SCA
Should Focus on Community
To
the Editors:
After
reading the March 8, 2002, article regarding the redevelopment of
the 43 East College Street business space by the newly formed Sustainable
Community Associates, it occurs to me that while the philosophy
behind the venture is admirable, the approach seems to be problematic.
I agree with SCA, and most building and business owners in town,
that filling vacant commercial space in Oberlins downtown
business district with both residential and retail business establishments
is essential for establishing economic viability in Oberlin. This
is intuitive, and new business ventures in Oberlin should be supported,
particularly sustainable, multi-use facilities.
However, it seems to me that creating a new organization, consisting
mostly of College alumni and students, for the ultimate means of
[getting] people from both the College and the town more involved
in the downtown area to better the relationship between the town
and the College, is both counterproductive and contradictory
to SCAs professed philosophy. The way to implement change
is by working within the existing infrastructure, not by creating
something new and then attempting to align or insert it into the
existing structure. The latter approach is alienating to established
organizations, and it seems to be an inefficient method for addressing
unmet needs within the community. It also can be construed as presumptuous
arrogant, even for students and recent grads (with
little prior experience) to pursue such a massive undertaking without
substantial support and thoughtful input from long-term members
of the community who are committed to living, working, and raising
families in Oberlin.
Prior to committing to this ambitious (and costly) project, it might
be more effective to become involved in existing community organizations
as a means for fostering relationships with people who have been
committed to promoting the town and implementing change within Oberlin
for years. Join the Education Committee to learn more about existing
mentoring programs with the Boys and Girls Club, Oberlin Community
Services/The Bridge, and the WAVE program, as well as partnerships
with LCCC and the Lorain County Junior Vocational School that have
or have not worked in the past. Become involved in the Economic
Development/Restructuring committee or Oberlin Design Initiative
(ODI) to find out about similar development projects, available
resources, market studies, the acquisition of grants, etc. Or learn
about Oberlins distinction as an Ohio Main Street Program,
and how this will benefit the community in the future.
Perhaps SCA has plans to join these committees and organizations
once it moves farther along with its project, but it is unfortunate
that its vision seems to have been conceived on the College campus,
rather than within the City itself.
On a side note, while it is noble to state that the project
is in no way financially supported by Oberlin College, and
that it is a private endeavor put forth by Oberlin College
alumni who during the course of their education, fell in love with
the town and its people, it is a curious coincidence, although
a potentially fortuitous one, that the article took precedence over
all other articles on the front page of the Review on the weekend
the trustees were in town particularly since the editor-in-chief
has such a vested interest in this project.
Molly McDonald
College senior
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