Having recently spent several weeks in the deep south of our country, I was frequently reminded of what deserted small downtowns look like. They’re all over and we certainly don’t want to imagine that happening here. But, as Middlebury’s railroad construction continues and intensifies, as a recent writer wrote, we’re going to have to “pull together as a community.” If we don’t, perhaps we might risk some unimaginable losses to our downtown.
In response to the looming prospects and well before details of the railroad project were clear, dozens of community members came together to talk about how we could ensure that we not only survive the project but thrive as it unfolds. We became “neighbors, together,” and a volunteer group so called continues to meet to plan and implement a variety of projects and programs toward the goal of keeping Middlebury strong.
It’s not going to be easy, but our neighbors, especially those with businesses downtown, are going to need us all to think carefully about what we each can do to support them — day in and day out, week in and week out. Neighbors, Together as a volunteer leadership group will be doing its part to offer opportunities to encourage participation. We’ll need volunteers too, so stay tuned to this paper and consider getting involved.
Amy Hastings
Middlebury