The Capital’s recent story on this failed to convince CP that it is either worthwhile or necessary, not because the role and mission is unimportant, but because it is unclear what this office has accomplished other than provide two jobs for close supporters of the Mayor. The office appears to have been helpful in the West Street redevelopment, but with the ongoing Market House debacle still in our minds-and still costing us tax dollars, this is a fair topic to discuss. However, bringing in an outside board is not a bad idea nor is the concept of stepping up efforts to receive other sources of funding. However, the article says this five person board will consists of the two employees of the department and the Chamber of Commerce director, leaving two spaces for…..???
CP believes it's an essential role for our town to help spur economic development, and it appears the Mayor has put some oomph in this effort, but what are we actually accomplishing? The one “accomplishment” mentioned in the article was a workshop on minority business development attended by 250 persons in 2005. Again, CP asks, what did it accomplish? Does the Econ. Dev. Office have clear goals and objectives? Has it or is it going to meet them? CP is not making any judgment, but is merely asking for the Mayor to clearly tell us as part of her plan to beef up the office.
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3 Comments:
CP--
As far as I can see the Mayor wants to elevate Economic Development office… that is her prerogative – let it be said that the ED office is a close supporter of the Mayor which isn’t a crime however, to have the means of helping and not use it should have a jail sentence attached to it!! Naw, just kidding (not) – on a serious note, if they ever wanted to do something that helps maybe they can help with funding a roof on the Boys and Girls Club in the Bywaters Community – oh yea, that’s Brody’s job! The Boys and Girls Club (Bates) was given millions of dollars yet, the only facility that has a pool and a recreation center – the place where Brody had his start – is going down the tubes and the violence in the neighborhood isn’t getting better. What has to happen for new ideas and new leadership to protect the children, the future? Does somebody's child have to be shot, injured or hit by a car? – lets not go into how important this recreation center is for economic development for the community for now (notice I didn’t say the Boys and Girls Club…if you want to know why, ask me at aldermantucker@gmail.com) the important thing is if the Boys and Girls Club isn’t going to improve the conditions of the facility, annex it to the Bywaters community association (not the management) Since Bywaters is going through a 5 million dollar face lift it would be the "intelligent" thang to do...Bywaters is a co-op community with those who will “Do the Right Thang!!” BYW— On the subject of that 5 person board; do you think one of those two spaces could be filled by someone like me? Things that make you say…. Hmmmmm….!!
Will the economic development office do workshops on minority business development in the various communities itself? (lets say Bywaters, Robinwood, Bayridge Gardens, Newtown 20, Annapolis Walk, Heritage, Clay Street, Admiral Oaks, Oxford Landing, Eastport, Harbour House...etc) Will they serve light refreshments and food? How about having childcare provided? Is there a place where I can access the Internet here in my community? As a business owner, entrepreneur, citizen of Annapolis, my goals and objectives are very complex, yet what is needed to even the playing field is as simple as develping an attitude to help those less fortunate than I… not to give hand outs but at least give people a saw, hammer, nails, concrete (the basics) to build a foundation instead of throwing a bucket and spatula on a beach – knowing all the while, sand castles no matter how elaborate—won’t last!
B-OUT!!
Thanks CP for letting me vent--
The most important economic development initiative Annapolis could take on would be to bring about light rail service to the city. Perhaps it could sput from New Carrollton as an extension of the proposed Purple Line.
Richard--Thanks for your comment. Light rail has been and is being discussed by some, but the tole of any Mayor and of the city in general would be important, but hardly the lynchpin, and mainly only from the point of view of its terminus in the city. In the joint city-county-state transportation plan for our city/region, rail was ignored! The plan was a joke anyhow, to those in the know.
As you know, this rail extension process would be almost totally driven by Federal DOT/FTA, Maryland DOT-MTA/SHA and would involve almost by definition the medium in route 50, which is not exactly sufficient at all areas. Plus, it would not likely be light rail, but would more likely be an extension of Metro. This would be a supra-regional effort as it would involve all the various members of Metro...good grief! And though Annapolis would be a major playe in its eventual use, and as the main destination, the line would run 0ver 20 miles, with only a mile or two at most in the city...and to where????? Probably would have to go to Parole, so that opportunity which was open for fifty years, has just closed in the last year or two, despite Governor "Smart Growth" Glendining, who talked the talk but missed the golden opportunity to really do some TOD--and Parole would have been the prime spot! C'est la vie.
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