It Can Be Done
By Kathryn Ross
Over the years I have made suggestions as to what I think would make Wellsville a better place to live. Of course, I’m not omnipotent and I know that to think I have all the solutions is a bit arrogant, but I think some of my ideas are good ones and know they aren’t the only ones.
For example, I think turning Scio’s Hydramec plant into a bakery, as recently reported, is a great idea. There are several buildings in Wellsville that could be renovated and reused in a similar fashion. I think at this very moment, except for the old municipal building, there aren’t many buildings on Main Street that aren’t being at least partially utilized. Still, there are things that could be done to make it better for all.
Parking, as we know, is a big problem. Over the last few years there has been a push to create second and third floor apartments on Main Street which has only added to the already existing problem. It would seem reasonable then that the problem should be addressed like it was in Coudersport, with a parking garage. There are two likely sites, the old parking lot across from the Texas Hot or the dilapidated Rauber’s building by Walgreens. Either or both could be redesigned or torn down for a parking garage.
Since 1972, when the World War II Veteran’s Memorial Pool was torn down, there has been a hue and cry for construction of a new municipal pool. The plea has landed on deaf ears. Obviously, the school pool just doesn’t get it.
If I ever won the lottery I would build a complex at the Lagoon Field for an indoor/outdoor pool and ice skating facility. Since I don’t play, it’s unlikely I will win. So, maybe the recent suggestion for a Splash Pool in Island Park is a more likely solution.
Part of the Lagoon Field could still be sectioned off for a dog park where the furry guys could run and play freely, similar to the way they can in downtown Salamanca where the community built a dog park a year ago.
Housing continues to be a problem in Wellsville, particularly for older people. I think a small house neighborhood should be built by either an enterprising entrepreneur, a grant, someone with deep pockets or Alfred State College.
A small house neighborhood, with landscaped lawns, and a recreational area could be developed outside the current village limits, and could be incorporated into the village. Once completed, the neighborhood could feature a dozen or more tiny houses, of all different designs, not the same style, for low-income adults. There is plenty of under-utilized farmland on the east, south and west sides of the village that could be used to construct small homes. It would be great if this little house neighborhood had solar panels or even a wind turbine for its power source and to show that Wellsville is an environmentally conscious community. Perhaps there is a grant for just such a development.
One of the delinquencies that has bothered me for years is Veteran’s Memorial Park. Wellsville is a very patriotic community. Each year on Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day, local officials and members of the community dutifully pay respects to our fathers, grandfathers and great grandfathers who gave their lives or part of their lives to preserve our freedom. Yet, there is no memorial rock or stone in Veterans Memorial Park that honors those who served in Korea, Vietnam or the more recent wars this country has fought. Why not? Have we run out of boulders on which to place plaques or are we just delinquent in our duty? It’s past time to put another couple of boulders in the park to recognize those men and women veterans too.
And on a more recent note, it also upsets me that Wellsville, the largest and most affluent community in the county, does not honor our veterans by participating in Wreaths Across America. If flags can be placed on veteran’s graves for Memorial Day, then wreaths can be placed for the holiday season. Our kids too, need to be taught to honor and remember the sacrifices made by veterans to preserve freedom. If seven other towns in the county can do it, we can too.
I know ideas are easy to have and pointing out problem areas is even easier. Solving those problems or discrepancies is harder, but it can be done.
Kathryn Ross is a life long Wellsville resident, reporter, writer, and community activist. You can reach her anytime, kathr_2002@yahoo.com
