Letter from Mary Tingley

Too Little; Maybe Not Too Late

I wanted to share some thoughts about the public information meeting I attended on the future of Oneonta’s downtown.

I call myself a recent “returnee” to this wonderful city. I left it in 1974, seeking a life with more opportunities than my 20-year-old self could imagine happening in Oneonta. Fast forward 50 years and newly widowed, I felt the pull of this place I knew was not perfect, but perfect for me at this time in my life. I bought a more affordable home, even with higher taxes, and see a different but still beautiful community through these 70-year-old eyes.

But I also see the struggle of people dealing with poverty, drug addiction, homelessness and mental illness. I was disappointed that none of these issues were discussed, particularly security and safety. For the record, the mayor stated that a separate meeting will address this. I hope so.

Without addressing this, merchants will be forced to leave, just as Tina Marie’s Salon did. Her patrons also bought food, books and artwork after getting their hair done. Her business now thrives at the Southside Mall because customers feel safe and have easier access to minimize their mobility issues. Oh, and she doesn’t have to deal with people sleeping, or worse, in her entryway.

I want to applaud the accomplishments already made and I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else, but unless there is a more cohesive plan, all of it will do little to distract from the reality of what I observed last week when I walked downtown for coffee at 9 a.m.: a poor soul staggering in shoes with no laces.

Mary Tingley
Oneonta