BERLIN — More parks. Opportunities for children. A strong historic district. Locally owned businesses.
Dozens of area residents shared their vision of Berlin in 20 years during the town’s first strategic planning session Jan. 29. Every seat in the Flower Street multi-purpose building was full as facilitator Christine Becker collected citizens’ ideas and concerns.
“We’re not going to solve problems here today we’re going to identify issues,” she said. “Try to think big picture.”
The session started with participants describing what they loved about Berlin. They pointed to its history, friendly atmosphere, low crime level and strong downtown area. While they were eager to express their fondness for the town they were equally willing to suggest improvements. When Becker asked what residents wanted to see in Berlin in 20 years, answers ranged from more parks to less taxes.
Resident Phyllis Purnell, also a member of the town’s planning commission, said she wanted to see more options for senior citizens in Berlin.
“Don’t forget our seniors,” she said. “We’re growing rapidly.”
Resident Patricia Dufendach said she hoped there would be more artists downtown in the future.
“I’m hoping in 20 years there will be more entrepreneurs, craftsmen and artisans who come to Berlin and maintain the thriving arts culture that’s just beginning,” she said.
Several residents said Berlin needed more public spaces and opportunities for children to utilize. Tres Denk said he hoped the town would create more options for kids as well as safe crossings and routes for bicyclists.
When Becker asked participants to tell her what worried them in Berlin, concerns centered on the racial division of the town and the need to keep local children occupied and out of trouble. Dufendach said residents wanted prosperity for all parts of the town.
“A lot of people are concerned about the unequal distribution of town funds,” she said, adding that they wanted to see amenities like parks and street lights throughout the entire town. “We shouldn’t get too big to neglect any parts of our town.”
Several residents agreed that the town had been separated — with white residents living west of Route 113 and most black residents living east of Route 113 — for decades. Resident Joyce Harris Cottman said there were issues on the east side of town, particularly near the rental properties on Bay Street.
“It’s no lighting,” she said. “There’s hardly any police presence and the kids are running wild down there.”
Many of those present mentioned the need for indoor youth recreation options, such as a skate park. They said they hoped to see the former Tyson property, which the town is in the process of purchasing, become a world-class facility.
Becker said she was thrilled with the turnout for the town’s first strategic planning session and hoped that those who attended the two-and-a-half hour session would encourage their neighbors to take part in one of the next three sessions, scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 7 at 9:30 a.m. at Town Hall; Thursday, Feb. 12, at Buckingham Elementary School at 6 p.m.; and Saturday, Feb. 21, at the Flower Street multi-purpose building at 9:30 a.m.
Berlin Mayor Gee Williams agreed.
“Everybody is welcome,” he said. “We’re trying to get your guidance.”