"If we're going to stand on 209 and lament over the open spots at Schrade and Hydro, we're not going to get much done," explained Village Manager, Elliott Auerbach. "Economic Empowerment" was the theme at the NAACP's April 10 meeting. Regular attendees as well as curious newcomers assembled at the Trudy Farber Resnick Center on Tuesday evening to discuss the area's economic future.

Reverend Raymond Younger began the night's proceeding with a prayer and Maude Bruce, President of the Ellenville branch of the NAACP, welcomed the audience. "We're supposed to hold our politicians accountable," explained Bruce, who encouraged local community leaders to speak at the evening's event.

Mayor Kaplan spoke first, "We've got to do what we can to help people begin businesses here." Recalling Ellenville's past resorts, industry, and the once "vibrant" downtown, Kaplan explained the three simple factors that will aid in the Village's revitalization; "First," he said, "we need to clean up the community." The second factor, he explained, is the mountain range. "I look at the mountains, and it's obvious why people began a community here," he says. Additionally, and most importantly, is Ellenville's structure. "Unlike neighboring communities," explained Kaplan, "Ellenville has businesses along Canal and Center Streets, as well as up and down 209." "The key," he concluded, "is encouraging foot traffic in the village."

"We're going to create economic empowerment in the community and we're going to do it one job at a time," continued Auerbach. In an effort to rebuild businesses throughout the community, Auerbach outlined a plan that would allow up-and-coming entrepreneurs to use 'micro-enterprise' money as the 'seed' that would begin their businesses. The program creates loan and grant monies that are available to aid in business development.

Town Supervisor James Dolaway referenced the Chamber of Commerce's 'buy local' signs. "I don't know what exactly I can do as Supervisor, but I do my best to shop local," he said. Dolaway somberly admitted that he and his board have "done a poor job concerning economic development."

When the floor was opened for comments, area resident Sylvia Kalipolites voiced her concern: "You can have all the great ideas in the world," she said, "but if the Planning Board is going to create obstacles, it won't matter." Mayor Kaplan explained the reasoning behind the lengthy environmental requirements the Planning Board enforces, and assured Kalipolites that there are very few restrictions for opening a retail shop in an area already zoned for retail. "Often times," he assured, "there is good reason for the restrictions."

Amid similar concerns, Auerbach intervened, "The 'Golden Era' of Ellenville in the 1950s was started by three bean-pickers who had the crazy idea to create antennas to put on top of television sets to get reception. Twenty-five short years later," he continued, "Channel Master was a multi-billion dollar company."

The NAACP's regularly scheduled public meetings are held the third Tuesday of every month.

COMMENTS about this article (4)