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NOTES FROM REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE MEETING Notes from last meeting were distributed for review
& correction. The only
correction was to specify that the anchor
building under consideration, along with the Masonic Tahawus Lodge, is actually the Douglas
Block. The former Quirk(Stadtmuller) building is attached to the The Committee welcomed Mr. Joe DeMarco and Mr. Rich Van Wormer, representatives from the local Masonic Lodge, thanking them for responding to our invitation to meet and discuss mutual concerns. It appears that the Masons are involved in revitalization efforts that parallel ours and, with cooperation and planning, might dovetail nicely and be mutually beneficial. · The Masons are currently awaiting news of a $125K grant request that was written in 2004 to obtain funds for refurbishing the exterior of their building. Mr. DeMarco explained that there is no guarantee of how much money will be granted, or the length of the time for distribution of whatever funds are appropriated. However, they do agree that their building would be an important anchor building and see the possibility of it being a beacon to other businesses in regard to priming redevelopment efforts. · They would like to revitalize their membership and re-establish their position as an asset to the community by re-committing to their mission which has a heavy emphasis on supporting the community through projects involving children and youth and many others. · They are willing to work with us in regard to reaching the dreams and goals that are important to us all. We will keep them informed of our progress and invited them to participate in our planning sessions. · The point was made and all were in agreement that this work will require patience and may take years to come to fruition but that it is important to have a plan in place—a map to be followed so that significant progress can be made. · P.K. advised that as a short term “band-aid” approach, contact has been made with local artists and art teachers to do some aesthetic enhancement (art work on windows, etc.)to spruce the building up as much as possible for the time being. PK took a moment to address the committee on the importance of caution when discussing committee business. Apparently it was brought to his attention that, after our last meeting, remarks were overheard in a social setting which, taken out of the context of the meeting, were offensive to certain individuals. We all do realize that changing the status quo is always sensitive business and it is important to be circumspect—and take extreme care—because we are dealing with peoples’ livelihoods as well as the quality of life in our town. The point is well taken and we thank PK for this gentle reminder at an important time. It’s also good to remember that, for many years, many individuals and groups have made valiant efforts to improve our town in a variety of ways and these should not go unrecognized. We have the good fortune to have been given a chance to try again, but our work will be built on the groundwork laid by others who have gone before us. The rest of the meeting revolved around two areas of interest: Lodging and New Ideas, Comments and Suggestions since the last meeting NEW IDEAS,COMMENTS
& SUGGESTIONS ·
Michele drew our attention to ·
Community placemats which feature local businesses and
attractions might be a good promotional tool. ·
It would behoove us at some point to form a committee
which would be involved with fundraising so as to minimize the need for
taxpayer funding. ·
Perhaps a good use for the old ·
Minnesota has an annual River fest that we could emulate. ·
It was previously mentioned that there is an Au Sable
River near ·
Sue shared a recent clipping from the Press-Republican
which mentions that Fly Rod & Reel Magazine has named Plattsburgh
State as one of the top 10 fly-fishing colleges in the United States
(July/Oct 2005 Issue). PSUC President, John Ettling, states in a news
release, “ With the beautiful Adirondacks surrounding us, we can offer
students not only a top-notch educational experience in the classroom,
but also exciting adventures, including an occasional fly fishing trip,
very close to campus.” Another market, perhaps—weekend packages geared to this student population? ·
Jamie & PK will
investigate having the graphic designs from B&L enlarged and
laminated so that they can be displayed in the playbills at the for the purpose of stimulating community interest in what we are doing. · Along those lines, the importance of community “ownership” and enthusiasm for the project was discussed. The comment was made that very few people are actually aware of what we are doing. One way to remedy this, along with the posters, would be to create a survey which would be left in strategic high traffic spots throughout town, encouraging community input. Also, to make it available online at the Town of Jay Website. A Press Release might be a way to alert folks to the existence of the survey. This way, when the November Public Information Meeting takes place, community interest will have already been generated. (Not to mention that we might pick up some very good ideas!) · Sue will gather the raw material for such a survey and forward it to Rob who has agreed to format the survey. · Harold Bacon, who is a seasonal resident in the Acres, has a business involving the production of graphite fishing rods. Perhaps there is an opportunity here for him to expand the manufacturing part of his business. Jamie will be seeing him and agreed to bring our efforts to his attention and perhaps invite him to one of our meetings. · There was discussion about efforts to capitalize on the River. Sharron explained that the DEC resists and scrupulously regulates any changes to the river. However, efforts might be made in regard to restocking, etc. · Michele has found a website that has compiled a great deal of statistical data in regard to our region which will be shared at our next meeting and with B&L. (information like air quality, comfort level, etc. which could be useful in marketing)
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