Once again the fate of the Crystal Avenue apartment complex has been in the news begging for a permanent solution that benefits both the community and its residents. Since the 1980s the mantra has been "tear it down," not very surprising for a small city that has allowed so much destruction, either through its own redevelopment agency or the state DOT. Now we have a cost estimate, $900,000, just for the demolition. 

Within the past year or so, the Carabetta Housing Group has shown interest in this property. Their plan would not demolish the property, but would build out from still solid bones a mixed income residential community. In addition there is a greenway in waiting along the creek running from the mill to Winthrop Cove, alas long behind a chain link fence. You also have basketball courts, a corner playground diagonally opposite as well as Fulton Park. These could well be the components of a community center. 

We have a diamond in the rough here, a big one. Is the Carabetta Group still interested? 

Time for a little vision here and networking beyond the usual suspects. This could well be our mayor's community center and the rebuilding of a long-neglected part of our city.

Bill Morse

New London