I'm floating three hundred feet above the center of town in my time capsule phone booth, slowly rotating, observing what is transpiring with the town below. The time is around the nineteen twenties, thirties, forties.....The Town is a vibrant bustling metropolis full of smoke stacks belching coal smoke and steam high into the air. Church Steeples, lots of automobiles, and most noticeable of all is the amount of people on Main Street and it's side streets. All busy moving to and fro here and there, out of this store and into that one, scurrying around like so many ants building an ant hill. Some just standing in small groups making small talk, some standing around the depot waiting for the train to arrive, with the baggage handlers preparing the wooden wheeled carts for the next load of merchandise that will be arriving soon and those loaded with our manufactured products destined to parts unknown. Looks like a busy time for the town, a place of destination, not departure.
I push the control stick forward, into the sixties. As I look up from the control stick and gaze out onto the town, I'm astonished to see a virtual desert, where just moments ago was a thriving metropolis, now stands a barren wasteland of wind blown dirt. Gone are the buildings, and the smoke stacks that remain are all but silent. The most disheartening view of all is the lack of people to be seen. Was there a war? Were we destroyed by some magic bomb? I can see that most of the store fronts are empty and the cars have all but disappeared. Oh waite...J.J. Newberry is still there, so all wasn't lost. I have to press further into the future.
Nineteen Seventy, Eighty, Ninety.... What has happened? Still more devastation. More empty store fronts, even less people on what is left to Main Street. Even the benches that use to dot the landscape are gone. I must continue on.
Surely the new millennium will bring changes! Into the future I go, slowly the years slide by but still no changes...holdit...what is that I see? A rock hanging on a string? Trees growing upside down? Cubes of crushed beer cans stacked together? What has happened? Was there some sort of stupid gas disseminated by the bomb that destroyed the Town, to work its sinister deed on the brains of future generations? Surely everyone has gone mad? What's this?... There are tables and chairs on the sidewalk with umbrellas. Looks like the BENCHES have been replaced by these. A sign of progress. Now the old and or the disabled or just anyone will have a place to sit and eat their "Jacks Hotdogs" shaded from the sun. A step in the right direction. Someone must be thinking of the Town Folk.
I proceeded into the near future and didn't find any real positive changes. Mostly less housing and local people and more strangers and passing through folks. I guess the Town has now become a place of DEPARTURE... not a DESTINATION !
So..... If you could change the trend, what would you do and who would you encourage to locate here and put us on the road "Back To The Future"?
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26 comments:
Clever Southview, very clever, a bomb with stupid gas is classic - I love it.
Rather than putting in more stores that fail, I think the city's best investment would be a mind control device that draws people to downtown and induce the illusion they are walking in the prosperous area that they dream of. Each person would see prosperity through their own impression of what that would be and everyone would be happy - all for the price of one science fiction contraption.
"And now, as we hover over the east end of Main Street, we see what used to be the Civil War monument. But what's this? The soldier is gone, only to be replaced by the bust of someone which the enscribed plaque states is John Barrett, III. Is he somehow responsible for all this?
John you're on to something. Another technology for the second phase of MoCA. WiFi enabled virtual reality glasses that people can use to traverse the main street area.
Museums now post podcasts of their tours online so visitors can download them and get a professional tour anytime they want.
Jack, I think that you should provide the magic tour of North Adams and upload it for visitors. Seriously.
I can imagine some of the NY types wandering around town with their I-pods looking for the alien-abducted benches.
As for the folks who will chart the path for the future of the city, some of us are already here. G-d help us all.
"As for the folks who will chart the path for the future of the city, some of us are already here."
I truely hope so, greg!
But keep in mind when you and your compaderes are reshaping the Town, that relying on one venue only, as we have done, will not benefit everyone only a small group of business men. We were shortchanged and lied to when MASSMOCA was presented to us as the ultimate savior for the Town. It was going to bring in lots of tax monies (which it doesn't, just check!) create lots of good paying jobs, (which it hasn't, just check) They were going to be a first class technology center, as well as an art center, (the technology part which has yet to even have been embraced, much less started. As da snoop has reminded us.)
So instead of targeting one small group, maybe spreading the wealth around a bit like trying to get some Family Oriented Ventures to locate here, or maybe a Convention Center built downtown, or maybe a Casino, or maybe a nice mix of them all.
Then maybe we will get back our Town services, that have been doled out to the private sector, so the Town administration won't have to make the hard choices it will have to make eventually anyway, if we don't diversify. Our future is in your hands now, do us right!
One of my suggestions for Wes was to use the muni-wifi create a high-tech walking tour of NA using GPS and blackberrys or alike.
When I came here in 1967-- many locals felt a trip to Pittsfield (other than those who worked at GE) was as daunting as a voyage of Kon Tiki---if they traveled east on Route 2 and went passed the Elk on the Trail-- they would fall off the edge of the earth--- we have come a long way--and are certainly more "cosmopolitan" in character-- now than then---thanks in part to NASC/MCLA (which had a little of 700 students when I arrived) and now Mass MoCA---sure we have had ups and downs--- Dot.Com/high tech ups and downs-----there are no panaceas--but you keep trying---good paying jobs???? what the hell does that mean--- and whatever good paying jobs you propose is there a local work force in waiting???----yeah there are "old timers" who wish to return to the 1950's and a solid low teach manufacturing base-----what distreese me though -is the number of newbies who do nothing but complain about the city--and how they can make it better------how WiFi and Broadband (Dixie Chicks) can "save" us--I still don't get it-----nabobs of negativity----at one time there were decent places to eat in North Adams-- but nothing really up scale--you want up scale you go to Billsville---today----- try North Adams--- and check out the number of people from Billsville who are paying their bills in NA-----the writer Ambrose Bierce------was such such a cynic that he was once described as one who couldn't write about a rose- without thinking of the manure in the pot---or something like that-----and we have those types right here in NA----chbpod
So what's your point POD, that an upgrade of the restaurant selection is the best the area can hope for and everyone should be happy with that?
Would there be upscale restaurants if someone didn't try something new, stepped out the accepted norm and gave it a go? Those who clamor for change are not the negative ones, just the opposite. From what I read, you are the most negative one posting. You don't even understand, by your own admission, the issue of wifi and yet you are dead set against it.
No one is claiming that technology is the end all be all of moving forward, but that it is a necessary component of it in today's world.
Just for the record, what is your suggestion for keeping NA moving forward?
Hey- ASSHOLE-- it is moving forward and you are one of the most negative of all the assholes-- new and old-- that want to do nothing but bitch---and you have never explained the value of WiFi except for a few dillitantes with lap tops---what can WiFi do for North Adams??? Jack Shit-----if you didn't have investments in that technology-- maybe you'd keep your freaking mouth shut----if WiFi was so important we would have it-----it is a "neccesity" for Conte-- although I really doubt that it is-----and the private sector??? where is the hue and cry?????you seem to think that the City should latch onto and pay for every little technological fad that comes down the pike----screw it-----if it's so important for business- why don;t they do it themselves----Christ you're as corrupt as the Clintons--- chbpod
http://lmi2.detma.org/Lmi/pdf/City_and_Town/North_Adams.pdf
Follow this link, although it is seven years old, you will find to your surprise that Manufacturing is still our biggest employer. Say what?...They lump together teachers and other workers which doesn't give the true picture for their numbers.
A) I don't have any investments in Wifi or broadband.
B) And your plan is?
C)You are dead wrong if you think high-speed communication is not a necessary component of a thriving community.
D)I complain - yes, but I always offer an alternate solution and reasons why I am against something. You're argument is that since no one (read the Mayor) has asked for it then it must not be necessary.
Has anyone approached the Mayor with a PLAN a proposal if you will-- for high-speed--??? well I apologize if I misunderstood your full disclosure comment on your (I think on your Blog) about owning stock in some company that was engaged in communications technology-----no I don't have a "plan" for high speed communications for North Adams-- I thought it was available through DSL----let's look at it this way--- if a thriving community needs high speed-- and the community knows it--- and as the Bozman has said it's critical for business- why have I heard only from a hand full of bloggers--who seem to be interested in their own convenience-----do bankers- lawyers- manufacturers- communications firms - like BoxCar- need high speed??? maybe they have it and it's available already and being usedI have seen none or very few letters to the editor about this--nor editorials--I still don't get it- how would availability to high-speed wifi broadband or whatever the hell it is-----improve the economy of NA--why doesn't the uber liberal Billsville get on the bandwagon???--or Adams---and you are wrong about (D) it's not that the Mayor hasn;t asked for it- it's let's see now-- you- Wes--and I think-- John and Greg--but frankly can't recall their positions----so for accuracy- I'll delete Greg and John from the mix-- and that leaves you da snoop-- and Wes who will be outta herein a week or less---------I guess you think that YOU are North Adams and its anonymous protector and guardian angel------GlennD invited you to write an op-ed piece or a letter to the ed--why don;t you instead of lurking in a closet on less than a handfull of local blogs------oooooh- yeah- I forgot-- the Transcript doesn't print unsiged copy----chbpod
guess you think that YOU are North Adams and its anonymous protector and guardian angel Nothing could be farther from the truth. These are blogs, I offer my opinion, just as you do.
For the record I sent a letter to the editor to both the Transcript and the Eagle - signed, with address and email address - neither were printed. Which is fine, not every nut job that writes a letter should get printed and I now have my blog to blow off steam. Whether anyone reads it or not is unimportant - although daily unique hits are climbing rapidly.
Most my investments are in precious metals, but I do own some in Plug Power that makes generators that run on hydrogen - perhaps that is what you are thinking of.
I wasn't asking about your plan for high-speed, I was asking about your plan to keep NA moving forward and the local economy growing.
Perhaps you have only heard from a hand of bloggers regarding high-speed is because you haven't made the effort to go after high-tech businesses from other areas and asked them what it would take to relocate to NA.
Also Williamstown does have high-speed and this summer went live with a wireless system for municipal purposes - police,fire, highway, town offices.
I don't know any high tech businesses from out of the area----I am not in the "community development"-business-I certainly support such efforts-- but Da Boz is in a much better position to know such firms given his position--- and make referrals----
if you're so freakin smart-- where are YOUR recommendations for companies- that would locate if we had wi fi---Billsville did it not to satisfy assholes like you but for public safety reasons---and what is the latest braodband oriented company to whiz into to Billsville becaue of wi fi????
as far as "my plan" to keep the city going forward??? just the same as I have been doing for over 20 years---support legitimate economic interests and challenge the bozos like you--who don't have a clue---except for what would foster your own personal interests and not the City's-
Oh yeah-- PS your assholeness is proven that neither the Eagle nor Transcript would print your letters-- The "T" prints most anything- not matter how off the freakin wall it is-- the Eagle might but would probably edit---shit they even print letters from Jack Murphy and Ray Warner- and Peter May--how nuts can you be that they won;t print yours---
so if Billsville had hi speed- whay doesn't NA have it??? any ideas--- we have Wi Fi-- at MCLA-- Conte- NA Library-- and I think Jae's Inn and Sap may still have it----Holiday Inn???? Porches??? I don;t know- but if my theory about snootsville types needing wi fi- I would expect the Porches to put it in if they already haven't------chbpod
Billsville did it not to satisfy assholes like you but for public safety reasons - which, if you will recall was my original suggestion for NA - which you stomped on.
Wifi in NA will not benefit me directly, but a stronger economy with good paying jobs and improved school system could.
so if Billsville had hi speed- whay doesn't NA have it??? Probably because of close-minded assholes like yourself.
OK-- billsville has Hi Speed- so you say and North Adams doesn't ---why????what's the difference between hi speed and wifi??? we have wifi----as I said- MCLA-- Library- Conte--what more do you want----and I have no concept as to how high speed (assuming we don;t already have it) will benefit the economy and bring in "good jobs" maybe like you as a consultant---and if wifi is NOT high speed -what the hell is-and does billsville have it--- you are the slipperyest summbitch who can't answer direct question that i have run across---and if whatever it is you're selling--- is so important for business- why is it that busiensses aren't screaming for it---I have a couple of retarded assholes blogging away telling how great it would be for the local economy---and no one engaged in the local economy is saying jack shit---why is that??? because you have apersonal and greedy and selfish interest in all of this crap----chbpod
POD I don't know how many different ways I can say this - I have no financial interest in NA bringing Wifi or Broadband in to the city. The irony that you call me "greedy and selfish" is just off the chart.
Did any local businesses clamour for MoCA, the Mohawk revitalization, persevering the a steeple from a bankrupt church, the Steeple Cats, the Wireless Learning Project?
I don't know all there is to know about Wifi and broadband but I do have experience in deploying and using the technology. Several people have posted links to excellent articles that can explain the benefits much better than I can. If you have read them and still feel the same way, then there is no point on going further. If haven't read them I suggest you do and then come back with a real argument other than noboby is asking for it so we must not need it.
Here is another web site for you to research if you are interested.
http://meraki.com/
Interesting quote from POD's last campaign:
"Looking forward, Billings says the city needs to encourage development in all different areas...noting at the same time, however, that job growth has to come through the private sector."
Unless of course that development includes alternate energy and high speed communication I guess.
Quote taken from http://wnaw.com/news.php3?story_id=6608
da snoop can't answer a direct question because he is the ultimate liberal left wing crackpot.A real touchie feelie liberal who would like nothing better than for North Adams to be another Northampton.Liberalism is a mental disorder. Don't agree? O.K. maybe liberalism is a genetic defect.
Actually kilowatt I have answered POD's questions time and time again. He doesn't want to understand - that's fine, but then he should stay out of the conversation.
So much energy is wasted re-hashing the same arguments over and over that could be used in a more constructive manner.
Let's take your post for instance, you offered nothing to further the conversation no alternative solution - just a string of insults. Whats the purpose of this? Makes you feel better I would guess, makes you feel like you have something to contribute, but all you really do is show what a small mind you have. Do you even know what Wifi is or how it works or for what purpose it could be used?
Insults???? I state facts. I hate leftwing crackpots and feel that they should be crushed like the bugs they are before they can spread any more of their " wisdom".
kilowatt - list one single fact that you have ever posted - ever.
Just one fact?? O.K. Liberalism is a mental disorder.
Let's see now-- high speed- broadband- good for business and individual users-- GOT IT
WiFi good for Conte- NA Public Libarary and MCLA-- GOT IT----
no as a "jobs promotion" hypothesis which da snoop seems to be fpocusing on---DUH---who?????What???
Public Safety wi fif communication--- I can see than----but NO MUni-WiFi for the elitist who only has his lap top to play with - instead of his lap bottom----Da Snoop says he has explained this to me over and over again--- he hasn't come up with one concrete FACT- as to where WiFi would enhance economic development--case closed-- he loses---chbpod
POD I know you have sworn not to read my blog anymore, but there is a little something new there on WiFi if you could suspend your rule one time.
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