John Fairbairn wrote:It's going off at tangent, admittedly, but I got the impression that while the Nihon Ki-in was going to sell off the building, they were also going to make sure that they would look after the interests of the club members in somne way. The replies here, whilst displaying the famed friendliness of Americans, don't convey to me that the Nihon Ki-in has actually done anything.
Is this a case of something I've missed, or waiting on the actual sale, or - let's be blunt - welshing on a promise?
Some people may be hesitant to comment because they don't want to rub the Nihon Ki-in the wrong way. But it really doesn't matter. Nihon Ki-in's representatives carefully worded their "promise" so that they never actually committed to anything. They also asked for ideas and suggestions to make things work, but then flatly ignored any that were offered. It was purely a face-saving exercise, and I would have significantly more respect for them had they been clear and honest. The optimistic attendees at the meeting where the Nihon Ki-in discussed these issues may have heard that they would provide continued support. But, perhaps because of my natural skepticism, it seemed pretty clear to me that they came to wash their hands of the center and blame everyone for the need to do so.
The building has also been sitting empty without any tenants since November. So one might speculate that they will offer support when the building is sold. I'm not holding my breath. (On a related note, the building has been completely empty, except for all of the go equipment. There is no reason they couldn't have allowed the club to meet at least occasionally if they could cover the basic utilities.)
Back on topic:
Kirkmc - I think you would find that the village (including the area around Washington Sq. Park) has retained much of its character. Some parts are a bit more commercialized (i.e., large chain stores have opened), but many shops, bars, and restaurants on the smaller streets have been there for ages.
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