"I’ve seen city lose young people
City Council approval of Harrison Square would be a strong and convincing statement that our city wants downtown to be open later than 5:01 p.m. for people who seek cultural complexity and a stimulating urban environment. Until that occurs, however, we will continue to lose part of our future. My experience is very personal.
My wife and I have three Fort Wayne-raised sons. Each is highly educated and has a lifetime of good income before him. All are involved and caring individuals. Unfortunately, Fort Wayne has lost them. They live elsewhere because our city has little to offer them. I think the fence-sitters on the Harrison Square project need to have the message repeated again and again that the city will losemany of its future leaders and growing businesses unless it thinks and acts boldly, creatively and with long-term vision. The stakes are too high to do otherwise.
Harrison Square itself won’t carry the load to accomplish this, but as one of several overlapping and complementary projects, it will greatly enhance the quality of life in our city and area. Most importantly, it will help forge a bond with our future generations who otherwise will find their way to Atlanta, Seattle or another city of vitality."
Charlie Worrall
Courtesty of the Fort Wayne News Sentinel
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/newssentinel/news/editorial/16953285.htm
7 comments:
Unfortunately all of us here at Change Fort Wayne know far too many quality young people that also fit the description of the writer's sons.
I am one of them.
This is a crucial project for Fort Wayne, and unless the city wants to be left behind the rest of the country (again), it would be a huge mistake to not follow through with it.
I would love to come back to Fort Wayne, but what is there for me besides my parents? My sisters have all left for greener pastures and careers and most of my childhood friends have done likewise. There is not much in Fort Wayne for a young professional to get excited about, and there certainly are far too few decent jobs.
Wake up Fort Wayne!
When is Fort Wayne going to enter the 90's?
I grew up in Fort Wayne and left for eleven years myself...
When my wife and I moved back to Fort Wayne I had job offers in Florida, New Mexico, and Fort Wayne...
I came back to Fort Wayne because I felt that it was a good place to raise my family and, at the time, I worked in manufacturing and I did not realize what was going to happen to manufacturing jobs (This was in 2000).
I have probably lived as many places as you and yet my wife and I moved back...
I like Fort Wayne...
Mike Sylvester
That is pricesless, "When is Fort Wayne going to enter the 90's."
Mike Sylvester
Mike,
Your situation is not unlike many young professionals...myself included. The point is we are in the minority. Yes many come back; but most stay away.
Furthermore, I think everyone agrees that most young professional do leave; but, there is probably disagreement as to how many return. However, we must ask ourselves what attracts certain businesses to an area. Among other things, it is a thriving economy, and the ability to attract talented (and often young) professionals for employment. If they are leaving, why would a business want to come here...or stick around? Think Dave Corcoran.
I know one of his sons! We went to elementary and middle school together. I know they were all valedictorians in high school. Wake up FT Wayne! Your sons and daughters cannot stay with you. Indy has moved so far ahead of Indiana's Second City that it is not even funny.
Florida and New Mexico's loss was surely Fort Wayne's gain.
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