PETITION FOR THE PAWLING TEEN CENTER

Re-establish a Teen Center program within the village

Greetings,

I just signed the following petition addressed to: The Village of Pawling, NY.

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Re-establish a Teen Center program within the village

Back before the Y.M.C.A. left Lakeside Park and the property was bought by the town, the “Where-House” in the village was the place to be for teenagers without any sports or other extra-curricular activities. There were plenty of things available to keep Pawling’s youth occupied; basketball, wiffleball, ping pong, pool, video games, arts and crafts, as well as a plethora of other activities and events. Not only was this a center for students, but also a viable inlet to benefit the various merchant stores within the village. I personally feel that once this program left the village and moved into the Lakeside property, attendance dropped and small businesses suffered from it. While Lakeside Park is absolutely wonderful for youths who go to the camp during summer, it isn’t as effective at providing for students during the school year as few are willing to walk the distance back and forth to the village to get food or meet up with their peers. Has anyone else noticed what a ghost town the village looks like? The recession has surely hit everyone hard, however we cannot sit by idly while complaining about tragic accidents and dismissing it as the fault of teens and parents alone. “It takes a village to raise a child,” after all.
I propose to bring back a Teen Center in the village, perhaps at a vacancy such as the IGA building where it would allow for a greater variety of activities to offer, such as indoor basketball or bowling. I would gladly work for or manage such a place if given the opportunity. I seek to return Pawling to the days where the village was a safe haven for youth, community thrived, and small businesses flourished. This project would be successful if funded by the support, donations and contributions of the people as well as the Village, Town, and Chamber of Commerce. This village just developed a beautiful setting with the Village Green this past year, why can’t we work together to make this town great again, so we may all enjoy it? I would greatly appreciate any support that can be provided.

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Sincerely,

Alec R Gerard

[Your name]