Commercialisation of residential neighbourhoods. Should we allow or prevent it?
Do you feel your neighbourhood has become more commercial in nature than residential? What are the advantages & disadvantages of this overhaul? Examine through this thread the concept of commercializing space that was once purely residential.
I remember a few years ago, we could safely play in the streets even till late evenings without any fear. There used to be the odd autos and cars going by while we played cricket and shuttle those days.
Gradually, shops started mushrooming around. First, a saloon, then a small buy and save, a garment shop, a gym, a hotel. Now we have residents letting out space for offices above their homes (it gives much better rent).
The footpaths are riddled with sellers of snacks, afternoon and night non-veg meals.
The late evenings are a mess, children and women can't go out in peace. They are people who have a drink and have food from the carts.Last but not the least, buses and private tempo travellers zoom by.
Slowly a peaceful residential locality that was home to us has now become a commercial hub wherein we find ourselves as strangers amidst other strangers. Now many of us wish we had objected it much earlier when it would have made a difference.
Do you think we can prevent it or accept the inevitable and move on?