Letter to Editor

Letter to the Editor

 

The New York State Canal System means different things to different people.  Historically, it can be credited with opening up our country, and  today, it serves as a magic carpet ride through over 230 towns and villages.  If you are willing to take advantage of what is out there, you are in for a treat.  Recently a local newspaper addressing economic development was critical of the "the latest craze," painting murals on buildings, saying that they are "not the answer and will not bring tourists and the promise of a brighter tomorrow."  I was very sad to read such a negative opinion when communities are working so hard to bring art to the public.  Not only do we have murals, we have sculptures, art walks, concerts, festivals, community picnics and more.

 

 Last summer we had a bumper crop of activities that ranged from the Canal Splash to the adventure of the Lois McClure .  I know for a fact, that the volunteers at the Welcome Center in Brockport can't say enough about all the boaters who docked here, sharing stories, complimenting the hospitality and offerings of our village.  We were also greatly appreciated by over 500 bike riders who stopped for refreshments on their way to Albany.  All of this activity clearly boosted the local economy as our shops and restaurants felt the difference.  

 

Through the support of the Canal Corporation,  the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and all the independent groups within these towns and villages, I for one, hope you will see more murals, community art, art trails  and activity along the canal.  People return to places that are welcoming and have something to offer.

 

Lori Skoog

Art Walks On Water

Brockport, New York

To the Editor:

After driving back recently from vacationing in Florida, I made observations on how other states promoted tourism. Virginia was great at prompting history; Pennsylvania and North Carolina had great welcome centers.  As I entered the gateway center in Pennsylvania, a mural on miners with a display case below was the first thing I saw. Now that had the wow factor! Just as I was about to take a photo, a women behind a desk turned around and said "How can I help you?"

Don't we all want to feel welcomed?

Later that day I entered New York from Erie, Pa. The first thing that greeted me was a "Welcome to New York" sign with the Statue of Liberty. That's where the good news stopped.  The next sign was 'Toll Booth Ahead," and it was followed by "Next Rest Area 52 Miles."  I thought to myself, there must be a gateway center up ahead?   Not only was there not a gateway center, there was no information about Buffalo, Niagara Falls, the Finger Lakes, or even New York City.

What was more alarming was while driving 60 miles from Pennsylvania to Buffalo, there were no historical signs along the Thruway.  Does that mean we have no history? Where are the historical brown signs?  The first historical sign I came upon was "Welcome to the Erie Canal Heritage Trail."

I know how to find the Erie Canal, but how does someone from Iowa find it?  What ever happened to "I Love New York"?  How can visitors love New York if they don't know about it?  New York State has as much history as Virginia and we have some of the most beautiful natural resources in the world.   Why don't we take some of that money from the recently increased tolls and build a beautiful gateway center? What happens when visitors gets off the road?  They find a place to eat, a place to sleep and a place to shop.  Not only do those visitors help the local economy they help the state with sale tax revenue.

Mark De Cracker 

Lyons, N.Y.  President of the Lyons Chamber of Commerce and owner of the Peppermint Cottage Bed and Breakfast