by Charlie Andrews
Where Do We Go From Here?
The responsibility for this community ultimately falls to our Borough Government. That does NOT mean that they do it all. We all share in the responsibility for this effort and it’s implementation. It does, however, mean that the Borough has the responsibility to show leadership in this effort themselves and through their appointees.
I would suggest a moderated, strategic planning meeting, hosted by the Borough at a public place in the downtown. The critical participants are the Borough of Carlisle, Cumberland County, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Downtown Carlisle Association. Other individuals or organizations such as the Historical Society, Dickinson College and others deemed necessary should also be included.
The object of this meeting is to design a specific action plan and assign responsibilities, with the ultimate goal of reshaping the Downtown Carlisle Association into a true marketing office. This office would be responsible for promoting and marketing Carlisle to the outside world, with a view to attracting people to Carlisle and its downtown for shopping, tourism, recreation, education, and culture. Concurrently, efforts should continue for attracting and recruiting quality merchants to the downtown.
I think a moderator would be helpful in keeping the meeting on track. Some of the objectives of this meeting might be:
• Establishing of a committee responsible for moving this forward.
• Outlining the scope of responsibilities of a rebuilt DCA.
• Identifying initial funding sources (to cover first 5 years).
• Identifying tasks and entities responsible for them.
• Establishing of a timeline for completion of actions.
• Establishing of any other subcommittees needed.
Thank You for . . .
taking the time to look this over. This document is meant to bring attention to a serious situation in our community. None of this will change overnight, but it will change, to first stop our decline and then to move us forward. Carlisle is a beautiful, historic and charming town with tremendous potential to thrive, and not just survive. This effort requires some courage and effort, but we have nothing to lose and the world to gain.
Sincerely,
*
Charles W. Andrews
249-1721
c2464@aol.com