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The Oak Mountain Amphitheatre, one of Shelby County’s most recognizable and popular landmarks, is soon to be no more.

Demolition on the site has officially begun, as Live Nation is demolishing the amphitheatre as part of their agreement with Birmingham and Jefferson County. The city of Pelham is purchasing the property for redevelopment to create a new entertainment and retail hub.

With the news of the demolition, hundreds flocked to Facebook to reflect on the news. Many lamented the loss of an iconic landmark, trying to procure souvenirs from the site before it was demolished, while others looked forward to the future and what Pelham was building in its place.

Why can’t it be both? Shelby County is a place that is constantly changing, with the loss of landmarks like the Oak Mountain Amphitheatre a cost of the area’s rapid growth. Citizens of Shelby County should view the loss of Oak Mountain Amphitheatre as both a positive and a negative, as it is perfectly reasonable to be excited for the city of Pelham’s new development while mourning the loss of a timeless venue.

Too often, when sites such as Oak Mountain Amphitheatre close, angry residents of Shelby County will go to social media, casting blame on local government or whoever else they view responsible for the loss of their beloved landmark. Whether it’s an AMC Theatre or Slice Pizza, residents will always have something to say when it comes to the closure of a business or landmark.

While it is sad when beloved establishments close their doors, it is not fair to vent frustrations on local officials and city government as those in the comments section of Facebook did regarding Oak Mountain Amphitheatre. Change is always hard, but with the end of Oak Mountain Amphitheatre comes a new beginning for Pelham and its surrounding municipalities.