Butchertown is being asked to close another alley along historic Washington Street. A public meeting is scheduled for September 4th to determine the future of the narrow way. The blue painted-brick building along the alley was sold last year after a glass company moved out and now the alley-closure petition is posted. Could another industrial facility be awaiting arrival in the so-close-to-gentrifying neighborhood?
Swift Company has been buying up property to park semi-trucks in the neighborhood, and has razed entire blocks just to the east to do so. The two ends of Butchertown, that around St. Joseph’s Church and the other closer to downtown, are in danger of having a spike driven between them. While the alley currently runs through two generally industrial sites, one more of an open dump than any kind of business, the opportunity for real neighborhood change lies in keeping the original neighborhood fabric. Alleys have their purpose and our centrally located urban neighborhoods shouldn’t be over-run with 20th century planning when the area is so close to reaching critical mass. Any news on who is moving in?
