“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” — Margaret Mead
Make no mistake, in Oneonta, we’re changing our world.
Our neighbors and our government, working together, are engaged as rarely before, working in sync on issues and opportunities. In some cases, City Hall is taking the lead, and in others, we are supporting and partnering with our community.
The identification of a new path forward in the support of our homeless is the mission of a task force of concerned citizens and human service professionals.
I have a huge appreciation of the commitment of these neighbors of ours.
They share a deep conviction to problem solving, and I have confidence in their success. In fact, I believe that Oneonta may well provide a “best practice” example for other municipalities that are dealing with similar challenges.
There are similar conversations taking place within city government and among the (soon to reconvene) Parking Strategies Taskforce; a group composed of business and building owners, city staff and concerned citizens. They’re tackling parking availably and accessibility, and the all-important perceptions of residents and visitors.
Another community group has emerged to offer regularly scheduled, inclusive, encouraging and respectful conversations on several interrelated topics. They’ve embraced the concerns of affordable housing and the general health of our community. Happily, their meetings are increasingly well attended and are providing a foundation of facts on which to build community consensus.
On our two college campuses, students, faculty, staff and administrators have pledged their time and resources to create a living, thriving partnership with the larger Oneonta community. The benefits of those efforts are already being seen and are sure to grow exponentially.
I would expect most readers of this column are aware of our Downtown Renaissance effort. In my opinion, this is the ultimate example of an entire community pulling together for its mutual benefit. Its goal is clear and has been exuberantly endorsed. With this effort, we will transform our city into a vital, vibrant and enticing destination for residents and tourists.
We’re championing the performing and visual arts and providing previously unheard-of opportunities for their interaction with visitors to our downtown.
The renaissance is just that; an embrace of the enlightening and the entertaining, and ALL who would seek the exercise of their creative talent.
Witness the Oneonta Storefront Project, a growing collective of individuals whose goal is the transformation of empty store windows into a gallery of art and interest.
The members of the Oneonta Farmer’s Market are working with the city in the reinvention of Lower Dietz Street as a marketplace and bazaar. The market has had three very successful Saturdays and its presence in that cozy, brick-lined space feels increasingly appropriate and natural. We’re so excited to have them adding to the quality of life (and the healthy food options) in our downtown.
These are but a few examples of the collaborations that are changing the landscape and the goals on the horizon. They — YOU — are creating new possibilities for a better future.
However, the challenges continue to come.
You may have read that Oneonta’s “parade master,” David Hayes, has moved to Connecticut and that, consequently, our Memorial Day will be without a march down Main Street.
You may have also heard the Fourth of July Parade is similarly at risk.
But, if a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world, we can certainly have a parade.
Would you like to help? This is your opportunity, so please, contact me today.
Working together, we can do anything.