“This idea of being uprooted is quite devastating,” Lee said. “So there really is no amount of money you can put on that to give up your home, give up your business.”

It was daunting for Charlene Bell to face the prospect of selling the house she’d owned on North Market Street since the 1970s. Bell, 76, raised four children there and owned it outright when the city approached her to sell. She didn’t know the first thing about the real estate market.

She loved the area. She loved her neighbors. She felt safe on her street. Bell prayed.

“He touched their hearts to treat me well,” she said.

The city ultimately paid her enough to buy a new condo, even throwing in a little extra when its initial offer didn’t quite cover the cost. Bell was able to afford a new car and put some extra money away. She now lives in Florissant, with a view of a lake. She loves it.

“It’s mine, and it’s beautiful,” Bell said.

She’s sad to leave, but hopeful for her old neighborhood.

“The way it came about, it was unfortunate, but it had to be,” Bell added. “I’m glad, because something better is going to be done in the area.”

Change in the air