To my friends throughout Westfield, and especially in Ward 3. I know that I have mentioned my concerns for Whitney Park, but today I was over there and the lawns were really torn up by someone doing donuts in the grass. I know I mentioned putting up a gate before, but I over stepped my turf; excuse the pun. But, the late night crowds are continually trashing, again with the pun, with trash; people dumping stuff as mattresses, and construction leftovers. Add in the campfires and charcoaled spots, including in the woods. As well, with campers on the river bank…this costing us. If nothing else in worktime doing this when they could be doing better stuff. These folks work hard maintaining the park, I know, I see them there. We could work with our tech people to have a gate open in the AM and close in the PM. This a beautiful place to go sit (if there were benches, hint, hint, or even if those poles were to return). I could see having summer concerts with all the investment in the bike path and the over hangs, a playground that I don’t see too many using, the softball fields, that are used a lot. Too bad we are paying for things not being used, while also paying to maintain a place that is being abused. And, no it is not the Puerto Ricans who come in from Holyoke at night. But regardless, a gate would save us tax dollars. I think that more people who live near there should stop by and see for yourselves, and maybe chat with your city councilors.
Next, I thought we are having elections coming up, but I only see signs for Republican candidates, what no Democratic opposition????
Next 2, As I have mentioned I originated in Holyoke, along with a bunch of other now in Westfield. For all those old folks as myself, remember that Holyoke was an entertainment center with at least 5 movie theaters, The Capitol for plays, The Valley Arena in South Holyoke, and Mt. Park amusement park, the ballroom, and the off Broadway theatre up there as well. I heard that the old Victory theatre is finally going to be rehabbed; neat. There is a bunch of stuff starting up there, and no if I like it so much go back there. But, it is so good to see enterprising innovations and even old stuff coming back to the area. (Another hint, hint) We do have things that could attract, but imagination and innovation seem stopped. Imagine working with Columbia bike to have a bike museum, with sales of old fashion and newest fashion bikes, especially with the rail trail…and so many into biking. I have chatted with folks from Conn., biking by the river, and looking for places to go. What about, before they change over, a Savage Arms museum? But, I think neither our history nor our future interests are coming to mind. All I hear is just say NO! I thought Republicans were into business creation? Oh well, when your Party changes I guess your principles go with them. Now it seems it is just ideology vs. ideology, along with “I win!” stuff that is all that matters. Remember you are responsible not only for what you do, but what you do, but also what you don’t do as well. With that I bid you a fine day, be in touch later… Your former Ward 3 City Councilor, Brian Hoose…[email protected]
