Guest Viewpoint: Endicott Proud continues to help with improvements in village
We are fortunate to have a grassroots community group − Endicott Proud. It was started about 10 years ago by Union-Endicott School Board president Dick Testa. He had the idea for the community to get together and help make the village a better place to live.
Endicott Proud meetings always end by a quote from Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has.” I have witnessed this in the four years I was mayor. Most of my progress has been attributed to volunteers, village employees, my bipartisan political allies, and Endicott Proud.
In 2015 and 2016, when Endicott Proud members found out that the village had not yet applied for an Upstate Revitalization Initiative grant, they took the lead in creating a presentation to apply for these state funds for Washington Avenue. With assistance from the village manager and board, two people from Endicott Proud went to make this presentation in 2017. Endicott came in second that year.
For the next round of funding, Endicott once again made a presentation and won, now to be called the Greater Binghamton Fund. The private projects from the Greater Binghamton Fund have been completed. The EPAC sign, North Brewery remodel, Saticos upgrades, and the Endicott Inn was demolished with additional funds from a Restore New York grant. Murals are done.
While mayor, I was able to accommodate housing many of the artists working on murals in the area. We were then offered to have an additional mural painted on the side of the Endicott Florist building. An art park is planned for the open lot between Endicott Florist and the Downtown Quarterback property. The Avenue paving still remains.
In 2023, with the help from Jeff Smith and Pamela Portland from Endicott Proud, and Industrial leaders − we put together an application and won the $10 million grant Downtown Revitalization Initiative. The private projects, and the matching grants for property owner's upgrades, can start soon.
Within Endicott Proud, we accomplished a lot with code upgrades, community involvement, and even helped people study and earn their high school equivalency diploma. Our beautification committee is responsible for the many flowers planted around the village as well as flower pots on the Avenue. They also work with church organizations to take over the upkeep of many gardens, and organize clean-up days throughout the village. They have assisted village workers in gardening around the municipal building.
Jeff Smith offered to form a committee to go to the Avenue, Union District, and Little Italy to see what we can do for them. Other committees we may be starting are activities to organize events for the Avenue and surrounding area. We are working on an event with the Chamber of Commerce for a Hawaiian luau. Also, a support committee working with the many community services and agencies available to people in need.
Community members make a difference.
Linda Jackson is the former mayor of Endicott.
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Endicott Proud continues to help with improvements on Avenue, village
