Images From A Demonstration

PLATTSBURGH CITY, NY -- 4/25/19

While the city council met inside demonstrators rallied outside at the city hall entrance Thursday evening to voice their concerns of how the DRI (Downtown Revitalization Initiative) grant was going to be spent.  One major point: it was impractical to convert the Durkee Street parking lot to have residential housing while displacing parking spaces, trying to recreate those spaces elsewhere.  The demonstrators plan to rally every Thursday evening when the city council is in session.

Protest prep.

Plenty of media coverage: TV, radio and newspapers.

City Councilor Rachelle Armstrong (center) discusses DRI issues
 with rally organizer Christina Nori.

Now accordion to one demonstrator...

Reflective demonstrator.

Demonstrators Vocalize Opposition To Downtown Redevelopment Plan

PLATTSBURGH CITY, NY -- 4/25/19

Demonstrators expressed their displeasure with a lively chant directed at Mayor Colin Read outside City Hall while the mayor was inside coordinating a city council meeting.  The crowd was upset that The Powers That Be were turning a deaf ear to their comments about the DRI (Downtown Revitalization Initiative). Their main concern was most of the money was being set aside to redevelop the Durkee Street parking lot, resulting in the displacement of many convenient parking spots.  If the project goes forward many believe that it will result in a negative impact on downtown businesses, employees, and residents.

Vines Vandalized! Information Sought

PLATTSBURGH CITY, NY - - 4/25/19

Vandals struck earlier today, tearing down the awesome natural net behind Koffee Kat.  The vines were trashed into an ugly pile, leaving house sparrows homeless.  Strangely the Koffee Kat patio section was the only area defiled.   A wall of neighboring vines remained untouched.

The KK owner will be checking footage from surveillance cameras.  Any information regarding the nature of the mastermind behind this heinous act can be shared with the appropriate authorities.

Sugaray Rayford Band

Art Pops Up For An Evening

By Luke T. Bush

PLATTSBURGH CITY, NY - April 6, 2019

Usually the space at 30 City Hall Place is empty, waiting for an event.

This evening City Well was filled with horses, rabbits, owls, giraffes and lions, the vivid art of Liz Droege.   She attended the College of St. Rose in Albany, NY.  After graduating in 1984 she was too busy with her family to pursue her interest in art until two years ago.  Even though she learned graphic illustration in college she found herself bringing animals to life with acrylics and water colors. 

Usually she doesn't pre-visualize her work.  Instead she paints as she goes, expressing her emotion with an impressionistic style.

Her favorite animal subject?  Lions.  Liz is concerned that mankind is destroying animals with poaching and climate change.

Artist Liz Droege.

Mixed Drinks and Mixed Media sponsored the event.  It previously held a pop-up group art show at the same spot.  Building owner Ben Clark transformed the ground floor space into City Well, an adaptable location where a variety of events could be held: music performances, plays, dance classes, activities reflecting community interests.

To contact Ben for more info on City Well you can contact him at citywell.plattsburgh@gmail.com .