City of Coatesville has Narrow Vision

April 14, 1999

Two days ago  the City of Coatesville handed my parents a letter informing them that they have condemned their property and were taking their house and land to build a golf course and recreational facility.

The City of Coatesville sees land on a map, but I see much more. I see the Sunrise over the rolling fields of my parent’s farm each morning. I see my father’s face swell up with pride as he gives a tour of his renovated 200-year-old stone farmhouse. I see my children’s heads bobbing up and down as they romp in a hayfield. I see the seedling my sister brought home in a Dixie cup, which now stands 30 feet tall. I see my children share a glass of lemonade with my parent’s as they seek shade under a porch swing. I see my mother tending to her plants that grow in her greenhouse full of beautiful flowers. I see my niece’s sheepdog frolicking in the pasture as she throws a lap of hay over a fence. I see the lush green field in which I was married 15 years ago. I see my children running down the lane to pick strawberries and fruit that their grandmother attentively grew. I see my 34-year-old pony lazily grazing in the afternoon sun. I see three generations of family friends laughing cheerfully at an annual Christmas tree party held in the barn. I see the sun set on my parents’ silhouette as they diligently tend to their farm well into the night.

The City of Coatesville sees land on a map, but I see much more. I see my childhood memories and parent’s dreams being unmercifully swept away by a bulldozer.

Amy Saha