5 Comments

This reminds me of what happens with construction projects in China. The project is approved, the money is handed off, the half-constructed building is left in disrepair, and the contractors, having done as little work to justify the funding as possible, drain the project coffers. There are entire ghost towns like this. Great piece, Meghan. Thank you.

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Jul 2Liked by Meghan Boilard

As a former Jerseyan as well who has spent countless hours in malls--both when they were thriving decades ago and recently as they decompose in a sad, silent solitude--this was both an excellent read and bittersweet elegy. Thank you for sharing it.

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My god - it's even worse than I ever imagined. I feel entirely justified for the disdain and abhorrence I feel every time I drive by. I recently wrote two pieces about the Pulaski Skyway - another only in New Jersey fiasco, but at least that one looks good!

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Jul 3Liked by Meghan Boilard

The City of Osaka built an entire city district on landfill back in the 90s. Malls, apartments, and office buildings. When I visited a few years after opening the entire place was deserted, though employees gamely staffed the stores and restaurants waiting for customers that almost never came.

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Will definitely be adding that to my must-see list of I’m fortunate enough to ever make my way back to Osaka 👀

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