EDITORIAL: Get down with your town


Students can bridge gap between college and community


editorial

What do Ann Arbor, East Lansing and Grand Rapids all have in common?

A thriving downtown that successfully integrates students and community members with an inclusive atmosphere to support the local economy.

It is time for students to venture out of the comfort zones that are the university and Mission Street to build a much-needed bridge between themselves and the downtown community.

While it is true that students vacate Mount Pleasant for about three months every year, they are a major source of revenue for the town. 

If their dollars could be directed into the downtown area, it would transform from a quaint, removed business sector to a more thriving area of town.

Since downtown leaders have more than the students to think about when marketing events and businesses year round, they cannot delegate enough resources to targeting students specifically.  

Advertising for the downtown reaches out as far as resources will allow. It is up to students to be receptive and take notice. 

Downtown leaders have already provided several reasons for students to venture past Main Street. Reasonably priced shows at the Broadway Theatre, Mt. Pleasant Hot Yoga, walking trails and recreation at Island Park, The Bird Bar & Grill and the many other bars are aspects of the downtown area students can enjoy.

In addition to these, hidden gems like Barber Chris and other niche shops can fulfill some student needs that Mission Street stores cannot.

Perhaps most important is the relationship between the student body and community that could be cultivated by more student involvement outside the university. If students were to take an active role in the conversations that govern what happens to the downtown area, their own wishes would have a greater chance of coming true.

Many students are likely to graduate and go on to find employment right here in Mount Pleasant. 

Investing their opinions, time and dollars now will ensure a healthy downtown to enjoy for years to come. 

Without interaction, there can be no mutual understanding. Without integration, the students and community will continue to function almost separately in a town that relies on both groups for stability and financial reward.

Downtown Mount Pleasant has extended an olive branch to students by incorporating attractive night life options and marketing its events to the best of its ability. 

It is now up to students to bridge the gap between them and this potential-packed sector of Mount Pleasant. 

It is time for students to make their mark on the downtown.

Share: