Freedman's Town is the oldest African settlement in Houston. It was settled by freed slaves before the civil war. It is on the National Historic Places list. Should it not be the pride of the African American community here? Should it not be the pride of all Houstonians? I have driven through the neighborhood with my children when showing them the older parts of my city. I wanted them to see where this city came from.

Freedman's Town sits right next to downtown, and it has recently been in the news. An older church was recently demolished by the city, because it was considered a hazard to the residents. One of the residents reported that bricks were crumbling off (some say taken off), and that a wall close to a sidewalk could come down. Most of the remaining historic buildings in the neighborhood area close to suffering the same fate. The low income residents simply do not have the means to maintain their heritage. However, this community is experiencing a rebirth. It is becoming vibrant once more.

Young professionals who had lived in the suburbs are now moving into this section of town, because of it desirable location. Downtown workers no longer want long rides to work in downtown offices. They do not mind exchanging larger lots for smaller locations when it means more convenience in other aspects of their lives. This new influx of residents have brought benefits to their older neighbors. New stores and shops have arrived to serve the community, and I am sure that the city is improving the infrastructure now. Property values have been rising rapidly, so the older residents now have access to funds that may have never realized by selling their historic home.

This is where I have a dilemma. It has longed bothered me that the inner city areas do not have access to the same amenities that other areas do. The emphasis on creating a city focused on the car has irked me as well. The idea of walking through a neighborhood, and meeting neighbors seems lost when we rely so heavily on the car. Moreover, I do not begrudge those who have little managing to make a profit n their belongings; however, I am saddened for my city's loss. What becomes of a town that forgets its past? Houston has always been looking towards the future, but there is a history here. These elements have helped shape the town to become what it is today. Somehow I wish that I could rally the troops to save some of this history; make its importance recognized by the city at large, while allowing the trend of creating a better community too. How do we accomplish this? Obviously the newer residents need to learn to respect the past of the neighborhood, while bringing it new life; a blending if you will, but I fear that may not happen.

Your Houston Home Inspector,

Frank Schulte-Ladbeck