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Gated college community may be major shot in arm
Most "rust belt" communities struggle with the economic reality that they don't have the financial clout they had 50 years ago. While some communities attempt to cling to the past, others seek their own niche. A proposal to transform the Kensington Village Apartments into a gated community for college students may provide a path toward a revitalized Town of Cheektowaga.
In recent years, Cheektowaga has made a name for itself with its influx of senior apartment complexes and assisted-living facilities. While it's good to keep our seniors happy in their hometown, these recent moves haven't done much to stabilize the tax base. A college community may provide that opportunity.
We're sure that there are many business owners in the northwest portion of the town salivating at the prospect of 1,200 college students living in their back yards. Grocery stores, pizzerias, delicatessens, gas stations and specialty services all stand to gain from a youthful demographic. Don't think college students have money? Take a walk along Main Street near the University at Buffalo's south campus, or along Elmwood Avenue near Buffalo State College.
If the students who live in the gated community like what they see in Cheektowaga, perhaps they will be encouraged to remain here upon graduation. As many town officials have noted in recent months, maintaining our housing stock is a must.
There are many questions that remain concerning the Kensington project. What will happen to the residents who currently live there? How much will the Cleveland Hill School district's enrollment be affected? Will a private security force be able to handle 1,200 college students without relying too often on backup from the Cheektowaga police?
We hope that the positives far outweigh the negatives. If the college scenario is a success, Cheektowaga will be the envy of communities across America and could possess a blueprint for future success.
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