Watching Charlie Rose on PBS last night with his guests who were discussing the recent renaissance of the High Line in New York City. This abandon elevated railway had been slated for demolition. Built in the 1930’s at the same time as the West Side Drive it had become a artifact of another generation. Developers were keen to get access to the private land that was constrained by the railways platform. The Friends of the High Line was formed and raised enough public awareness and support that the High Line is now prepared to open its first renovated section as a public park. Taking a cue from the vegetation that had taken hold of the railroad bed, the winning design is a blended paver system that seems to meander through the grasses and landscape. And the developers and realtors are now using the High Line as a community amenity to sell their adjoining real estate listings. What had once been a forgotten decaying relic is now the talk of the town.

What exists in our own communities that may be a greater asset than we ever imagined? What liability is suddenly a valuable treasure? It reminds me of the baseball card collection that sits in the shoe box collecting dust and just before it is tossed away somebody realizes that there is a card within its collection that is highly valuable. Suddenly we put the card in a plastic sleeve and treat it like a fine bottle of wine with attention to its condition.