larger community through reinvestment, particularly ….
larger community through reinvestment, particularly in downtown buildings. Success continues to build on success as once-vacant and derelict structures undergo renovation and reopen with new stories to tell. Transition in ownership is also playing a role as new people with new ideas take the reins.
The ongoing challenge for the area throughout the year has been in how to go from being poised at the starting block of growth to getting it started. One barrier remains the relative lack of appropriate and affordable housing for new people coming to get a start in the community.
The Star News wrote: “Success doesn’t happen by chance. Success is built on work and continued investment in time, resources and labor. This generation, and future ones, must be willing to make the investment so that the community’s soil remains fertile and provides a place for seeds to take root and grow strong.”
The city of Medford administration took a leadership role in these efforts supporting the redevelopment of unused industrial park land into apartment and single family home developments. This is an investment which will pay off in the community for generations to come. However, some have questioned the value of these investments, worrying that the new housing will lead to an influx of workers from other places who will change the community but not better it.
One such concern was with the issues involved with finding the proper location for a homeless shelter. The facility provides a transitional place to provide housing security and an opportunity for people to get back on their feet.
The first pick for a location proved too costly to renovate and an alternative location of a former community based residential facility was proposed. Planning commission members in the city showed leadership in approving the permit for the property and giving “those people” a safe place to live. The facility is now full of local residents who are working to build more secure futures for themselves and their families.
Saying goodbyes
The past year also saw the area say goodbye to some major figures.
The local arts and theater community was hit early in the year with the death of Doug Robertson who helped foster and grow a love of the theater in generations of Medford area students and residents.
The arts and downtown community took another serious blow last summer with the untimely death of Jeff Miller, who was instrumental in running Black River Art Gallery on Main Street for many years. Beyond that Miller was a strong leader in the business community who was committed to the vision of what the downtown could be and who was not afraid to put in the work to make that vision a reality.
An equally large blow hit the community with the death of Edward “Lee” Schield, the visionary who founded Weather Shield Windows and Doors growing it from a garage-based business to a major player in the window and door market. The company remains one of the area’s largest employers with facilities in Medford and other communities. Schield was a trend-setter in the window and door industry and remained active in the company despite having formally stepped back in recent years.
Among these themes, the editorial pages of The Star News joined in celebrating the successes of area residents as well as joining with them in mourning tragedies and remembering sacrifices.
The past year, like most years, has been a mixed bag with lessons to be learned at all levels. As we look forward to the new year, we as a community and as a state, must take the lessons to heart and fulfill the state’s motto to move “Forward.”
