Ready For Takeoff? March 7, 2007 saw a packed meeting at UCCC for the presentation of the Strategy Planning Report for "Ulster Tomorrow" — a plan for Sustainable Economic Development in Ulster County.

Perhaps as many as 200 people showed up, which delayed proceedings a little while extra chairs were brought in. There was a definite buzz in the air and a sense of energy waiting to be deployed. The actual report can be viewed here: http://www.ulsterplanning.info/.

Village Manager, Elliott Auerbach, was there and came away impressed. "Three things struck me. A new attitude towards development in our county, a sense of renewed energy and a new wave of enthusiasm for getting to grips with Ulster's problems."

As for the ideas in the report, Auerbach says, "There were some same-old, same-old things, but there was also a fresh attitude in many respects and that feeling of enthusiasm that was also evident at the meeting."

From Ellenville's POV what does all this mean? Auerbach is quick to point out that "a lot of this is Ellenville. Because, as we know, Woodstock is not going to welcome development. But Ellenville has some great things to offer. What we're all facing is the new Creative Economy. And what I liked about this meeting, and the Ulster Tomorrow plan, is that it takes a global view. We have to think globally, and we have to focus on creative approaches.

"For instance, we have a great facility with our airport, which has been upgraded so it can take even small jets. It's a very important asset for the town. Now, we have the empty factory with Hydro closing, but planes could land and taxi right up to the factory, which would make it ideal for a business that repaints small aircraft or does repairs or interiors.

"That's the kind of approach we have to take. We have assets that fit right into the new economy, which is going to be global and creative, and we have to use them in the right way."

COMMENTS about this article (1)