BERLIN — The bitter cold outside last Wednesday night did not dissuade dozens of residents from venturing out to talk about the Town of Berlin’s strategic plan at St. Paul’s Church on Flower Street.
More than 65 people spoke about affordable housing, traffic, gentrification and other long-term issues during a town hall meeting hosted by Salisbury University’s BEACON, the group hired to support the town in updating its strategic plan.
BEACON’S John Hickman walked residents through a typical analysis of the town’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, with the audience agreeing that strengths included a strong community spirit, the historic neighborhoods, arts and free entertainment, the low crime rate, parks and schools. They also highlighted diversity and the compassion neighbors have for each other.
Residents also said they appreciated that they personally know their local elected officials and town employees. In that regard, council members Shaneka Nichols, Jack Orris, Steve Green, and Jay Knerr and Police Chief Arnold Downing attended the meeting.
As for weaknesses, residents highlighted their belief that there are “two Berlins” (one Black and one White) divided by Route 113, or, as one woman called it, the “segregation highway.”
There aren’t many stores on the east side of 113 because the residents would steal them blind
If Berlin had no section 8, they would have very few minorities