Apologies for overlooking this fine letter to the editor in Sunday’s edition of the Tribune. Jerry Finn makes a cogent, fact-based case for continued progress. I’ve underlined my favorite paragraph.
Finn: Keep moving our community forward
The recent article on “Center of the City: Nearing a year in New Albany, YMCA is boosting fitness and business” was perfect timing for The Tribune. Daniel Suddeath’s creative and engaging article reminds us of how important it is to keep the energy focused to move our community forward making it a great place to live, learn, work and be family.Seven years ago when the Horseshoe Foundation made the $20 million commitment to the YMCA and Aquatic Center, the board wanted not only a great facility for health and wellness, but also a means to revitalize the city center. Indeed the YMCA has been a huge success and the Foundation is proud to have been the catalyst to help make that happen. The board knew from the beginning economic growth would not be guaranteed success and that community leaders would have to continually pay attention to keep revitalization and redevelopment on the radar screen. It was for this reason the general manager of Horseshoe Southern Indiana and our board treasurer recommended the Foundation establish a Small Business Revolving Loan Fund to assist emerging private business enterprises in expanding operations and increasing or retaining employees. The fund is capitalized by a $250,000 grant made by Foundation and administered in partnership with One Southern Indiana. Several loans have benefited downtown business expansions as well as the county.
It is also for more than improving quality of life and cultural enrichment for New Albany residents that the Foundation has been involved in the Riverfront Amphitheater events. It is good for the city and county to have patrons enjoying the heart of the city and reconnecting with our river heritage. We believe this helps economic revitalization.
As developers and city and county leaders talk about the second phase of Scribner Place, now is the time for the entire community to encourage the political forces which can make or break such initiatives to be visionary and bold in their leadership. No one likes to spend money in this economy, but to continue to grow we must make sure the infrastructure is there to promote development. This community needs to brand itself as forward thinking, innovative with assets which will attract quality businesses.
The river and outstanding geography of the community remind us of the need to be “green” and environmentally conscious. We need to continue to develop bicycle lanes, and expand fitness opportunities. Our parks and the Greenway need to be pristine resources which will attract families and businesses to the community. There is much work to be done, but this community is up for the task. A wise decision was made with the YMCA. Let’s keep making wise decisions for the good of the community.
— Jerry Finn, Executive Director, Horseshoe Foundation of Floyd County, New Albany
