It’s taken awhile for the concept of the “Oneonta Downtown Renaissance” to take hold in the public’s imagination, but I believe we’ve reached that tipping point. Now things will get even more interesting.
Just before the end of the school year, I visited our three elementary schools and spoke to the fifth graders about a subject that they had recently studied, the Renaissance.
We talked about the Middle Ages — the Dark Ages — which had plodded on for hundreds of years. People didn’t trust outsiders, and even demonized them. They were likely to believe outlandish and scary things, and they weren’t super constructive or forward thinking.
Not great times.
Then serendipitously, a few people thought, “Why not let the creative types have a shot at it?” (I’m simplifying for effect.) How much worse could they do?
And suddenly we have a whole new paradigm, where artists and performers, explorers, scientists and philosophers were in ascension.
So much better.
I’ve promised a bullet point on Oneonta’s timeline since I came into office. This is it. This is our redirection of Oneonta’s trajectory. This is our embrace of the creative, the unique, diverse, spirited and soulful. This is our Renaissance.
I asked Oneonta’s sons and daughters to share what makes their city such a special place — especially in the summer. More than 100 of their suggestions for a good time in their hometown currently adorn the Westcott Lot fence on Main Street.
I invite you to take a stroll to see their suggestions and illustrations, and when you do, take note of the artwork on the Big Belly trash cans. This is more creative output from our students — in this case, from high schoolers.
As you walk, you’ll notice the gallery of art and expression that has replaced the dark and dirty windows of shuttered businesses. The collective of volunteers that is responsible for this amazing enhancement of our public space continues to grow and the efforts are transforming the downtown experience.
In Muller Plaza, a small sea of umbrella-shaded tables is attended by a youth program employee providing “dash delivery” service, making any time of the day an opportunity to sit, relax, enjoy the ambience and sample one of one of our wonderful restaurants. At odd times on weekdays, and regularly on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, there are performances, street food and vendors. All week long, there are family-friendly activities, including splash and bubble fun, cornhole, strike-zone pitching, giant chess and card games.
On what are typically slow nights downtown, Thursdays have turned into big entertainment days. There’s music in the plaza, music in the park and, increasingly, music in the restaurants and activities in our shops. And I’m excited to report that this Thursday our merchants will roll out a cross-promotion program of discounts and incentives to involve all of downtown.
This is what happens when community engagement gets a green light. When the city says, “this is your downtown. How can we help?” Our city becomes more interesting and engaging, and a better place to live in.
In a matter of days there will be 14 “face-in-the-hole” installations popping up in front of businesses. More grassroots volunteerism.
I can’t wait to see them.
Have you been to the farmers market on Dietz Street? Amazing.
And we have permission for a pedestrian mall through the end of the summer! How would you like to use it? Do you have ideas for three to four hours in the morning or afternoon? Something for the kids? Families? Food? Games? Education? Promotion? This is the Renaissance, and your creativity has a home.