Jane Jacobs, a great urban planner and theorist, once said, “The point of cities is multiplicity of choice.” Inside this end of the year issue, you will find a list, by no means exhaustive, but hopefully compelling enough to make you take to your feet and walk down Main Street to do your Christmas shopping. If you have the time, see if you can walk the whole thing—you’d be amazed by the “multiplicity of choice” right here in Beacon.
Ms. Jacobs was a frequent foe of city politicians and the real estate developers who often dictated city policy. For her part, Ms. Jacobs preferred to see growth that supported a thriving business and interpersonal community, rather than the anonymity of malls, highways and corporate interests. Perhaps this sounds “old fashioned” or like going backwards. But, as anyone who has lived in Beacon for 50, 30, 20 or even 10 years can tell you, when all of the business left town for the malls, there wasn’t much “town” left. Luckily, the “town” feeling has returned to Beacon.
Of course, the debate will continue. As we have seen over the last several years, population flux and demographic shifts can alter the needs of a city. Whether the question is a new library, open space vs. development, police department leadership, school expansion, condominiums on Main Street, or parking levies on new businesses, we can always choose to weigh our decision against the thought, “Does this policy build community or detract from community?”
The Main Street life of Beacon’s community has come a long way in the last 15 years. Despite the ups and downs, businesses that open and close, the balance has been in a very positive direction. This year take a look at the street and see the festive decorations, hear the laughter and smell the sweet aromas. Smile, and enjoy your community. Then, “pay it forward”, spend some money on Main Street…you never know what your bit of community building can do to make Beacon a better place!
Here here!
Posted by: beaconite | December 04, 2006 at 11:44 AM
beacon's main street is such a wonderful cinderella story. just last weekend we did a little xmas shopping and left feeling like we'd done an act of community service. it's the complete opposite of the awful mall shopping experience. on main st. we encountered friendly, informed shopkeepers with a sense of shared purpose instead of the inhuman, uncaring rush of the mall.
does anyone have more info about condos coming to main street? i'm patiently waiting for some sign of life at the old hat factory on east main. it seems to me that we need that to happen if main street is to make a full recovery.
Posted by: paul mall | December 05, 2006 at 01:17 AM
I completely agree. I know how long it takes to get permits and approvals from every aspect of the state and city b/c I am still awaiting after a year approval for a friend's project (old factory into a single family home)
The developers who bought the old mills need to jump start or inform us further. These need to be restored and bring more residents. Beacon's Main Street is unusually long for a smaller city and needs way more foot traffic. Can't wait to get out there and do my shopping Beacon style. Just need that last paycheck to clear! I am a very proud long standing and involved citizen of this great city! Happy Holidy to all!
Posted by: beaconite | December 06, 2006 at 02:41 PM
As you walk along Main Street just be aware of all the discarded chicken bones scattered along the sidewalk. If you bring your dog make sure they don't choke on them
Posted by: Choke | December 11, 2006 at 10:19 PM
can anyone tell me the real reason why OII closed?
Posted by: o no! | December 12, 2006 at 03:11 PM
I heard, from someone I think is a reliable source, that OII was doing so well in their existing location that the landlord wanted to jack up the rent higher than the restaurant wanted to pay, but that the restaurant is also looking for a new location. I walked past there today and the lights were on inside, so who knows what's happening.
As far as the chicken bones (and potato ship bags and empty soda bottles, malt liquor bottles, and cigarette packs) on the sidewalk, I wish the idiots who keep littering this beautiful city would either learn to pick up after themselves or go somewhere else.
(And don't even get me started on the drug dealers and assorted lowlifes near the gas stations and also in front of Kennedy Fried Chicken.)
Main Street is doing great, and I actively support the merchants there. It still has a way to go, but I am optimistic for its (and Beacon's) future.
Posted by: TM Conroy | December 13, 2006 at 01:02 PM
PoJo: Thursday, December 14, 2006
Revitalized Beacon will put you in holiday spirit
By RALPH FERRUSI
Hike name: Holiday Renaissance Stroll.
Location: West (river) end of Main Street, Beacon.
Length: Three or four blocks and counting.
Rating: Here Comes the Neighborhood!
Features: A stroll along several "Christmasy" city blocks of charming, classy, appealing, inviting, upscale tea/coffee houses, galleries, restaurants, cafes and shops.
Watch out for: Dress "city cool," but not ostentatious.
Background: Georgetown, Alexandria, SoHo, Fisherman's Wharf, Faneuil Hall? No: Downtown Beacon. A while back, just about all over America, malls opened, and cities "closed." Main Streets USA died — empty, vacant, boarded up shops, businesses and stores. The Hudson Valley was no exception: Newburgh, Beacon, Kingston, Poughkeepsie, Peekskill. Beacon has bounced back big-time. About ten years ago, enter Dia:Beacon and Mayor Clara-Lou Gould. The east (mountain) end of town started coming around right from the get-go: top-shelf galleries, studios, shops and restaurants rose from long-vacant buildings. The west end got off to a slower start, but is rapidly coming up to speed, and gaining momentum.
Hike description: Let's start at the Muddy Cup Coffee House, right on the southwest corner, and stroll down the south side of the street. This place is so, so cool. It would not be out of place in Harvard Square or on the Boulevard St. Michel, Paree: a perfect "arteest"/writer hangout. Next comes Kringles Christmas Shop, Big Kahuna, then Mountain Tops outfitters. Katy Bell and Leonard Behney opened up in March. It's a great store, with a wide selection of name-brand outdoorsy gear, and even a "doggie-goods corner." Here's their philosophy: "We were born and raised in Beacon and we've grown up hiking its beautiful mountain. Our love of Mount Beacon and the excitement of the revitalization of the city has inspired us to create Mountain Tops. Hopefully (we will) become more involved in community events and give back to the city, its mountain, its river and its people." Good Stuff! Both sides of Main Street are lined with dozens of interesting shops, galleries and eateries. Don't' miss Linda T. Hubbard's Hudson Valley photos in River Winds; the glass blowing exhibitions in Hudson Beach Glass in the restored fire house; or the Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries. Hungry? Check out Augie's, Cup & Saucer, Beacon Lunch, Pleasant Ridge II, BJ's, Jamaican Spice, or Jackee's Gourmet Italian Deli. And how could anyone resist the Beacon Bakery?
Posted by: pojo follows dispatch's lead | December 14, 2006 at 09:35 PM
Great thing that the Mr.Jacobs is a city politicians and the real estate developers,and he is doing some of the great and superb services and which is helpful for the people,and about the Main Street life of Beacon’s community,you told so this is doing an exceptional job for a long time and they are carrying on,which is a great thing.
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