Although everyone who gathered at the Hudson Opera House at noon today was pretty certain of what was about to happen, the governor managed to build a little suspense. He explained that there had been 104 applicants for just ten grants (one in each of the ten regions of the state) and noted that "even if you don't win, going through the process of applying is beneficial." He then indicated that this year there would be second, third, and fourth place winners, receiving $5, $2.5, and $1 million respectively, before announcing that Hudson was a first place winner and would receive $10 million in funding.
In her remarks, which introduced the governor, Assemblymember Didi Barrett welcomed Cuomo to Hudson, "a city where really cool things happen . . . and where passion is the driving force in everything we do." Before announcing the award, Cuomo spoke of the setting--the newly restored Hudson Opera House--as a metaphor for the history and culture that is Hudson. He said the key to economic development was to build on your assets, and Hudson has done that, building a new economy based on arts and culture on its assets of history, location, landscape, and rich cultural heritage.
Hudson succeeded in getting the state to, in Cuomo's words, "invest to keep the synergy going." Now comes the harder part: using the money so that it truly does keep the synergy going.
COPYRIGHT 2017 CAROLE OSTERINK
OH NO THE END OF HUDSON URBAN REVITALIZATION BY THE "STATE'
ReplyDeletemore urban renewal
This is a tremendous win for Hudson. This afternoon's circus proves the old adage that success has many fathers (and mothers) -- what are probably bold faced names in the world of NYS economic development were thanked serially by the speakers. But the one person who pushed the hardest and kept the ball rolling over the course of 2 years was Hudson's own Sheena Salvino, and she deserves the lion's share of the credit for the city's success in this contest.
ReplyDeleteNot at all unexpected from Mr. Friedman, but important to acknowledge when he consistently steps up and does the right thing: publicly giving credit where credit is due, to Ms. Salvino.
ReplyDeleteAdditionally, credit and congratulations go to Mayor Hamilton. When things on any mayor's watch go wrong, or don't go the way they were promised, the media and the citizenry criticize and complain. On the flip side, when significant goals are met during the term of any mayor, that mayor gets the credit.
So, good, great job, ladies!
Great job === the usual critics have to have their day in court
ReplyDelete