The Hudson Valley is evolving, but to what remains the big question. In a far-reaching effort, Hudson Pattern for Progress is inviting people to develop the answer.

The local think tank is undertaking a far-reaching effort that will help the area's 2.2 million people, 242 municipal governments and 127 school districts find common ground from which to shape the future.
It's easy to know what we don't want to become: Long Island, northern New Jersey, a bedroom community. And it's easy to cite what we love about the Hudson Valley: the people, the river, the history, the mountains, easy access to the Big Apple.

But charting a path that embraces the pros and avoids the cons is the challenge that must be undertaken.
To continue on the overall practice of patchwork growth spurred only by home building is futile. A healthy mixture of business and residential is necessary to avoid becoming bedroom communities filled with tired and over-taxed commuters. Yet there's no affiliation trait that identifies the Hudson Valley, nor is there a concerted regional effort to meet the needs of significant employers. Sewer and water systems are dubious and abandoned business parks, such as Kingston's Tech City, rarely meet the needs of today's tech-dependent companies.

At the same time, small, local businesses are facing increasing competition from the Internet. Whether it's banking, purchasing home goods or obtaining a college degree, options abound.

Small pockets of innovative government responses are emerging to this new climate. The Northern Dutchess Alliance has demonstrated cooperation among communities that not only makes for good neighbors, it helps the bottom line. Combined efforts in garbage hauling, tax assessing and school lunch programs defy long-standing parochial boundaries. People are learning that regionalism does not equate to losing local identity. It equates to understanding the bigger picture from a solid foundation.

To that end, Pattern for Progress is encouraging all people to consider how the Hudson Valley region fits into the global picture. The organization is spending the next 10 weeks hoping to spread its message to 10,000 people. Guest speakers are available, special reports and outreach are under way. On May 17, a convention will be held at Dia: Beacon, where ideas can be shared and hopefully a plan will emerge.

The trick is to cull and treasure the many features that keep the Hudson Valley unique while understanding the evolving needs to keep the community balanced. The challenge is great. So is the need.

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ULSTER/ DUTCHESS

Poughkeepsie Journal
PO Box 1231
Poughkeepsie, NY 12602
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ULSTER COUNTY

Saugerties Times
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Phone:334- 8200
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P.O.Box 3329
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Albany Times Union
Times Union
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COLUMBIA COUNTY
The Independent
Indenews (online)

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Hillsdale, NY 12529
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FAX (518) 325-4497
Parry Teasdale, editor

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