DAN ORZECHOWSKI
News Editor
Driving around downtown Fredonia is a whole different ballgame compared to driving around in next-door Dunkirk. Although Central Street acts as a bridge between the two municipalities, two different atmospheres lie on both ends. This divide is a key factor for why many students at Fredonia never step foot in Dunkirk.
It wasn’t until Spring of my freshman year when I finally visited Dunkirk’s pier. As a student hailing from beyond New York borders, I had waited long enough to see Lake Erie. Aside from seeing the lake, I had no reason to cross into Dunkirk.
Fastforward to my senior year, I drive to the Fredonia Technology Incubator (located in Dunkirk) almost every day for my internship. Still, despite the amount of time I’ve spent in the city, I haven’t walked around Dunkirk like I have in Fredonia.
Last year at a community forum, SUNY Fredonia President Virginia Horvath spoke about how Dunkirk can offer opportunities for students. As an example, she mentioned the Technology Incubator.
“There’s a psychological isolation that people need to get over,” said Horvath to both students and community residents.
While the technology incubator does indeed offer a great amount of resources and services, the surrounding area could use some help.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2015, Dunkirk’s median household income sat at $38,937, while the national average was $50,711. Fredonia was also below the national average, however the village’s average of $47,910 was a significant jump compared to Dunkirk.
This partly explains the rather high poverty rate. About 15 percent of the country lives in poverty, and for Dunkirk, it’s a sad 25 percent.
It’s clear that the university has boosted Fredonia’s economy. Without college students, I can’t imagine Sunny’s or Old Main would last very long.
Luckily, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.
A non-profit organization called Revitalize Dunkirk is dedicated to making the city a better place. According to the organization’s mission statement, it’s vowed to “preserve the historic heritage, enhance the physical infrastructure, reinvigorate commerce and boost community pride.”
This is the help Dunkirk desperately needs.
Starting in 2015, Revitalize Dunkirk has been making a positive impact. Thanks to the organization, regular clean-ups are scheduled throughout the city, community events have been organized and flower baskets have been hung on street lights.
Revitalize Dunkirk is also responsible for the installment of “complete streets,” which are designed to equally share the roads between automobiles, bicyclists and pedestrians.
If you’re interested in volunteering with Revitalize Dunkirk, the next meeting will be held on Oct. 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the Fredonia Technology Incubator. For more information, visit revitalizedunkirk.com.