In 1970, Lima's population was about 60,000. Lima was the hub for Allen and adjacent counties. We had the jobs, hospitals, dealerships, shopping, malls, grocery stores and events. We had six fire stations. In 2011, population was about 37,000. Lima is the destination you want to depart from.Thanks to the mayors, city planners and whoever else let this happen. Do you have any idea where 23,000 people went to and why?Well, they went to Bluffton, Columbus Grove, Delphos, Findlay, Kalida, Spencerville, Wapakoneta and other surrounding cities.As for why, just look at their downtown areas, nice and clean. They have boutiques, antique stores, restaurants and more. Drive around the cities and houses are not boarded up and abandoned. Businesses are opening, not closing. Go to downtown Wapak, Findlay or Spencerville some Saturday afternoon and walk around. Then go to Lima's downtown and walk around. Need I say more? Has anyone ever considered doing some landscaping, updating and, oh, yes, pressure washing the Lima Mall? It is dull and drab. Lima is a dirty city and does not offer a welcome feeling to people.All of these other cities have the same economy as us, so let's not use that as an excuse. Unfortunately, it looks like we can continue to watch Lima decline. What a shame to let Lima get in this shape.
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