The Future of the Village of Hamilton

To the Editor,

For nine years now I have been privy to watch the Village of Hamilton try to find itself. I fell in love with Upstate New York while at Colgate University, spending summers off-campus in the village, traveling through Madison County, Chenango County, and much of our beautiful region. Since then, I have gone on to obtain a master’s degree in economic development policy from Georgetown University, and worked to get another in applied economics from Cornell. I have worked on Capitol Hill for our senator, in the private sector for a federal consulting firm, and done extensive research on our region’s specific needs. Happily, and with tremendous luck, I was granted the opportunity last year to return to our region to lead the Stardust Entrepreneurial Institute in Auburn, NY. But Hamilton has, and will always hold, a special place in my heart, as the first place I truly felt at home.

Every summer since 2001, I have returned to the village, using the time to catch up with old friends and introduce new friends to the area. I dine at my favorite spots, shop at my favorite stores, and, sadly, watch and listen to the growing frustration within the area. Hamilton, many now say, disheartened by university cutbacks, will never change, will never grow, will never prosper without relying entirely on the presence of Colgate and the students it brings forth every year. Too many have given up hope on the idea of developing a self-sustaining village, one attractive not only for university employees to live in, but for anyone in this great country looking for a beautiful, friendly atmosphere with an unparalleled quality of life to make a home. It pains me to see so many in the village give up that hope, settling for debates about five-way intersections.

There was once a vision for Hamilton, one that would expand mixed-use development in the downtown, one that would create a true collaboration between local public and private partners to foster a business-friendly environment, not one that pushes retailers (and tax dollars) right across the border. There was once a vision for harnessing the talent, energy, and intellect found within our neighbors and friends, looking beyond the university to what can be created by the citizens of Hamilton: a plan for our future.

The Partnership for Community Development (PCD) once held that vision, but like too many ideals and goals, we have let it fade and pass. The PCD, now part of the Hamilton Initiative, is a mere vestige of its former self, its name and reputation used not to find solutions to Hamilton’s systemic, long-term economic development issues, but to address issues better handled by local elected officials. It has lost its credibility and we have lost our way.

Across our country – and even our state – there are villages, towns, and cities like Hamilton that have decided that they do not want the next 10 years to be like the last and they have decided to fight. They have hired professional planners to determine how they could foster smart growth, family-friendly growth, while fighting for their share of county, state, and federal attention. They have worked together to change the future of their small corners of the world, creating vibrant bustling downtowns, sustainable industries, all the while maintaining their small town charm.

It would be a dream to one day return to the village, where I could raise a family, find a job, and make a life. And it is for that future – the days ahead of all of us and those of our children – that we must say we are not willing to forever settle for the status quo.

Sincerely,

Kevin Casey McAvey

2 Comments on "The Future of the Village of Hamilton"

scott truett on Sat, 23rd Jan 2010 3:16 pm

Kevin- nothing will move us retailers out of town quicker than the consistent problem of no parking for customers and for those passing through. Lots of dollars drive into the heart of our village and then drive right out the other side!

The lack of parking enforcement makes our businesses look busy, though if you walk in we are almost all often empty.

Our village needs to wake up and embrace these dollars. Or write some tickets and raise some revenue?

I agree with your assessment, have talked and pleaded till blue in the face, I’m sick of asking. Soon I will move my business, move my tax dollars across the line and be happier for it.

David L. Sadler on Mon, 25th Jan 2010 7:25 pm

It’s not only Hamilton, it’s most of
the state.

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The Future of the Village of Hamilton

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