Erie could be the death of me!
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2/6/2011
I am typing in complete darkness. Thanks for the understanding.
My family moved to Erie 5years ago. The first 2 years were filled with fun and adventure. Previously we had lived in the subs of Chicago (loved it there)As with many people,my husbands work required the relocation. Anywhoo the first 2 years were great, from an adventure stand point. Slowly but surly,as time progressed...what was repeatedly ignored,started to take a toll on every member of my family.
This town, Erie PA, from what I understand was once a steel megatropolis. So I can only imagine at one time it might have been a town worthy of ????
The quality of life here can not be measured, as there is none. People are so rude, unfriendly and brass here, I no longer leave my home, but for quick trips to the local grocer and Walmart to pick up essentials. We would be considered in the top 1-2% income, and will no longer spend my money in this town as the only businesses that seem to survive here are taverns. Not to mention, the poverty here is heartbreaking. SOOO my families 2nd Christmas here we forwent any gift exchange and loaded up our truck with toys, turkeys, and all the makings to donate to one of the nations largest charities. Feeling nothing but Christmas spirit and blessed to be able to do the donation, my husband and I started shopping for toys,activity items,snacks etc..each month for the after school program and taking them to the donation center off of 12th street. After about 4 or 6 months of this, the leader of this establishment happen to be the one helping us unload our Jeep and asked why we did this 'nice thing' I explained my own childhood and why giving was so important to me and my hubby as well...His response was "we had some people at Christmas show up with a truck load of donations and we don't really care about those people, they just 'show off' Just then my heart broke as I knew he was talking about us, but he didnt know he was talking about us...life has never been the same as giving to those less fortunate gave me a good feeling deep in my soul.
Which also brings me as to why,Erie is slowly killing our soul.
This small town, is dirty, run down, empty abandond buildings everywhere you look. Homes are allowed to become delapatated and the city does nothing. Young thugs run the streets the shopping centers the mall. Grown men walk around filthy like they havent bathed or showered or seen soap in weeks...WEEKS!!!Back to homes...I realize and understand completely about not having money to make certain repairs on a home, but pulling weeds and raking leaves or sweeping your walkway is nearly FREE!!!!
The city repaved W 12th street and put in new sidewalks. Which I thought was wonderful as I have seen many many people walking and wheelchair using people have to use the street to get from here to there....Well, in Erie "no"standard fashion...its winter and they dont clear the sidewalks soooo people wheelchairs and all are still having to use the street to get around town!
The county/city spent thousands upon thousands of dollars to repave and repaint the parking lot of Walnut Creek Access so boaters and fisherman could have a more than football sized parking lot just for boaters and fisherman, BUT not 1 (one) stinking bench for the thousands of people that visit the lake to relax or to do the summer tradition of beach glass hunting.
The town has a yearly 'rib fest'...yeah never mind.
All in all, had I known then what I know now....I would have never stepped 1 toe in this town. The ONLY amazing thing about this town has nothing to do with what mankind has done to it. Mother Nature is the only winner in this place! (and I unfortunately dont mean the weather)
Peace to ALL!
vanessa | Erie, PA