Projects

St. Mary's Hospital... and The City Block it is on... will be Undergoing Major Changes this next year. Most likely... The Buildings will be Torn Down... even though it is thought that They May Still Be Usable...

As Mayor... I would push to have The Buildings Demolished... and The Bricks Used for Another Project. I call That "Other" Project "Freedom Park".

Initially, I had hoped to Build a Formidable "Stage" for Local Talent (Self Expressions) and for Social Events. The Block "in general" would become another City Park.

When Sharing this Proposed Project with one of Our County  Commissioners... I was Introduced to Another Proposed "Plan" for The Location. It is a Very Good One... and would not only be an Excellent Use of The Buildings (whether Torn Down or Rejuvenated)... but would also be a Great Use of The Block.

Basically, The Plan is to Build a Facility which would Accent Day Star and Expand Services to The Elderly Citizens of Cairo which are Not yet Ready for a Nursing Home. Specifics were not Mentioned... but I would think a Residential Facility and Faculty Housing would be a Very Appropriate Option. The Building in The Adjacent Block would Complement The New Building very well.

Of course... both Plans would not detract from The Block Still being used as a Park. In fact, it Complements The Project Nicely!

Also... as a Secondary Consideration... I would like The City to Contemplate "Joining" The 500 and 600 Blocks together... and making One Larger Block. That way... The New Park could also still Be Used for Recreation and Entertainment.

In Addition... The "Traffic Speed Problem" would be eliminated for the Now Through Street. Traffic would also be decreased... and that would be good for the elementary school in the area.

The few remaining houses in the 500 Block would not present a Problem. In the event that The Current Residents Move... the Property and Houses could be used for Maintenance Purposes.

Also, eventually, the Property and Buildings currently owned by The Union would become City Property. There are many uses for these Properties... including a Cairo Museum or even Chamber of Commerce.

I would very much like Some Feedback on These Proposed Plans... especially the The Idea of Joining The two Blocks.

Best of Life, Love and Friendship,

Lonnie J. Burris

Citizen of Cairo