Write a comment
Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C-Pulaski) convened a discussion with community leaders from across Oswego County to discuss ways to facilitate increased neighborhood improvement and revitalization programs within the region.
The group met yesterday afternoon at G. Ray Bodley High School in Fulton and included representatives from local neighborhood organizations, current and former municipal officials, state agency representatives and tourism and economic development professionals.
"This was a great conversation about an effort that has the potential to help families and neighborhoods throughout Oswego County," Leader Barclay said. "Some of the work being done by local organizations in the areas of community investment and neighborhood revitalization has been incredibly successful. The goal of today's meeting was to bring people together and start a discussion about how we can build on existing efforts and expand into other regions. I want to thank everyone who attended for sharing their insights and demonstrating a willingness to collaborate."
Among those who presented today were Paul Stewart, of the Oswego Renaissance Association, and Linda Eagan, of Fulton Block Builder. For years, the two non-profit organizations have provided services and financial support dedicated to the overall improvement and beautification of neighborhoods. By working in partnership with residents, these types of initiatives not only enhance the aesthetics of individual homes but create areas that can experience increases in property values, housing availability and neighbor-to-neighbor relationships.
The participants at today's meeting included Mayors Jim Rice (Fulton), Laureen Tackman (Cleveland), former Mayor of Oswego Billy Barlow and representatives from Pulaski and Central Square. Also attending were Oswego County Legislature Chairman Jim Weatherup, Sara Broadwell, of Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce, Diane McClure, from New York State Homes and Community Renewal, Dan Kolinski, of Empire State Development and representatives from both Sen. Mannion's and Sen. Walczyk's offices.
"The community volunteers who dedicate themselves to improving neighborhoods deserve so much credit. It's noble work and it makes a tremendous difference," Barclay said. "We were fortunate to have several different localities represented here today. It is clear there's a great deal of interest in finding ways to restore and improve our hometowns. These small, block-by-block investments are worth making and are proving to have a huge impact."
"I'd like to thank Leader Barclay for his leadership in organizing this meeting today. Oswego Renaissance Association and Fulton Block Builders have shown what a difference we are making in our respective cities and it's thrilling to know that our work is being noticed by our county and state officials who see value and potential in what this model can offer other communities," said Paul Stewart, Oswego Renaissance Association Director. "We are hopeful after today's conversation that our model can be expanded into other areas of the county and possibly the state to restore neighborhoods and help inspire investments block by block."
