In contemplating ideas for an editorial this week, one theme kept popping up – change. From front to back, this issue chronicles change in our community, in ways both small and subtle, and wide-ranging. Change is inevitable, we’re told, and fortunately for City of Poughkeepsie and Dutchess County residents, most of the change described this week is good, beginning with the continued revival of Academy Street and the city’s downtown.
The street, a source of community concern in recent years, is on its way back, starting with the Luckey Platt building. After a year-long stop-work order was lifted last work, building owners Alma Realty can continue to develop the site, which will eventually house apartments and commercial space and which has been hailed for years as a key to the city’s revival. Although some pessimism is called for (particularly since a projected June completion date seems quite soon, considering the delays on the project so far), there’s no doubt that work is proceeding, echoing the sentiments from several weeks ago in this space that trumpeted the city’s emphasis on growth.
And it’s not necessary to travel far to see evidence of that optimism – one need only look down Academy Street to the newly opened Milani’s restaurant, a pizzeria/restaurant/catering facility that’s hoping to capitalize on the expected influx of people downtown. Early reports from the eatery’s ebullient owner, Richie Milani, have been positive, which bodes well for the continued success of the family-run establishment.
And other changes – from additional funding that will allow Walkway Over the Hudson to continue to move from proposal to reality to an art unveiling at the Poughkeepsie Train Station that offers even more evidence that Poughkeepsie is preparing itself as the gateway to the Dutchess County tourist industry – are worth noting and celebrating. Is there still work yet to do? Of course, but progress runs on a slow track in most cases. There’s no doubt that despite some setbacks and questions about the eventual impact, the city is pushing hard to regain its past glory.
But change isn’t always about prospects for the future – it’s also a chance to look back at community fixtures and celebrate their presence and impact. Such is the case with soon-to-be-former Interfaith Towers resident Florence Childress, the building’s last original resident who remains a strong link to the past and mission of the towers. Opened in 1974, the building has always offered an affordable home and welcoming community for senior citizens. Although Childress is moving south to be closer to her family, her departure is a chance to celebrate positive community change – in this case, the rise of affordable housing for area residents young and old. Active into her ’90s, Childress deserves a fitting send-off from a community she’s thrived in for more than 30 years.
Change is inevitable? Sure. But it’s also a source of optimism and hope.