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[NightmarePatrol]

There was an interesting article in todays tribune about future partnerships between Allegheny and the city. It's no secret that the college has been quite succcessful over the years. Meadville has not been as fortunate. There has also been a wedge between the two communities (almost facets) for decades. I can't identify weather the issues are the cultural differences between the students coming from large cities to Meadville snubbing their noses at the backwards hillbillies or the local residents resisting and rejecting the students. Perhaps this has changed since I lived there some years ago but I doubt it.

Downtown Meadville was pretty vacant the last time I was there. It was certainly devoid of anything that resembled hustle and bustle. I remember at least customers along the streets going about their business as a child. Heading to Wolff's for Hardware, shopping at the few stores downtown, going to the Italian Bakery, etc. Even the old coots that used to sit at the Murphy's counter amidst the smell of 10 year old popcorn were out in force.

So, can the city, the people and Allegheny partner to revitalize the downtown without and deep-seated resentment towards one another? I think the college students would like something closer to campus. I also think Meadville would like the influx of income.

So, can it be done?

[TiFeMb]

When I worked at Allegheny my eyes were opened to a lot of the back room thinking that exists in far-left liberal academia. From what I gathered, Allegheny is quite content to build their castle on the hill and has absolutely no need for Meadville proper. There is a lot of good environmental work being done in Western PA (especially French Creek), but that is just a matter of science & geography meeting up.
I always believed as a kid and young adult that the college was going to help out the businesses with their knowledge but it ain't so.

Now, let's not let the local politicians off the hook either. The mess we have witnessed with CLP is ingrained in the community and I don't think there can be a change unless everyone is cleared out & they start anew.

I would imagine another two or three generations before that happens.

It's really sad actually, where I live now you have to fight to stop TOO MUCH development and economic growth, and Meadville can't even support business downtown. Even what is going on in Vernon Twp is paltry. I lived in Erie for a while and it is the same situation (Except for the Scott Empire & GE).

I've seen a lot of great ideas on these boards & I see no action by the local politicians.