So, I pass by Used Kids and the "High Street" they mention everyday. A little bit of back story that was hinted at here. Essentially, High Street borders Ohio State, and developers are looking to cash in and build more apartments for the growing university. Recently, about four or so blocks the near southern corner called "the Gateway" was demolished...along with a number of lower income houses...in order to build large apartments specifically geared towards students. I was assuming the end of Used Kids (and all the shops along that block) is related to this development. I am not sure if they have the same owners, but after seeing Used Kids and the other record shop (which often played music on the street...added a nice flair) I assumed this is what was happening when it was sectioned off by concrete dividers.
Minwage and rent and demand ain't the only issue, it's developers feeding a growing university which is eating that neighborhood alive. My paycheck comes from that university and I am for OSU's advancement, but I can't deny the reality of what is happening.
In case anyone's curious about the "public-private partnership" that's been working on these renovations for the last couple of decades: http://campuspartners.osu.edu/who-we-are/
Plenty that's been razed really deserved to be destroyed, but the way the good and the bad is all being replaced by the generic is pretty depressing.
Minwage and rent and demand ain't the only issue, it's developers feeding a growing university which is eating that neighborhood alive. My paycheck comes from that university and I am for OSU's advancement, but I can't deny the reality of what is happening.