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Optimism and imagination are key ingredients to achievement, and your recent editorial on the Erie Canal (“The Erie Canal: Underappreciated, but not overlooked,” Dec. 9) and Mike Murphy’s “What’s going on here?” story (Dec. 9) highlighted real opportunities for development on and near the canal.
As you stated, all communities stand to benefit from the continuing emergence of the canal. Unfortunately, Brighton does not view development with the same level of enthusiasm as other towns, and has a reputation that discourages builders and developers. This attitude results in fewer jobs created, a lower tax base, lower sales tax revenues, and ultimately some of the highest property taxes in the nation.
As the economy is poised to reset, an opportunity exists to showcase the Erie Canal, much as architect Robert H. H. Hugman presented to San Antonio City planners in 1921 as they struggled over what to do with the waterway that ran through their city. He proposed turning the area into a beautiful urban park with residences, dining, shopping, boat rides and walkways lit with old-fashioned street lamps.
Brighton has the unique opportunity of having two excellent projects proposed on the Erie Canal, The Reserve and CityGate, which can achieve similar far-reaching benefits if our leaders on the Town Board open their eyes to the possibilities.
We are optimistic that Brighton will recognize that the renaissance of the canal and our region hinges on their ability to embrace change and move forward so that our generation and future generations can begin to enjoy what our ancestors who built the canal and Mr. Hugman, years ago, boldly dared to imagine.
Jack Stewart
Elmwood Avenue
Brighton
Optimism and imagination are key ingredients to achievement, and your recent editorial on the Erie Canal (“The Erie Canal: Underappreciated, but not overlooked,” Dec. 9) and Mike Murphy’s “What’s going on here?” story (Dec. 9) highlighted real opportunities for development on and near the canal.
As you stated, all communities stand to benefit from the continuing emergence of the canal. Unfortunately, Brighton does not view development with the same level of enthusiasm as other towns, and has a reputation that discourages builders and developers. This attitude results in fewer jobs created, a lower tax base, lower sales tax revenues, and ultimately some of the highest property taxes in the nation.
As the economy is poised to reset, an opportunity exists to showcase the Erie Canal, much as architect Robert H. H. Hugman presented to San Antonio City planners in 1921 as they struggled over what to do with the waterway that ran through their city. He proposed turning the area into a beautiful urban park with residences, dining, shopping, boat rides and walkways lit with old-fashioned street lamps.
Brighton has the unique opportunity of having two excellent projects proposed on the Erie Canal, The Reserve and CityGate, which can achieve similar far-reaching benefits if our leaders on the Town Board open their eyes to the possibilities.
We are optimistic that Brighton will recognize that the renaissance of the canal and our region hinges on their ability to embrace change and move forward so that our generation and future generations can begin to enjoy what our ancestors who built the canal and Mr. Hugman, years ago, boldly dared to imagine.
Jack Stewart
Elmwood Avenue
Brighton
