Just over a year ago, I checked in on the areas of East St. Louis just to the east of the old National Stockyards and the old meatpacking plants that used to employ thousands of workers.

Crossing over the railroad tracks, and there are still many houses that are proudly occupied, but there are also many that are abandoned, and there are many overgrown lots.

Much of the land in East St. Louis is owned by speculators that do not maintain their property.

There is so much potential, with the MetroLink going right through the heart of the city.