A lot of people in our area had high hopes, in a variety of ways, during the month of June 1989.
Natives of China, now residents or students in the area, had high hopes for better times in their homeland. This was a time when pro-democracy students in China were holding demonstrations, one most notable in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, where many died.
Readers of The Daily Star on June 9 learned, “The Chinese government has spoiled the country’s image to the world, ruined its economy and alienated Chinese territories when it allowed troops to fire on and kill unarmed students and other people, according to an honorary advisor to the Chinese government.
“Chen, who asked his real name not be used for fear of repercussion from the government, said the massacre will make it difficult for China to reunite with Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao. Chen was born and educated in China. He now lives in the Oneonta area, but maintains ties with his homeland and returns there periodically.
“He said businesses are pulling out of the troubled nation and tourists are fleeing before the situation worsens, signs that the economy is headed for a downfall, Chen said.
“‘These troubles may bring down the hard liners in the government,’ he said. ‘Even if the hard liners step down, China won’t have a democratic government until the people understand democracy and how to create a democratic society.’
“Despite the recent troubles, the student-led protests indicate China is headed on the path of democracy, Chen said.”
High hopes, indeed.
The local economy was having some high hopes as well. As The Star of June 20 reported, “The Oneonta town planning board Monday unanimously approved plans for a controversial mining and fill project proposed on Route 28 by Bettiol Enterprises.
“The board’s vote came after a three-member planning committee issued a nine-page finding and after months of objection by town and city residents as well as local environmental experts that the project would have an adverse effect on the community.
“Bettiol Enterprises is planning to move a hillside adjacent to the Southside Mall and fill a low-lying 24-acre parcel on Route 28 across from Christopher’s Restaurant, making both areas developable.”
Where the hillside was removed now stands the Walmart Supercenter, and where the fill was moved to now stands the Hannaford Plaza, across from what is now a Hoffman Car Wash.
Elsewhere, as reported in The Star of June 2, “County of Otsego Industrial Development Agency members unanimously agreed at their meeting Thursday night to start advertising for bids for the Browne Street extension project if the state departments of Health and Transportation approve specifications for the expansion.
“The road extension is part of the National Soccer Hall of Fame’s plans to build a 45-acre, $10 million complex on Browne Street in the town of Oneonta. Once the project is completed, the complex will have a 27,000 square-foot museum and eight playing fields. The Hall of Fame currently operates out of a building on Ford Avenue in the city of Oneonta.
“Project plans include extending Browne Street 2,200 to 2,400 feet to connect with Route 205, midway between Route 7 and Country Club Road, widening Route 205 to accommodate more traffic, and installing sewer and water lines.”
High hopes for a better roadway through Masonville got underway that month, as The Star of June 2 also reported, “The facelift of state Route 8 in the town of Masonville has begun.
“A $2.2 million construction project was awarded to Lancaster Development of Cobleskill in March to relocate ad reconstruct the road which winds its way through the hamlet of Masonville.
“One of the major portions of the reconstruction will be re-alignment of the sharp 15-mile-an-hour curve in front of the school. The ‘S’ turn near Butts Road will also be made straight.
“Work is beginning north of Masonville Creek bridge and will end 400 feet west of the intersection with Church Street. Another 3,000 feet west of Church Street and ending at Bundy Hollow Bridge, will be repaired.” It was expected all work would be completed by Dec. 31.
This weekend, our local life and times in June 1949.