>These are in no particular order. I just randomly thought of things and probably missed some. Feel free to comment and suggest additions to any of the lists:
The Bad
Foreclosure Crisis
Declining sales tax and property tax revenue for city/county
Tight government budgets
Cuts, furloughs and layoffs at city and county
NCR’s departure from the community
Regional rally…great concept, poorly executed
The Good
UpDayton Summit
Improvements/murals on Wayne Avenue
DaytonMostMetro growth as an e-zine
Film Dayton
“This is Dayton” posters and the Urban Excursion
UD and Kettering Health Network buying NCR properties
Resurfacing of Main Street and other streets
Bike lanes on streets
New downtown RTA hub
Relocation of Greyhound Station
Levy renewals for Metroparks and Libraries
Election of a new Dayton mayor
Beautification efforts on lower Salem Avenue
Plans for revitalizing Cooper Park
The Greater Downtown Dayton Plan
Purchase of the Arcade
Creation of student housing downtown
HBO production of The Last Truck by local filmmakers
Reopening of Stewart Street bridge
Continued success on Urban Night and First Fridays
Growing presence and recognition for visual arts
Garden Station
Dayton Beautiful Town Hall Series
Recognition of the role of place-making
Efforts by Citizens for Change (www.ourdayton.com)
The Yet-to-be-seen
Performance of the new mayor
Efforts at regionalism
Execution of the Downtown plan
Revitalization of Cooper Park
Execution of the Gateway Project
New Riverscape pavilion and bike hub
Renovation of the Arcade
Second UpDayton Summit
Efforts by Citizens for Change
Plans for Memorial Hall and the Old Courthouse
So, I’m sure I’ve missed some things but a couple things stand out. The bad list is considerably shorter; although the items do/did have significant and long-lasting impact. The good list is a sign of momentum picking up and moving in the right direction. On the good list it’s also notable how many projects do NOT involve government. Instead, many of the projects are being pulled off by citizens, community groups, and the private sector.
The future is in OUR hands. WE need to make the best of it (and stop pointing fingers).
Great lists! And yes, though some bad news has come our way over the past year - Dayton is probably the most resilient city I've ever known and it WILL thrive once more. You can choose to focus on the negative or you can choose to focus on the positive. Seriously, life is more enjoyable if you focus on the positive. Happy New Year!
Posted by: Bill Pote | December 22, 2009 at 11:12 AM
I have to agree a very good list indeed. DMM has done an outstanding job and their site is one of my personal favorites. They have done so much to spotlight the POSITIVES in our city!
Kenneth Wade
"Citizens 4 Change" Dayton
ourdaytonoh@gmail.com
Posted by: Kenneth Wade | January 01, 2010 at 05:32 PM