The group opposed to putting a hospital in downtown Utica will be holding a day-long event next Monday, June 26th. It’s being called “Battle For Our City” and will include public two sessions at the Radisson Hotel from 9:00 to 11:00 and 2:00 to 4:00. Two internationally acclaimed urban planners from Urban 3 and Strong Towns will share their knowledge of city and neighborhood development.In addition, the Landmarks Society will be conducting "Walks and Talks" in the Columbia-Lafayette Neighborhood (the site of the proposed hospital) at 6PM.
There is also another group that holds regular open meetings on the topic of improving the Columbia-Lafayette Neighborhood, BUD: Better Utica Downtown.
These developments are really something new for Utica. Instead of complacently swallowing what politicians and our regional "elite" want to shove down the public's throat, the public is organizing itself and fighting what it knows is a bad idea. And it is arming itself with professional help.
Welcome to the New Utica: being rebuilt by its people, one step at a time.
For the latest on this event and more, check out No Hospital Downtown, and BUD.
1 comment:
Whether one is pro or anti downtown hospital, the people behind this effort to both enlighten and involve the public deserve praise. No project involving taxpayer money should be hatched nor promoted without solid support of those funding it. Top down funding decisions have a less than positive track record in our area. As Strike Slip notes, this example of grass roots involvement is a breath of fresh air.
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