances the ability of people to leave an area in decline. It allows an area to only be useful to come, consume, and retreat home. If God would change people to see their role as to bless the community and not just to consume from it, what would that city look like? Certainly more parks, community centers, art galleries and gathering spaces to allow for human interaction. "If you build it, they will come," but they will not stay.

Powered by ScribeFire.