Oct 8, 2006 3 min read

As a life-long resident of Brownsville, soon to be 37 years, I was pleasantly surprised to see the headline in the Herald-Standard a few days ago concerning the feasibility study for the possible site of a velodrome in the downtown area. But, alas, along with hope comes skepticism. As far back as I can remember, the next “big thing” for Brownsville is always just around the corner. But we never ever seem to round the bend.

Let’s see, I remember the following developments to rescue our town: There were the outlet stores in the early 1980s, the riverboat gaming/marina/restaurant development in the mid 1990s, American Indian gaming several years back, and most recently, the velodrome.

There were other smaller projects here and there, but very few if any ever materialize. Those of us who live here understandably view any proposal with reservation.

Over the years, the “don’t believe anything until you see it” approach has become part of everyday life for Brownsville and its residents.

Of course I cannot forget the Mon-Fayette Expressway, which was lobbied for tirelessly by many in our community, only to find out once the plans were finally set in motion that it would bypass Brownsville completely.

Now please understand that I applaud the efforts and resolve of our mayor, our council, and all of our citizens that refuse to give up. Would I like to see a velodrome here? Absolutely. I do love my hometown.

I’m not whining and those aforementioned borough officials embody a resolve and fortitude that I neither have the time or resources to pursue myself. I have faith in them and I will continue to support them in their tireless efforts.

Brownsville has seen a dwindling population, the closure of our hospital, the steady decline in enrollment in our school district, and a blighted, neglected downtown area. Yet despite all of that, I own a home here and I am raising my children here in hopes that things will improve.

Residents of Brownsville will always be a bit skeptical and pessimistic when it comes to the next “big thing,” but it is history that has made us that way.

The important thing is for us to stick together, support the efforts of our elected officials and responsible citizens (BARC and the hospital board for example), and never, ever, give up.

A friend of mine who serves as a councilman in another nearby community probably said it best, and I paraphrase: He told me that you have to “hand it to Brownsville, because no matter how many times the rug is pulled out from under them, they get up, dust themselves off and keep going.”

The velodrome idea is great. Do I think we will ever see it? Who knows. But if we are rebuffed yet again, it won’t be long until the next idea is hatched. If for no other reason, it gives us something to talk about.

So Brownsville writes its own version of the classic children’s story, “The little engine that could.”

Although the tracks for our “train” are bent, broken, and full of obstacles, there are those here that will work tirelessly to clear the way and get us back on track. I think we can, I think we can.

Ronald J. Barry

Brownsville