County Envisions Future
From Ground Up
The future awaits.
“So far they have been pretty consistent with the need for broadband, cell towers and the need for improved communication throughout the county,” said Benjamin Syden, vice president of Laberge Group, after a day of focus groups Thursday, Nov. 5, with town officials and the public.
Under a $48,000 contract, the Albany-based Laberge consultants are holding a series of meetings with county officials, municipal stake holders and the general public.
Also, agricultural opportunities and creating affordable housing were issues of interest to the public attending sessions that evening at SUNY Oneonta and the Edmeston, Richfield Springs and Unatego central schools.
Current trends identified by the consultants include stagnant growth, a shrinking workforce and no appreciation in property values.
Possible recommendations for county government involve improving efficiency, reducing costs and sharing services with municipalities.
One idea that captured the imagination of county Rep. Rick Hulse, R-Fly Creek, who championed the undertaking, is forming an alliance with thethree community colleges in the region.
“We are a fantastic exporter of gray matter,” said Hulse. “We have these wonderful colleges in Oneonta. Unfortunately, we don’t have a community college.”
Hulse believes by working with regional schools, Otsego County can train and retain young people.
He suggests getting students interested in careers and developing entrepreneurial skills while in high school.
A summary meeting is planned in the next week, followed a written report to the county board before the end of the year.