Oppressive prevalent images

When small communities diminish in size they tend to feel victimized by the contrast between past greatness and their present situation. Buildings and lots which stand vacant and in disrepair give rise to an image of decay which it is hard to combat without some new symbol, for example promoting local resources. Such negative images contribute to a reluctance on the part of local business people to expand present operations or invest in new ventures; and future plans tend to be split between those wanting new development and those wishing it to to remain a small, quiet, rural community.