Sunday, January 25, 2009

$100m Silk Mill Project Still Rolling

If this project goes forward, it will be the biggest development project not just in the West Ward, but in Easton--it deserves our close attention. I have heard a lot of pros and cons on this project, and this project should be a consistent topic of debate until residents have a clear idea of whether or not it is a good place for our tax and grant money to be spent. No tax money has been spent so far, but with a $100m projected tab on this project, using our taxes seems inevitable.

Also, there has been some talk of redrawing neighborhood lines around this project and claiming that the Silk Mill is not in the West Ward, when it has always been in our neighborhood--any thoughts on why this would be happening?

On on hand, it is a huge complex of beautiful old brick buildings, and to imagine it full of artist's lofts, galleries and restaurants is an attractive idea. On the other hand, I've heard there are toxic polution concerns on the property, many wonder if we can afford a project so huge and have doubts about whether we would successfully fill it--and whether the businesses would thrive so that it would start to pay itself off. Then again, other people are all for developing it, but around other businesses that Easton needs, rather than artist's spaces.

Here's the article--please post comments to get a dialogue going, and don't forgot to take the poll at the bottom of this page if you haven't already:

Morning Call Article on West Ward's Silk Mill Project

3 comments:

RoMo997 said...

Initial response as a West Ward resident and downtown business owner...We are striving to create a vibrant and active community in downtown Easton. We have wonderful artists living downtown and in the West Ward, and some great businesses working very hard (and with measured success) to attract shoppers and folks in general to Easton. What could those artists do in apartments and homes that already exist in the West Ward? How could 100 million dollars help with Clean Up efforts in the West Ward. I wonder how creating another area away from downtown would distract or enhance the efforts already underway. Looking forward to continued conversation on the subject. I can certainly see how 100 million dollars could give a much needed boost to under funded projects already underway. Both in downtown and the West Ward.

Nikkita said...

It sounds very interesting, I'm just wondering if people will actually come....I know the people in my circle don't necessary do their business in Easton. I hope they really know the needs of the people and can create something useful..else it will be a major waste of time and money.

RoMo997 said...

Nikita,

I agree. I think money better spent would be on programs we have in operation that are working to get folks to shop in Easton. Show how beautiful Easton IS. Business owners are working hard and doing some great things in downtown. The more people who are supporting the community by spending time in downtown (and our West Ward gardens, when they are in full bloom :) the more positive the growth.