Sep 9, 2005 3 min read

It is quite amazing to watch the Uniontown community renaissance over the past 11/2 years. My description of the city is “hustling and bustling.”. Isn’t it wonderful? The Great Oz’s recreation of our town is something shy of a miracle. All of the construction is meticulous. Surely a large manufacturing company will soon realize the beauty, splendor, and opportunity to relocate, or sparks of energy will continue to energize and revitalize to bring about complete fruition of a healthy and prosperous future guarantee. I also speculate increased real estate demand and construction to answer our employment issues. Are the vocational schools full yet of future carpenters, bricklayers, bakers and women’s vocations? After most certainly having the title of one of the most depressed small counties in America, we must be the fastest-moving past that misfortunate description. Although I have no facts to substantiate the claim, I honestly believe we must be making history as a precedent to revitalizing a small, poor community.

To further our education in revitalization let me share my love of the community of Savannah, Ga., to increase and ensure our success. There is tremendous and commendable involvement with the local university and college officials and students in their community renaissance.

As part of educational courses in the design, architecture and social work fields, they basically adopt old buildings to make them fully functional. They are to acquire funding and redesign a building for college credits. They also purchase abandoned buildings along with the students’ efforts, to utilize for classrooms.

It is difficult to acquire a new building permit. Business is encouraged to restore old buildings. One of the first Outback Steak Houses in America was only permitted to occupy and obtain a large old building. It is beautiful. The Double Tree Hotel is busy restoring another large abandoned property.

I like the direction and attitude of these community leaders, as well as ours. Maybe the Herald Standard can search articles in regards to Savannah to continue to ignite our community with “The Winds of Change and Hope.”

The Great Oz cannot answer all our prayers. Now it’s our responsibility. (Recently a gentleman mentioned this concept with the Uniontown High School and Old Navy.)

Maybe all the children in the schools can do a project on their concept of the recreation of our town. It is a fun, creative and energizing idea.

Maybe we can even consider a Walt Disney-style monorail system to Pittsburgh to make us business friendly. Yes, this is a dream, but realistically speaking we should have this option. This is America 2005.

As we adopt new, healthy attitudes let’s be grateful to our county commissioners for handing opportunity to us on a silver platter.

JoAnn DiCristofaro

Uniontown