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DAN ORZECHOWSKI
Special to The Leader
Led by President Virginia Horvath, a community forum was held on Oct. 12 to give members of the community a rundown of campus activity and initiatives. Community residents had the opportunity to express any concerns and ideas.
Strengthening the link between Dunkirk and Fredonia received the most attention.
Horvath mentioned how important it is for students to explore Dunkirk. She explained how students could benefit from opportunities in Dunkirk that cannot be found in Fredonia. Horvath used Fredonia’s Technology Incubator located in Dunkirk as one of many examples.
However, drawing students to Dunkirk has been a struggle, according to Horvath.
“There’s a psychological isolation that people need to get over,” she said. Horvath added that bad rumors play a big role in tarnishing Dunkirk’s reputation.
In response, Horvath said that Fredonia and Dunkirk are working together to build a “central connection.” Since Central Avenue acts as a bridge between both areas, restoring the street would likely attract students to Dunkirk.
Attending the forum were many members of Revitalize Dunkirk, a volunteer organization committed to boosting Dunkirk’s infrastructure, businesses and dignity. The 3-year-old group just recently achieved its nonprofit organization status.
Revitalize Dunkirk is, in part, responsible for the installation of bike lanes on Route 5. The group also influenced a Complete Streets policy in Dunkirk, allowing for future street developments to incorporate biker and pedestrian needs.
Active member of Revitalize Dunkirk Steve Rees believes enhancing the community’s streets is critical in getting people to flow between the two areas. “Simply making streets more accessible would, in theory, bring people to the pier, the restaurants and the businesses,” said Rees.
“Fredonia and Dunkirk have different mindsets when it comes to socialization,” Rees explained. “It’s not a bad thing. Each community has its own personality.”
Horvath said many students do not have cars, limiting their access to Dunkirk. In response, Rees pointed out that the Chautauqua Area Regional Transit System (CARTS) runs through the community, but it isn’t well known.
“It’s been around for years,” said Rees “but it was only a few months ago when even I found out about it.” Rees proposed that extending the transit system’s hours and expanding its routes would gather a larger crowd.
The next campus-community forum is expected be held next semester.
For information on CARTS, visit www.chautauqua.ny.us.