Clarksburg in the Spring
"Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything." - George Bernard Shaw
Recently, on social media, I asked for some pictures of my friend's small towns. Meanwhile, I said I was going to take a 'walkabout' in my own hometown's Central Business District to see what is happening: what is blooming, what has been freshly painted, swept, what old and broken has been replaced, and...if there are any new businesses. My version of "Clarksburg in the Spring." In a moment, I will share what my lens captured. In the meantime, I would like to share some beautiful pictures a friend, Linda Young-Greswell, sent from her village of Streetsville, which is part of Mississauga, located close to Toronto. Let your eyes be the judge.
As I read about Linda's town, I saw so many (historical) similarities to my town - Clarksburg. At least I thought there were.
In Linda's words, "Home to the largest number of historic buildings in the city, Streetsville blends old world charm with its unique shops, inviting restaurants, cafes, pubs, businesses and more. With events going on year round, there’s always something to do in the village."
"The tables and yellow umbrella area is Village Square (closed to traffic), a central gathering place for mini-concerts, car shows, holiday markets, a Farmer's Market, salsa dancing lessons on Sat. nights, yoga on Sunday mornings etc...oh and the town’s ice cream parlor is situated there too," said Linda.
" Great square for dog and people watching! "
I was particularly impressed with the benches, planters, and flowers. They just invite people to gather, visit, and share their world. The clock is similar to the one in my hometown. In Linda's words. "Beautiful seasonal flowers are everywhere, in attractive planter boxes lining the street and on lamp posts. There are plenty of park benches, patio tables and umbrellas inviting people to sit a spell and enjoy the slower pace of city living."
Linda continues, "Many of the older heritage homes, buildings, and churches that grace the main and surrounding streets have been lovingly preserved to give an air of stately charm and character to the village." This is one of the historic homes: preserved and turned into an elegant restaurant. Side Bar: They have a dress code - Business Casual. Imagine that!
"The last photo is of the Credit River, just a short walking distance from the village...nature at our doorstep. This edge of the village creates an atmosphere of living in the country, including many walking trails, fishing, picnicking, canoeing, and kayaking, " says Linda. Clarksburg also has a beautiful river running through and around.
Linda concluded, "The village is clean, safe and properties are well maintained and aesthetically pleasing to business owners, residents and visitors. We also have an excellent BIA (Business Improvement Association) in the village. " I am looking forward to learning more about her BIA, especially after she said, " I really do think the passionate and strong leadership of the BIA is the secret sauce."
Thank you, Linda, for sharing a little about your home. What you shared has long been my vision for Clarksburg. Now, let me share with you and others what my lens captured during my recent walkabout. I will keep my comments to a minimum, until the end, relying on the Chinese proverb, "A picture is worth 10,000 words."
Welcome to "Clarksburg in the Spring."
This is one entrance to the city. A great improvement over what was (overgrown everything), even though it cost $10,000.
Flowers outside City Hall
Flowers outside the Senior Center.
One of our major law firms has placed planters with geraniums outside their entrance.
The city has placed planters high on many light poles downtown. Plus, many of the sidewalks in the Central Business District have been replaced and the old wooden-styled telephone poles have been removed - most of them.
Avoiding another potential deteriorating eye-sore, the Board of Education took over the former Dominion Power Building.
One prominent family, who owns a vacant building, did place and pay for large window coverings (or someone did) over previously torn and missing sheets and paper. At one time, this building held thriving businesses and apartments.
Another owner had an 'interesting' mural painted on the back of his building which looks toward Traders Alley, the location for horse trading (hence the name) during a previous era.
The multi-million dollar renovation of the Robinson Grand Theater, now called the Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center is continuing, with an anticipated soft opening soon.
In the center of town, and continuing to deteriorate every month, is the Waldo Hotel. Once, one of the grandest hotels in West Virginia during another era, now the home of feral cats, homeless at times, bats, and various other nocturnal creatures. The politics of improvement can be a nasty game.
This is our main street, the heart of the Central Business District, taken from the middle of 'Main Street.'
The south side of Main Street
The north side of Main Street. The building to the far left is vacant, needing 'serious' roof and interior repairs, but will (supposedly) be developed, as stated last year.
A mural on the side of one building in the center of town.
I know the owner of this historic home at the East end of our Central Business District and I understand his emotional connection and desire to restore. However, it has looked the same for the last 13 years, minus a little brickwork around the entrance steps. He and the city have been going round and round for years. Meanwhile...the home looks very sad.
And last in my walkabout is Fourth Street, located between Main and Traders Alley (Avenue). It has long been my vision, a vision that began six years ago, to turn it into a public plaza, at least during the weekends. This is what it looks like today.
And, this is what it could look like...if the Sun, Moon, and Stars would agree and line up. Although the sidewalks are rather narrow to accommodate tables and umbrellas, some could be set up in the street, similar to what Streetsville has done.
And that my friends and foes is what my lens captured on my recent end of May walkabout in my hometown of Clarksburg, West Virginia. Before I leave for the day, here are some personal comments:
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My elected and behind-the-scene leaders have made some improvements. I applaud their efforts. I know it is not easy with everyone pulling at you. Nonetheless, for me, progress has been much too slow and a bit misdirected. We just disagree on priorities.
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Some individual businesses have taken the initiative to add color and make improvements, but the number is much too low. Pride does not carry a high price tag. Some have taken the initiative...far too many are caught in a 'dull colorless' world.
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It is a shame that some prominent business leaders are choosing not to improve or even maintain their buildings in an attractive way. A little paint, flowers and some attractive window coverings are not that expensive, especially in light of the city and private money available. Yes, facade grants are available, yet few take advantage.
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Although our pole planters are attractive, we need sidewalk planters with attractive low maintenance flowers, benches, and dwarf trees in planters, all of which have been proposed (fact), but for reasons unknown, and the cost is not 'really' the reason, this has not happened. I have listened to the arguments against benches and trees. I just do not agree!
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Some shy away from regulating tacky. And I realize 'tacky' is a relative term, and at times hard to define. It's similar to the US. Supreme court case in 1957 (Roth vs, the United States) when the court was asked to decide what constitutes pornography. Their answer, "You'll know it when you see it."
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Regarding the Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center: I wish it luck. The City needs it to succeed..at $20m, it better succeed. I have used this phrase before, "We have a beautiful leading lady and she needs a great supporting cast (city improvements, beautification, Ambassador Program, signage, security, etc). Right now, auditions are continuing...at least I hope they are. Opening night is 'very very' close. Sorry, could not help using the 'very.'
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My prediction concerning the Waldo Hotel: It will continue to deteriorate until some tragedy forces action. In many cases, tragedy is the only force which moves some people and programs forward. Already, at times, the sidewalk has been closed due to falling bricks and debris.
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We could have a Village Square (4th Street), but the politics involved are difficult to untangle.
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We have beautiful architecture downtown. When I look at the north and south side of Main Street I see what could be...And I ask myself, "Other cities have taken the initiative, beautified, encouraged, and regulate...why can't we?"
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The deteriorating building on Main Street: Previous owners have proposed many uses the past few years. Meanwhile, nothing happens and it still looks 'unattractive' and is unused. How about tearing it down and create a walkthrough garden area from the Jackson Square parking facility? Some small shops, A few tables, and benches.
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I know for a fact a city can regulate business signage, cleanup 'tacky,' and push the reluctant to restore and beautify. In an upcoming piece, I will feature 'what was...and what is now,' from a place near and dear to my heart. The city leaders philosophy is, "If we did not have an ordinance to cover the situation, we will write one." I have more pictures from a dear friend, proving what I have been saying, "It can be done and it doesn't take 30 years." But it does take leaders with thick skins and at times, willing to dawn suits of armor.
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We must find a way to create safe streets. Streets where couples, families, and individuals want to stroll and shop during the day and during the evening hours. Take a walk down Main Street, Pike Street, 3rd, and 4th Street (our center block) at 10:00 pm on a Saturday night and see what I mean. This is a community problem, not just a law enforcement problem. We need to quit pointing fingers and join hands.
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The jazz mural is an attractive addition. However, the County Commision is considering tearing down the entire block, which would destroy two restaurants, a few businesses, and apartments.
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Some will say, "You forgot to include the attractive...... " It goes both ways! Can't include all the "The Good, Bad, and Ugly." Anyway, many will say this piece is already too long.