Pinning Their Hopes On Art

Hartford Courant ^ | May 5 2002

[2Trievers]

Twenty years ago, Rockland, Maine, was a gritty, blue-collar community with a string of waterfront fish processing plants. "Camden by the Sea, Rockland by the Smell" became its unofficial slogan, accentuating the old harbor's coarseness compared to its upscale neighbor.

Then one by one, the plants that employed most of Rockland's residents closed. As the fishing industry collapsed, so did the local economy. The community's self-esteem hit bottom, the crime rate escalated and the once-bustling downtown turned barren.

[2Trievers]

Two museum gems ... the real deal. &;-)

[MarthaNOStewart]

I think Rockford should look at other cities who have had just such a turnaround. For instance Asheville, NC had a downtown problem 30 yrs ago, and now it is one of the most desired places to go...and the ARTS were the catalyst of downtown turnaround. I think SHOWING the Board how other cities have done this based on "WHAT" they are trying to accomplish with the MUSEUM will back-up their plan and help others to see HOW it happened elsewhere.

[2Trievers]

ROCKLAND has turned around. It's New Britian that is in a slump. The Stanley Works is moving it's corporate headquarters to the islands to escape taxes. Counting on a single improvement like a museum is risky at best ... other factors such as widening the economic base with other retail businesses and community commitment are factors. Hartford already has one of the most wonderful museums in the US on its Main Street, yet suffers depression because the city is unliveable, sports high taxes and no other retail draws.

[mlmr]

There is a huge difference between Rockland by beautiful Maine coast that happens to be in the way of lots of desirable upscale tourist destinations, and good ol' New Brit-uhn!

[2Trievers]

No DUH! I know a former member of the NB Redevelopment Commisssion who thought that NB should be paved over as a parking lot for commuters to Hartford! LOL &;-)