These could be actions by government, but I'm more interested in the small things each of us could do each day.
On a governmental level, I'd like to see more traffic violation citations to cut down on speeding, failures to stop at stop signs (and crossing guards) and not giving pedestrians the right of way at crosswalks. I'd also like to see measures to improve pedestrian safety and encourage pedestrianism within the Borough. On this point, repainting the crosswalks has been discussed and police shifts have overlapped during morning school walking times. To that end I have seen Borough Police more often on our morning walk to school and that is good. There are several primary intersections that need attention and hopefully more consideration to pedestrians will lead to more people walking in the borough, to its parks, and to its shops and businesses.
Of course, none of these governmental enforcements would be needed if each person took it upon him/herself to follow the law, but even that I'm not as interested in (though I do believe aggressive driving and lack of consideration in a vehicle makes for a 'hostile' feeling).
What can you do to make a community more friendly? These were some of the items that could be derived from the previous comments:
- Smile, wave, nod, say 'hi' or 'hello' or in some way recognize others when you pass or make eye contact.
- Hold a door open for someone when entering or exiting a store/building.
- When attending a meeting/function, make a point of introducing yourself to someone you haven't before met.
- When waiting to pick your child up from school or at the bus stop, get out of the car and chat with other parents.
- When having a child's party and you don't know the other parents, take a minute to talk with them, introduce yourself, and spend a few minutes at pick-up to say how the party went.
- Don't attack individuals for ideas or action of a larger body, debate and discuss instead the issue (haven't heard that from me before have you;-)
11 comments:
Ross,
One easy way to make Nazareth seem more humane and hospitable is for people to walk more around town - for their health and for the community's health. I realize that you and your family do this, but most will drive to the library or to school when these areas are very walkable.
In a classic film entitled "Nazareth at Work - 1940," the community was buzzing with industry, small business and church and school activities. We can't change the economy, but one thing we could easily do is walk when doing business around town.
One place to start would be the Post Office. The traffic situation on N. Main on a daily basis is horrendous, with people trying to park as close as possible so as to save a few steps. The borough could restrict parking on N. Main forcing patrons to park a block away and walk. Not only would they be alleviating a hazardous situation, they might just get the opportunity to say "hello" to a neighbor.
The walking is so important to having a vibrant community and successful downtown.
Ken Trionfo presented an overview of the Main Street Program's four points and he included a description of how they have changed from pre-1950s until post 1950s when developments and strip malls became more popular in regard to the impact on Main Streets.
It can't be like it was, but with the right combination of shops, businesses, residences, and ability to safely walk, it can be better than it is now.
I'll continue to advocate for awareness (the Borough did run the regs on speed limit in town in the latest newsletter), enforcement (I mentioned some changes that have been made and hopefully officers will continue to try to enforce traffic violations), and measures such as pedestrian cones, painted crosswalks, more four way stops with crosswalks, etc.
I had a nice conversation with Fred Daugherty and Dan Chiavarolli in which we discussed how to connect Giant to the borough via public walkways and the area south of E. Walnut with that north of it (as a State road the borough is limited in what it can do).
The good news is they are thinking about the same thing as well.
I also think with the Nazareth Downtown Association working to reinvigorate the area there will be a group advocating for all the businesses for more pedestrian friendly measures.
I'd love to have a program that encouraged borough walking just like mall walkers that would be held in conjunction with a major association, like American Heart Association. We'll see, it is only a seed of an idea now.
And you are right, the Circle is tough with the parking AND when you do pull up to drop off on the circle, people swing wide to pass without considering the person may be trying to pull away.
A bit of caution and patience would be a good addition.
Is the film you mention available locally? Thanks.
The library used to have a copy that was transferred to VHS, which I think was destroyed in someone's VCR. I am aware of at least one additional VHS copy at the Whitefield House. They may also possess the original film.
It is a fascinating look at the town prior to WWII and what is most striking is how self-sufficient Nazareth was.
Practically anything you needed was only a short ride (or delivery) away. The filmmaker had the gift of documenting every facet of town life, including people coming out of the various churches and working on area farms. I would love to see it uploaded to view for free on this site if you can swing it!
Ross,
As one of the people calling these things out in the prior topic, thanks for making it a highlighted discussion point on its own.
I think you nailed it with your summary in the post. How do we make this happen and foster a real small town atmoshpere?
Government could help, though not in ways that are financially a burden on the citizens.
One town I lived in used to have street festivals a couple times a year. They would shut down the main stree to vehicle traffic so it became pedestrian friendly. They would invite crafters from all over the country who would set up booths and sell their wares. They would also have live music, kids activities, food, and this would last from Friday night through Sunday night.
This was staged jointly by the town council and local shop owners. With fees from crafter, it basically paid for itself.
The entire community would show up and it was a blast.
The borough also needs to beef up advertising around events it already has. Movies in the park were great fun, but almost nobody was there, and people I mentioned it to had not heard about it.
My point is that by having more community events where people have a chance to interact, and if people use the items you highlighted, a lot of the barriers and preconceived notions about other (natives vs. outsiders) will quickly disolve.
When my family was looking for a place to call our new home, we would frequently drive through Nazareth, particularly the Newburg Village area, and pass by walkers and bikers that would wave to us and say hello. We actually thought our realtors hired people to do this, but obviously that was not the case. The walkers and bikers are still out years later, and most still say hello. With that said, i would want to encourage those that live in the area and those that take a shortcut through our developments to extend a little courtesy and slow down. Do the speed limit. Maybe then our children can feel safe too, at bus stops and at play. And finally, take your garbage home. Stop throwing your empty bottles on our from lawns and curb-sides. Nazareth is a great place to live and raise a family. Let's keep it that way!
anon 2:18
we DO have block parties on Main street (biannual?)good family town fun
local halloween parade and memorial day parade also good family town fun
the Key and US advertise local events very well and now we have NOC news to do the same
ps Bye Bye Birdie is at the MS this weekend then the NASD art show the following week
If you want to meet a good cross section of the Nazareth area, by all means attend the school performances such as Bye, Bye Birdie this weekend. also the Community Band concert on Sunday to benefit the library ( and by the way, the library does offer many events for children and adults), Concerts on the Green(first one being May22), the Kazoo Band and Pig Roast on July 4 , all the Nazareth Day/weekend events in July, Arts and Craft Fest on Whitefield House Lawn in June.And these are only a few of the ongoing activities in Nazareth!!!
Our community offers MUCH!!!
As a new resident, I can't say that I agree with the statement that Nazareth is un-hospitable. We have found people to be very welcoming to us. Many ask how long we've been here, how we like it, and where we come from. I sometimes wonder if we had moved from NJ or NY, instead of IL, whether residents would be so friendly. There seems to be a level of tension between PA residents and newcomers from these neighboring states.
We have spent part of one summer here and look forward to taking advantage of the activities offered this year such as the Summer Rec Program and swimming at the Boro Park. We will definitely be at the "Evening on Main Street" as well. When we have visitors from out of town, I love to take them down Main and Broad Streets. "Charming" is the word I use mostly when describing our little town to outsiders.
I'd like to cite just one example of why Nazareth is such a great place to be. Last summer on one of our first days here, my children and I were walking downtown, looking for a place to stop and have lunch. We came upon Kate's Main Street Cafe and decided that this was the place. I should have known that there was no cash in my wallet--there never is! I explained to Kate that I had two checkbooks with me--one was from a local bank and was a starter set with no name or address and the other was from a bank in IL. This prompted her to ask if we had recently moved and why and from where, etc. She introduced herself, her daughter and her friend who was also working in the shop. We had a wonderful lunch and yes, she did take my check!
I've tried to include events on the NOC Community Calendar. This calendar is a Yahoo! site and as a result anyone can join the NewsOverCoffee Group and add local events. Because it is within the Lehigh Valley Metro, it is also promotion for both the event and the community to those outside it.
When the Speedway was open, we did have a street festival the night before the race and the last one was a huge success (until the rain came), which was unfortunate for the band (a personal favorite, but no I didn't influence the booking). They still played but many people left by then.
One of the benefits of the new Nazareth Downtown Association will be the promotion of all events in the downtown district.
We have a lot of active community groups and organizations, and they all have events and activities. As much as they try to coordinate dates, they are not always promoted as a whole.
Take a look at the calendar and let me know if I am missing any.
Thanks for the comments.
I have lived in Nazareth for 15 years, and I do believe that Nazareth has to have the most self-centered individuals in the entire Lehigh Valley. Take for example drop off at the middle school in the morning. God bless you if you attempt to turn left out of the school on Tatamy Road. Seldomly will anyone turning in to the school stop and give you the opportunity to pull out! I know a co worker from out of town who one day out of the blue commented about the rude behaviors of the drivers of Nazareth.
2:12-----
Please----Nazareth is no more self-centered or rude than any number of places. Seems like alot of us have forgotten- or do not teach-RESPECT and CONSIDERATION for others and property. Look at our littered roadways, obscene graffiti, broken beer bottles. etc.
This is not just Nazareth---it is ALL OVER. It's time we cleaned up our act
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