It is becoming increasingly apparent that COJ may not let us into Pearl to do a legal, independent survey of its structural elements. We have done this survey, we know what needs to be done. We know that we need to put up some temporary bracing around the bay windows and sister some joists which have suffered termite damage. We believe that the bracing could be done for much much less than the demolition.
We also know that the house remains square and plum in spite of its compromised components. And it is this willingness to remain standing tall in spite of being attacked by the city, by the termites and the rain, that compels us to gather our arms around it in a mother-hug.
Pearl Street is really Springfield. It stands in spite of random drive-bys, drunken old men, overlays and ash dumping. People look in from the outside and see a few rotten timbers and question why anyone would live and love in this place. Just knock it down! Who cares?
They don't see that it stands because of the quality of the wood it was made out of.
If we lose Pearl Street, it won't be from lack of trying. And believe me, that bulldozer will have to work very hard.
No, if we lose Pearl Street, it will be from a lack of understanding from the outside world.
(http://i860.photobucket.com/albums/ab165/sheclown/blackheart-1.jpg)