Where there are solutions to an issue, more problems can evolve, which is seemingly always the case with road repairs in any area.
A glaring issue in the City of Corry for many years has been the crumbling infrastructure, namely the roads and parking lots around town.
However, road crews, power line lifts, and railroad workers can be seen hard at work addressing the issues that have been a common topic of concern for residents.
That being said, congestion of traffic, detours and impatient driving are now regular encounters for commuters in Corry.
For those who are bothered by the recent work’s disruption of normal commuting, it can be said that no solution comes without certain inconveniences, or annoyances.
Practicing prudent measures to be on time for appointments and work are paramount, as the logistical wounds of the town are being stitched back together.
Leaving early, and keeping in mind that this is small town America, where things move a bit slower than other places can calm the anxieties of the instant gratification culture we are all so accustomed to these days.
It is true that we all want quick results, but endangering other drivers and workers with impatience and reckless driving is never a viable solution.
So keep in mind the next time you are waiting in traffic or having to take an alternate route, that the workers have families to return to after they are done helping our small town heal.
This is a moment to admire the fact that the town is being heard. In the last month alone Corry has seen repairs to the Route 6 plaza, the fallen railroad sign on First Avenue being stood back up to its former glory, along with sidewalks and streets undergoing much needed rejuvenation. The process can be slow, but its importance is pivitol, so we must all do our part to see to the safety of the workers and fellow residents.
In other news, word around town is still swirling about the future of the local Dairy Queen, which now sits empty on Route 6. Reaching out to the Van Cise family, who are the most recent owners has turned up no leads on the subject.
Several theories around town are circulating that the business has either been sold to the same owners as the Youngsville Dairy Queen, or that the owners had lost their franchising license for some unknown reason. Neither of these theories could be confirmed.
Regardless of the business’s current state, residents can feel the absence of the business already. Lunch venues are packed during the work lunch hour and the town’s already limited dinner venues are now becoming a very small list of restaurants in the town.
While this may not be a concern for most residents, a conversation recently had with Ed Sekerak of Route 6 Realty shed some light on why the restaurant scene in Corry is important for the town’s future.
“Many developers generally just aren’t enthusiastic about Corry because our dining space just isn’t up to their standards for development opportunities,” said Sekerak.
While this may seem mundane, many business meetings for real estate and property planning are held in public over a meal. With limited venues, comes a lack of growth potential in the minds of business leaders.
Dairy Queen may not be a place where such meetings would be held, but the general closing and decline of any town’s culinary scene can be viewed as a worrying sign for entrepreneurs.
Speaking of entrepreneurs and new ideas, those who regularly read The Journal may notice that many articles about solar farms have circulated in recent weeks.
With the approval of one project in Columbus, and the rejection of another within Corry city limits, it could be understated that the idea of solar farms in the area is rather mixed.
As stated by Wayne Township Supervisor Mark Sander in a recent township meeting:
“There are always business types that rub people the wrong way. Years ago it was cell towers, now its solar farms,” said Sander.
A valid point to his comments could be considered that new ideas, in an old world type town are going to garner pushback. When speaking to residents, many do not oppose these new technologies as long as they benefit the local area.
Others have stated that they feel that recent technology booms involving windmills, solar farms and data centers are too forceful with their implementation, and effect the environment too harshly.
Regardless, whether it is roads, restaurants, or new technologies on the rise. There will always be a point of contention and concern amongst the local populace. What remains most important is that the concerns of both sides of any issue are heard.
Stay tuned for more tidbits of information that come straight from the community and injected right into your trusted local news source at The Corry Journal.
A special thanks to Jack Hasbrouck, the sports reporter at The Journal for the name “Tom’s Tidbits.” Which will likely be a section of this column with quick news bits about the local area.
I hope you have enjoyed the first installment of this column which is a revival series of community commentary, much like R.L. McCray’s “Home Again” series but with a new style. As a faithful reader of his work, I’d like to personally dedicate this first segment to him and all the colleagues who made this column possible.
To make your voice heard, or to provide tips on possible news stories; feel free to email me at tom@thecorryjournal.com.