Potential

Last week we went down to Bamberg for the community workshop. The turnout was essentially what was predicted, leaving us with a sizeable group with which to converse.

From my perspective, it was interesting to see how Harry ran the meeting. Even with the two major power point presentations it still felt strongly focused on listening to the community members present. It was very good to see that focus in the workshop. The community members brought up several interesting requests and proposals for us to work through: bicycle paths, a civic center, a youth center, movie theatre, job training, reworking the downtown situation, regional transportation, etc. We will be working through which direction to take in the next few weeks and then we will draw up a plan to enact the decision.

Post meeting we discussed options for the rest of the semester and then went to scout sites in the town. It was enlightening to see the town in its entirty, especially after only seeing one of the least dense areas on my last visit. I was surprised by the historic structures along Railroad and south of this major route. The downtown also had a great deal of charm and potential. That word, potential, was forefront in my mind after touring the town. This town just needs a little focus and it can really become something great. The pieces are there. Now it's our job to help put them in place.