Community Feedback

From: Kathy Walters
Date: 08 Oct 2009
Time: 10:18:49

What do you love about the Corry area?:

The small town atmosphere...the safety...friendliness...that people really pull together in times of need.

If you have moved, why did you move?  What would bring you back?:

I was away only during the time I was obtaining my nursing education in Pittsburgh & later my education degree at Edinboro...

both times I chose to return to the Corry area..."HOME"

What are the most important challenges for our community to address?:

To maintain & support industry/business that already exists ...& to bring more business/manufacturing etc. into the community... furthermore,

to accomplish the above we must maintain, improve, & expand our infrastructure in order to attract families & business.

What strengths and resources do we have that we can build on?:

We have many skilled workers in the area that would benefit manufacturers.  Our higher ed center has grown & proven to be

beneficial to many in the community & surrounding area.
We have very good community hospital which is important to support recruiting of business & industry and appealing to the citizens of any community...

where would we be without it?

Please share some project ideas we can undertake.:

Reminding everyone to take pride in our community, to support & speak positively about it.  Be willing to see a bigger picture ie. developing walking/bike trails

(this is an appealing draw to families) & puts emphasis on wellness.

What resources would you be willing to offer to help your vision?:

Time on special projects in which I have an interest...I am already participating in several community related activities.

What does Corry look like 10 years from now?:

-Continue the improvement of the downtown area
-walking/biking trails
-promoting natural attributes of the area (wild flowers of the area, the vegetation etc.)
-a community college
-a wellness campus including senior housing appartments, assisted living, & skilled nursing facilities (there should be facilities

to serve the middle income who do not qualify for government assisted facilities nor have the means to provide for their needs independantly.

- a new hospital that can continue to serve the community in its health care needs -rehab services -this would create a neighborhood that is supportive to all.
A public transportation system to serve the needs of all at an affordable rate.
It would feel safe, secure & supportive.

From: therese robb
Date: 07 Oct 2009
Time: 12:11:58

What do you love about the Corry area?:

the natural beauty -
citizens willing to work together- 
a safe place to raise a family

If you have moved, why did you move?  What would bring you back?:

N/A

What are the most important challenges for our community to address?:

keeping our educated young people from leaving because there are no good jobs

What strengths and resources do we have that we can build on?:

same answer as what I love about Corry

Please share some project ideas we can undertake.:

perhaps start back up a "Welcome Wagon" idea for new families moving to town.

What resources would you be willing to offer to help your vision?:

I can offer my time on committees, etc. during the months I am in Corry

What does Corry look like 10 years from now?:

I would hope Corry's small town charm would convince leader in the business and 

professional community to live in Corry and not just work here

From: Ryan Cowles
Date: 22 Sep 2009
Time: 21:00:39

What do you love about the Corry area?:

The people.  Corry was a great place to grow up, with good schools and teachers. 
If one wished to participate in the Corry community, there were plenty of opportunities
 to do so.

If you have moved, why did you move?  What would bring you back?:

Economics.  My 4-year education footed to about $160,000.  There are no opportunities 
in the economic sense to justify such a large expenditure in education given the eroding
economic base of Corry.

What are the most important challenges for our community to address?:

From my limited historical knowledge, one of the main engines of Corry remaining 
vibrant has been a base of industrial production. This base has been eroded over the decades.
If one is to hope Corry could transition to a more technology-based economic foundation, a
large pool of venture capital would be needed to incubate the ideas, and re-train former
industrial workers.  This is extraordinarily costly, and requires an angel investor(s) or
private equity on a major scale.

What strengths and resources do we have that we can build on?:

Corry has a strong community.  You have plenty of educated executives and workers, good educators,
and lots of great/skilled blue-collar workers.

Please share some project ideas we can undertake.:

The internet is a great tool.  Corry needs to work on marketing itself to businesses 
(domestically or even globally) as a great place to start a business.  Statistics are needed
of the labor base (skilled and unskilled) so that a potential business could measure the labor
resource pool.  The city in concert with the county/state need to make the area economically 
advantageous from the tax-perspective for business.

What resources would you be willing to offer to help your vision?:

Being 28, I'm far too young to commit any sort of capital, but Corry would be a nice place
to come back to, to raise a family, and start/run a business in the future.

What does Corry look like 10 years from now?:

Corry has a low unemployment rate, low taxes and the city is an attractive place to live and work.
It's growing at 2-5% in population, 50% skilled/50% unskilled.  The City of Corry keeps the streets
safe and driveable, and the public lights on, but beyond that, stays out of citizens private lives. 
Citizens, enjoying their city, contribute to the vibrancy by expanding great community events like 
Corry Days, Alumni Weekends and all the great parades. Corry really does not need much fixing.  It,
like most small towns, needs jobs which can only be created through the private sector.  The goal 
should be to attract venture capital to build new businesses.

From: Barry
Date: 09 Oct 2009
Time: 22:33:38

What do you love about the Corry area?:

somewhat low crime.

If you have moved, why did you move?  What would bring you back?:

 Job Placement,Lower Taxes,A community that is moving ahead and offers advertising for self employed contractors in their

local paper for $ 60.00  per year , not $60.00 for 28 days. where you aren't penalized for improving your home.

If I had this where I moved to , why would I come back to a place I knew hasn't changed since I moved?

What are the most important challenges for our community to address?:

Keeping good paying jobs that families can live on , retire comfortably on and not have to flip burgers to put their

kids into college.

What strengths and resources do we have that we can build on?:

We have some people that live in this town, who have worked in one shop for 10 -15 yr.s , who have lost their jobs ,

and want to get back to work, they are the people that are the strength in this town, there seems to be no real effort to get those people back to work , it would benefit them and corry.  

We need more jobs created , more businesses brought into to corry, not pizza, video, sub shops. We need to have the city to offer businesses some incentives to come in and stay.
We have the empty erie plastics , we could possibly divide into various businesses.
We have the ajax building we could work with the owner, to start a different business or help him build on what he has going . We have large empty buildings , west smith st. plaza empty,

which is downtown, get those businesses going , and it would help downtown.

Please share some project ideas we can undertake.:

Take a more serious action toward empty ,vacant homes. Bring in businesses to fill empty buildings like erie plastics,  help the owner of the national steel building bring in work .occupy the west smith street plaza, not just talk about it.Bring in burger king and and possibly, situate it next to corry ford across from the church, or where the Venture Inn was, to give mcdonalds some comprtition.Bring in a buffet restraunt like Old Country buffet or Country corral and put in the west smith street plaza , to give perkins some competition.   Have a outdoors food court , downtown at the firemens memorial parking lot, with some (small)pavillions, A iron rod enclosed fence area, so it protects people from traffic and can be locked after hours, to keep skateboarders off it after hours.
   Have people donate their experience in constructing pavillions ,fences, like they do for school playgrounds. One thing that would bring corry people together and families , is to put in place a family first park like in erie , where the Venture Inn once stood, have a batting cage ,A Real putt putt golf couse , and/or golf driving range. Since corry is a sports town, it would help youths with their bat swing or golf swing, plus , give youths a cleaner activity to do instead of hang around down town.  Have a Small pizza/sub shop there, where the city could get additional revenue from sales of food and drink. Plus it would be on a main highway for additional exposure.
   Bring back a Rest Stop  like there was on Rte 6 years ago. Possibly position it on the west end of corry ford , between them and Mr. Hammonds. With restrooms and Maps of the corry area,soda machines,which corry could possibly get percentage from soda chip machines, have older corry residents ,fill machines , do some custodial work and they would get money taken off their taxes . Give people passing thru, a reason to slow down and stop for a while. Possibly place the two restraunt trailers at this rest stop, to give it an 60's look . Give people another option for a Real Burger and fries. At this Rest Stop have brochures of CORRY businesses offering discounts on clothing, downtown restraunts,corry family owned businesses, not chains. And Let the Corry Businesses Advertise at this Rest Stop for certain amount of months for free, but need to reserve a time frame to advertise with rest stop commission, so,it is kept orderly and fair. not like a supermarket bulletin board. Along with Votech building houses, they could build pavillions for the food court down town, and at the rest stop, and at the family park for the golf range/batting catch/puttgolf/food shop.
    If you give responsible young adults jobs to work at these places,it will make them more responsible adults, plus they would turn around spend money there and in corry.
Plus, help neighborhood car dealers , they will need rides to /from work!

What resources would you be willing to offer to help your vision?:

 I am a carpenter' self employed contractor, and have been for over 20 years. I feel I could offer my experience and knowledge to corry's older residents who can't afford bigger carpenter crews, or even afford any improvements made to their homes . I believe, that if the corry government could bring in a program into corry,for carpenters with my credentials, to do work on older /retired residents homes, where they would offer these people. offer me a reasonable wage to do the project. It would help the residents personally and living conditions, plus keep me employed and help me and other carpenters like me working and keeping our belongings or off the unemployment line. Plus ,we would be putting money back into the corry economy, it would be a win for everyone.
     In corry, if you aren't among the bigger construction crews or in the circle, that is continously offered jobs, you are struggling. We, the smaller one-two man crews who aren't a big name , need more exposure, and this program would help us get more jobs not associated with the program, plus would put more money into the corry economy,and help us pay our taxes. I know there is government programs, that offer outside home improvement companies come in and do cheap material work, why not keep it in town? and give people better quality materials. The better quality product you put into a house, will help sell it faster later on.
When you have a sizable mortgage , 2-3 loans , Utilities, you can't really volunteer free time and materials, unless you have someone backing you financially. 

What does Corry look like 10 years from now?:

 Almost all homes are occupied with working families ,or retired people, who aren't struggling to keep it. Aren't thinking of selling it to move into a boring seniors home. Apark for teens , so they aren't skateboarding in the store parking lots.All streets are pothole free and centerlines marked.Have a outdoor restraunt or food court down in the parking area , where the firemens memorial is. Bring back a movie theatre. Bring a community college to corry , not have everything in Erie, keep the H.S.  Grads closer to home, it would help adults with families to have a COLLEGE here , instead of commuting to erie or edinboro. It would help unemployed people to have a College here If we can find land for a walmart or new hospital, we could find a place for a college .  Neighbors will help beighbors for free, not just for a buck. Neighbors will clear a neighbors drive way who couldn't do it themselves , for free.
     Stop extreme spending on athletics ,and concentrate on academics.  We as a country need more brains less players. I feel corry and the school system would be better off in 10 yr.s , if they would LISTEN to people who are struggling,and put some of those people's suggestions into action, not listen to just people who are well off, and in influencial positions .  Instead of people walking around town asking for votes, have those people to walk around for free, and ask residents who aren't on welfare, paying taxes, trying to keep their homes and belongings, ask them what needs to be done. Not just have meetings, some people don't feel comfortable in meetings.
    I feel corry would be a better place, if they would get kids off the street,goofing off and causing problems, and make it mandatory for them to help keep the streets they walk down clean!
   I n ten years , I would hope that people ,have stable jobs nearby, are more relaxed and less stressed out, The downtown area is complete, all storefronts are occupied ,the downtown area looks a little like mayberry , but the factories and shops are thriving and no sign of lay offs, because the city officials have doubled their efforts on attarcting new businesses and offering incentives for them to stay/.

From: Resident
Date: 11 Oct 2009
Time: 00:43:03

What do you love about the Corry area?:

  It is a nice town , some quiet neighborhoods.
  It Has a well supported sport town.  It is a Quiet town,
  needs to be a little louder, when it comes to telling the world
  here , I am , I am looking for new businesses to be apart of me ,
  I will help the business sartup with incentives, we have the work force
anxious to work.
   We have nice homes , for new families to live in. We are a town on the grow
  come ,help us grow.
   We need to advertise this town of corry more, billboards on rte 6, put them in
New York , there are probably people out there looking for a change, and they may not know of corry.
 New people , bring new ideas, We have allot to offer people , we need to sell it the world in advertising corry,radio spots on erie stations , not be small minded and just do it
on the corry am station.
   You listen to warren radio station , their ads almost all from warren businesses non stop.

If you have moved, why did you move?  What would bring you back?:

  economics, job security, not being able to stay employed , because of layoffs, and not being able to get another Well paying job.
   If Corry had improved on these issues, we probably move back, and we saw that corry was dramatic positive changes , improvements, listening to the corry public ,

instead of telling the public what is going to happen ,like it or not.
    

What are the most important challenges for our community to address?:

  Jobs, ABove min. wage paying jobs, more factory  jobs not more video , pizza jobs.
  Need A Community college HERE not 40 miles away , a college for residence who live out in the country , who can't drive 2 hours to erie, or for H.S grads , who have no transportation to get to behrend,mercyhurst, who can't afford on campus or a erie apartmwnt , to go to a college in erie.
  corry hi-ed is a nice place , they OFFER good classes, but, if they don't get the numbers to get a teacher in there, they don't hold the class, then are you back to trying to afford commuting to erie or edinboro.and most often cancelling the whole idea of furthering your education to ge a better job.
Erie don't need another college , we need one out here in the country, where it is easier for all people to attend.
    We now have a hue empty building on rte 6 , that we could turn into business incubator, turn it into a community college or trade school facility, turn the factory part of erie plastics into a factory/manufacturing/trade school facility, and the glass building into a computer/drafting /Office Training Facility. It has everything already there, Conference Rooms, Restrooms/Lunch rooms.

If people passing thru see this being used as such , it could bring in new residents, keep the money here in corry, not being spent in erie schools.
    Solar Energy is coming, This factory could be a major training facility or even manufacture Solar Products. Then Use these Solar Products on on local businesses and residents

and be less relying on Penelec. We need to get Former Erie Plastics back to work IN CORRY.
 

What strengths and resources do we have that we can build on?:

 We have Experienced Workers who are now laid off, anxious to get back to work in corry, we have young people, who are well educated, but are looking to move elsewhere, cause they aren't able to get a job here.
   We have people volunteering their own time , trying to get corry going again,
 We have empty buildings , we could install new businesses in.We have one empty building and Office building that has been updated and Renovated to where a new business would have little investment costs to bring it up to their needs. We have the people ready to work,but not for a temp agency ,or minimum wage. We have people who want corry to grow and be known as a industrial town , as it once was.
  

Please share some project ideas we can undertake.:

  Turn the Erie Plastics Glass HOuse into a Technical School, for computers, Drafting,Computer Repair, Turn at least part of the manufacturing Building into a Manufacturing School,(Maintence, Elctrical, Plastics Training,Solar Energy Training and A Production Incubator, where whty could install them on the building and learn how to trouble shoot things and Improve the system. Then Market these Systems in COrry. A technical for Adults , who have families and been laid off and can't afford the commute to erie or edinboro.Put corry on the map as a town with a Technical School for adults ( Like EIT or triangle tech ).
     Erie Plastics has the railroad already set up for distribution of solar products or whatever.
 Bring back the Rest Stop, Put it on the west side of the ford dealership , between them and Mr.Hammonds . At this Rest Stop , Promote corry with adverisements,Discounts from local businesses, A calendar of Events happening in corry that month. Give people a reason to slow down or stop , instead of pass us by.
Place the Old Restraunt units at this rest stop.
 Give the teens something to do ,put a smaller version of erie family first park at the old venture inn land with a pizza, sub shop . where corry sould possibly get some revenues from it. plus give the teens a place to work and spend money. Not to mention out of town people to attend, and bring families back together to do something inexpensive together.
   Bring in a Movie Theatre , like used to have, to keep the teens from driving to erie to a movie,save them money and their parents also, have family night specials there.keep money in corry.

What resources would you be willing to offer to help your vision?:

   I have over 20 y.s of construction experience that i could put to work for the city or organizations to help build projects, instead of hiring companies from erie or cleveland to come in and build projects. Keep the money here, plus I would spend the money here, hire a crew from erie or elsewhere, they would most likely take the money home and spend it there.
 
 

What does Corry look like 10 years from now?:

   Corry has put in place all the above ideas , the  rest stop, family park, A Movie theatre, and has become a smaller version of erie, but ,still has a community that has a mayberry appeal to it. Laid Back ,but ever growing in technology and academics. Other Communities are coming to us for help with their problems,and how they can make a better life for their residents, A Downtown Food Court was put in place at the firemens memorial, to bring prople together and into the down town area to shop those businesses.  There is a Buffet Restraunt  and a Sports Store put in place in the West Smith Plaza.

From: Resident
Date: 11 Oct 2009
Time: 00:58:41

What do you love about the Corry area?:

  It is a nice town , some quiet neighborhoods.
  It Has a well supported sport town.  It is a Quiet town,
  needs to be a little louder, when it comes to telling the world
  here I am , I am looking for new businesses to be apart of me ,
  I will help the business startup with incentives, we have the work force
anxious to work.
   We have nice homes , for new families to live in. We are a town on the grow
  come ,help us grow.
   We need to advertise this town of corry more, billboards on rte 6, put them in
New York , there are probably people out there looking for a change, and they may not know of corry.
 New people , bring new ideas, We have allot to offer people , we need to sell to the world in advertising, put corry radio spots on erie stations , not be small minded and just do it
on the corry am station.
   You listen to warren radio station , their ads almost all from warren businesses non stop.

If you have moved, why did you move?  What would bring you back?:

  economics, job security, not being able to stay employed , because of layoffs, and not being able to get another Well paying job.
   If Corry had improved on these issues, we probably would move back, and we saw that corry was making dramatic positive changes , improvements, listening to the corry public ,

instead of telling the public what is going to happen ,like it or not.
    

What are the most important challenges for our community to address?:

  Jobs, ABove min. wage paying jobs, more factory  jobs not more video , pizza jobs.
  Need A Community college HERE not 40 miles away , a college for residence who live out in the country , who can't drive 2 hours to erie, or for H.S grads , who have no transportation to get to behrend,mercyhurst, who can't afford on campus or a erie apartmwnt , to go to a college in erie.
  corry hi-ed is a nice place , they OFFER good classes, but, if they don't get the numbers to get a teacher in there, they don't hold the class, then are you back to trying to afford commuting to erie or edinboro.and most often cancelling the whole idea of furthering your education to ge a better job.
Erie don't need another college , we need one out here in the country, where it is easier for all people to attend.
    We now have a huge empty building on rte 6 , that we could turn into business incubator, turn it into a community college or trade school facility, turn the factory part of erie plastics into a factory/manufacturing/trade school facility, and the glass building into a computer/drafting /Office Training Facility. It has everything already there, Conference Rooms, Restrooms/Lunch rooms.If people passing thru see this being used as such , it could bring in new residents, keep the money here in corry, not being spent in erie schools.
    Solar Energy is coming, This factory could be a major training facility or even manufacture Solar Products. Then Use these Solar Products on on local businesses and residents and be less relying on Penelec. We need to get Former Erie Plastics back to work IN CORRY.
 

What strengths and resources do we have that we can build on?:

 We have Experienced Workers who are now laid off, anxious to get back to work in corry, we have young people, who are well educated, but are looking to move elsewhere, cause they aren't able to get a job here.
   We have people volunteering their own time , trying to get corry going again,
 We have empty buildings , we could install new businesses in.We have one empty building and Office building that has been updated and Renovated to where a new business would have little investment costs to bring it up to their needs. We have the people ready to work,but not for a temp agency ,or minimum wage. We have people who want corry to grow and be known as a industrial town , as it once was.
  

Please share some project ideas we can undertake.:

  Turn the Erie Plastics Glass HOuse into a Technical School, for computers, Drafting,Computer Repair, Turn at least part of the manufacturing Building into a Manufacturing School,(Maintence, Elctrical, Plastics Training,Solar Energy Training and A Production Incubator, where whey could install them on the building and learn how to trouble shoot things and Improve the system. Then Market these Systems in COrry. A technical school for Adults , who have families and been laid off and can't afford the commute to erie or edinboro.Put corry on the map as a town with a Technical School for adults ( Like EIT or triangle tech ).
     Erie Plastics has the railroad already set up for distribution of solar products or whatever.
 Bring back the Rest Stop, Put it on the west side of the ford dealership , between them and Mr.Hammonds . At this Rest Stop , Promote corry with adverisements,Discounts from local businesses, A calendar of Events happening in corry that month. Give people a reason to slow down or stop , instead of pass us by.
Place the Old Restraunt units at this rest stop.
 Give the teens something to do ,put a smaller version of erie family first park at the old venture inn land with a pizza, sub shop . where corry could possibly get some revenues from it. plus give the teens a place to work and spend money. Not to mention out of town people to attend, and bring families back together to do something inexpensive together.
   Bring in a Movie Theatre , like we used to have, to keep the teens from driving to erie to a movie,save them money and their parents also, have family night specials there.keep money in corry.

What resources would you be willing to offer to help your vision?:

   I have over 20 y.s of construction experience that i could put to work for the city or organizations to help build projects, instead of hiring companies from erie or cleveland to come in and build projects. Keep the money here, plus I would spend the money here, hire a crew from erie or elsewhere, they would most likely take the money home and spend it there.
 
 

What does Corry look like 10 years from now?:

   Corry has put in place all the above ideas , the  rest stop, family park, A Movie theatre, and has become a smaller version of erie, but ,still has a community that has a mayberry appeal to it. Laid Back ,but ever growing in technology and academics. Other Communities are coming to us for help with their problems,and how they can make a better life for their residents, A Downtown Food Court was put in place at the firemens memorial, to bring prople together and into the down town area to shop at those businesses.  There is a Buffet Restraunt  and a Sports Store put in place in the West Smith Plaza. The Concord School Building is a Off Campus Dorm for Students who are attending the Erie Plastics Tech School Complex.

From: Andrea Stile
Date: 23 Oct 2009
Time: 12:16:48

What do you love about the Corry area?:

Small town atmosphere

If you have moved, why did you move?  What would bring you back?:


What are the most important challenges for our community to address?:

Job Opportunities for Adults & Bringing college grads back to Corry.
Low Income Housing -- too much of this in Corry -- making several neighborhoods UNSAFE

What strengths and resources do we have that we can build on?:

Educated Adults
Several buildings available for businesses

Please share some project ideas we can undertake.:

More opportunities for educated adults - job openings - better marketing / sales in industry currently thriving in Corry Area.
Need NEW businesses to move into Corry buildings & abandoned Plaza
More officers in Municipal Police Force

What resources would you be willing to offer to help your vision?:

As a Graphic Designer, I already offer Pro Bono services to several organizations.
I am willing to design posters, newspaper ads, etc. to attain "vision" for the Corry area.

What does Corry look like 10 years from now?:

Could be a much better community in which to live & work with improvements to above-mentioned issues.
Would like to see all buildings downtown inhabited by businesses & stores/shops.
Skate park for teens & youth.     
YMCA available to more residents with lower membership fees.
Movie Theater, Restaurants, Stores in abandoned Plaza.

From: Diane Cowles
Date: 23 Oct 2009
Time: 12:27:10

What do you love about the Corry area?:

The small town atmosphere, yet we are only 2 hours from the metropolitan areas, like Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Buffalo.

If you have moved, why did you move?  What would bring you back?:

Have not moved away, I am a home town girl.

What are the most important challenges for our community to address?:

Industry, we have lost a dozen industries since I was in high school, 44 years ago.  People need places to work.

What strengths and resources do we have that we can build on?:

We have a lot of committed community oriented folks.

Please share some project ideas we can undertake.:

The Corry Garden Club has worked on making the downtown more inviting by making community gardens for the public to enjoy.

What resources would you be willing to offer to help your vision?:

I am Vice President of Corry Garden Club and work to help maintain the community gardens.  

My church, St. Paul's Lutheran is 'remaking' the gateway garden out by the fish hatchery. Wait until you see what 

we have planned for that this spring!

What does Corry look like 10 years from now?:

The downtown would be a mecca for antiques.  This is a growing area of interest, and the more shops that open for this, 

only makes people more willing to drive further distances. The more people that come into the downtown, 

the more residual business's are needed. 

Specialty shops, cafe's restaurants. We could become the 'Lancaster Outlet' center of PA.

From: Greg Savko
Date: 23 Oct 2009
Time: 16:24:25

What do you love about the Corry area?:

1) friendly - honest - down to earth people
2) out of doors activities opportunities
3) community concerned environment

If you have moved, why did you move?  What would bring you back?:

I moved because of employment opportunities, the lure of more excitment,entertainment,sports,etc. related to 

a metropolitian area, and because of my wife's family concerns.

In retirement I would return for hunting,fishing,golfing,etc.- related activities.

What are the most important challenges for our community to address?:

1) Increasing employment opportunities
2) Keeping up with technology in our educational institutions
3) Adequate medical facilities

What strengths and resources do we have that we can build on?:

People love the area and the "big family" feeling.
The location is prime and near the "metro" areas of N.W. pa.

Please share some project ideas we can undertake.:

 Advertising the area and it's attributes to companies,institutions,and mobile people who are interested in the landscape. 

(example : retirement relocations )

What resources would you be willing to offer to help your vision?:


What does Corry look like 10 years from now?:

From: Amber
Date: 23 Oct 2009
Time: 19:38:43

What do you love about the Corry area?:

I love going home to visit with my family and to see friends who still live in Corry. I enjoy the familiarity of home.

If you have moved, why did you move?  What would bring you back?:

I moved away to attend college and never moved back. After I was done with school, I found a great job I couldn't resist elsewhere.
Honestly, I really don't see myself moving back to Corry. While I think it was a great place to grow up, I feel that I belong elsewhere in the world.

What are the most important challenges for our community to address?:

The majority of Corry residents seem to have the wrong mindset. Instead of trying to become Summit Township, Millcreek or Harborcreek,

I think that it is important for Corry to embrace the small-town feel and understand that this is a strength, not a weakness.

Until the city leaders stop trying to make the town something it is not, they will not succeed with their vision.

I also think that a huge challenge for the community is the lack of jobs for skilled workers.

While I am completely aware of hardships everyone is experiencing, when I travel home, I see people who are depressed and struggling to meet their own needs.

When you are living in poverty, it is extremely difficult to have any energy left over at the end of the day to face the needs of your community.
 

What strengths and resources do we have that we can build on?:

Corry is filled with people who are great at what they do. Be it mechanics, educators, factory workers or craftsmen,

these skilled workers and professionals are your base. Find businesses and industry that are seeking out the kind of help your residents can provide,

and find a way to get those businesses and industry to come to town.
The industrial incubator was a great start, but build on that. How many businesses came to town, only to last a few years until their LERTA ran out,

and then went out of business or moved. In order to keep business and industry in Corry,

it is important for community leaders to give those businesses a reason to stay.
Corry is also filled with a rich history of being developed as a railroad boomtown.

Use this to your advantage. The rails (at least some) are still there and are or can be active.

Think of the great things that could happen if trains became the ideal mode of freight shipping again...

in a time when everyone is looking at alternative energy sources and modes of transportation, this could lead to big things for Corry.

Please share some project ideas we can undertake.:

I think that, foremost, it is important for the people who are taking these surveys to read each and every single one with an open mind.

There is no sense in asking for an opinion if you are not going to be open to advice that you do not want to hear.

Secondly, I think that it is important to change little things, like attitude. Take pride in the community that you have.

Instead of answering, "Near Erie..." when someone asks you where you're from, tell them, "I'm from Corry. It's the second-largest city in Erie County."

And say it with pride.
Having pride in your community will begin to spread, and you'll see things change. When people have pride and respect their community,

you will notice that they take better care of it. This will also help to reduce the negativity that is felt by many people who are growing up in Corry.

Finding things for kids to do after school is another great way to help bring things around. Get your kids involved with extra-curricular activities.

This does not just mean sports. Churches, clubs and schools, start more activities for children to participate in.

This will keep them out of trouble and out of the park (unless this is where your activities are held...)

Understand that not everyone is an athlete, band member or on student council. Embrace that, and learn to realize the potential in each and

every person in the community. Turn one of the vacant storefronts downtown into a Youth Center, where kids can go after school.

Run this with volunteers who can help students with homework, art projects and recreational activities.
Embrace the rich tapestry of artists. Promote more cultural events.

Use Meade Park, the City Park and Seneca Park for more than just a place to play basketball, hold a picnic or listen to the big band play.

This will all promote a sense of pride in your community.
If you have a favorite store or restaurant you would like to see open up in town,

send them a letter asking them to visit and see if one of the many vacant store fronts, buildings and lots would meet their needs.

This could be a great project for the Chamber of Commerce.
Most of all, shop local.
Throwing every cent you earn into the pockets of the shareholders of Walmart will do nothing but encourage them to provide you with

more shoddy products at a higher price. Spend a little bit more to support local merchants.

If  you need something, don't just drive to Erie to pick it up, take a look around you and see the great things that are

offered at small businesses throughout the greater Corry Area. Take advantage of this. You'll likely end up with a better product,

and will be supporting your local economy in the meantime.
If you find yourself housed in a building that needs to be repaired, don't rob the area of beautiful landscape to build something new.

Fix what you already have! Don't buy into the consumerist throw-away society of today that ignores simple maintenance until what they have falls apart.

Take care of what you have now, to ensure that you will have it tomorrow. This goes for stores, schools, churches, houses, everything.

While building new is great for development, there is no sense in building something that is already available with a little bit of work.

Fill downtown before you submit to urban sprawl.

What resources would you be willing to offer to help your vision?:

As I no longer live in Corry, I am unsure whether or not I would be of any real value to your project.

There are plenty of other people who currently live in the area who possess the skills and talents that I have. Seek them out. Get them involved.
That being said, they will not want to become involved without knowing that they will be taken seriously and not ignored.

There are many people who don't want to volunteer for projects such as this, because they feel if they do not have the right last name,

they will be scoffed at. Keep an open mind and listen to what the people around you are saying. Focus on the little, manageable things at first,

and then build upon what you already have. Reach out to surrounding communities that have what the type of atmosphere that you want,

and find out how they did it. You might be surprised at what you find.

What does Corry look like 10 years from now?:

From: p Shafer
Date: 25 Oct 2009
Time: 16:11:16

What do you love about the Corry area?:

People are always willing to lend a helping hand.

If you have moved, why did you move?  What would bring you back?:


What are the most important challenges for our community to address?:

Employment and the right stores with the right merchandise to keep Corry money in Corry.

What strengths and resources do we have that we can build on?:

We have alrge group of people that are willing to do and give almost anything to keep Corry moving up.

Please share some project ideas we can undertake.:

We need better support of the Arts.  If Erie can have support Erie, with street dances and car and or motorcycle crusins, 

then why can't Corry???

What resources would you be willing to offer to help your vision?:

I do help with the Garden Club>  I think when a organization in the area needs help they need to publish their needs.  

What does Corry look like 10 years from now?:

THere should me more stores, more business, a larger farmers market, (Have you been or seen the one in North East)

From: Linda Bastron
Date: 25 Oct 2009
Time: 21:12:34

What do you love about the Corry area?:

The small town atmosphere & the beauty of the natural surroundings.
It was a great place to grow up. I still have family & friends in the area.
Corry is a "Norman Rockwell" type town.

If you have moved, why did you move?  What would bring you back?:

An employment opportunity is the reason we moved away & it would of taken a better employment opportunity to bring us back.

I left Corry originally because my husband accepted a job transfer & have never thought about moving back until recently, when I retired & no longer needed a job.

What are the most important challenges for our community to address?:

The biggest challenge for Corry is to attract & bring in new businesses to replace those that have left or failed.

They will need to offer employment opportunites to both the skilled & unskilled sector at a competitive living wage.

The second challenge would be bringing in a community college as a higher education choice for your high school graduates & to re-train people for new jobs.

The heavy industry & manufacturing plants that have supported Corry in the past are disappearing everywhere and people need to adapt & learn new skills.

I think you would also attract students from other towns in the surrounding area to enroll in the community college that do not want to go to Erie.

What strengths and resources do we have that we can build on?:

You have a skilled labor force & a great little town. The downtown is ready for new tenants & you have several choice locations for new industry to move in to.

The surrounding area is an sportman's paradise that could support any number of outdoor opportunities.

Please share some project ideas we can undertake.:

Promote a positive attitude & support your local merchants. Finish cleaning up downtown Center Street, what's been done so far looks really nice.

Once you get tenants in those building the local community has to patronize them to keep them there.

What resources would you be willing to offer to help your vision?:


What does Corry look like 10 years from now?:

Clean, safe, well kept neighborhoods, diversified employment, good doctors & health services. A community pool, movie theater, & restaurants. A community playhouse & arts center, green areas with bike trails.
Most of all I would like to see people out on the sidewalks & streets actually suporting & making use of all the opportunities that have been made available to them.

From: Steven R. Mennen
Date: 26 Oct 2009
Time: 13:05:30

What do you love about the Corry area?:

Small town atmosphere, living in a rural area with city services, willingness of school board to build and maintain schools,

streets a safe to walk, activities for youth 

If you have moved, why did you move?  What would bring you back?:

NA

What are the most important challenges for our community to address?:

Employment--how to attract new industries and business--we really do not do a very good job promoting the "liveability" of the Corry area most

Corry residents do not have a clue the benefits living here.
Poverty = education--the less educated a population the greater the poverty, we somehow don't have our residents seeing the educational philosophy of "lifetime" learner,

the paradime shift of employment flexibility has missed the great majority of Corry citizens.

What strengths and resources do we have that we can build on?:

The need to use our public school buildings year round, the school board should consider "year round" school, the need to better use the Smith Education Center

and obtain funding to pay tuition for people living in poverty to obtain job skills.
Corry Memorial Hospital--new building will only enhance the attraction of  business building here,again Corry citizens really do not have a clue the benefits of

having a hospital in a small rural town and the problems trying to attract doctors and staff.

Please share some project ideas we can undertake.:

Clubs, church groups, social groups need to establish blighted areas of Corry and for a weekend in the spring fix, plant, paint blighted neighborhood areas,

(ie.the area on East Main St.& Pennsylvania Avenue), city government provide paint, plants, tools, citizens provide labor to clean up a neighborhood area.

The need to better promote Corryfest, its established the dates are in but the tri county area really has very little knowledge what goes on in Corry July 4th week,

I'm speaking of how Northeast promotes its Cherryfest or Winefest, Waterford its Heritage days, Warren its Ribfest, Girard its Dan Rice days,

Titusville its Oil Heritage days, all of these "fests" attract thousands from the surrounding tri-county area, we seem to be so provincial in our

Corryfest--the more people come to Corry to visit the more they like what they see and experience.
Offering weekday golf packages at North Hills in conjunction with bed and breakfasts in the area.
More empty commercial buildings to create Corry as the "antique" center of NW PA, word of mouth has already got Corry on the antique and collectible map--combine Corryfest with antique and collectible 
vendors (not another garage sale)      

What resources would you be willing to offer to help your vision?:

We are in the food business, anything involving feeding people. Helping to promote Corry ouside the
SE corner of the county. 

What does Corry look like 10 years from now?:

Corry is still a small city under 10,000 population but a very well educated population that places value on retraining and technology. Corry has obtained Penndot funding to have high speed rail service to Erie to connect with the interstate high speed rail line along the Great Lakes. A four lane highway
is built to connect Corry with interstate 86. Neighborhoods are maintained and property values increase; slum lords are put on notice to either fix and maintain the property or the city will and put liens on the property. Downtown has the look of Corry in the 1890's.
Technology business has established itself in the Corry area because of low startup costs, less "redtape" to go through, lower cost of living, a modern infrastructure,

and an educated (beyond high school) workforce. The Community Center has been transformed into a Community Services Center(a one stop center for social services,

food pantry, county and state agencies etc.) A new Civic Center is built that will be multi pupose for vendor shows, cultural performances (that will seat 3,000),
accomodate small conventions, rental for receptions of all sorts.   

From: Regina Zeyzus
Date: 30 Oct 2009
Time: 14:08:31

What do you love about the Corry area?:

Rural setting, small town, businesses owned by individuals

If you have moved, why did you move?  What would bring you back?:


What are the most important challenges for our community to address?:

Jobs!
Bringing shoppers/customers to Corry businesses downtown

What strengths and resources do we have that we can build on?:

Corry Higher Education Council is a great asset.
Good home town newspaper.
Scenic route 6 - resource to build on
Corry Days in the Park on July 4 weekend - great

Please share some project ideas we can undertake.:


What resources would you be willing to offer to help your vision?:


What does Corry look like 10 years from now?:

From: Freda Tarbell
Date: 30 Oct 2009
Time: 14:51:09

What do you love about the Corry area?:

It is a community that offers an organic structure.  It has a city park with stately trees.  It has a well defined business district. 

Many of the residential neighborhoods are tree-lined and many of the homes offer architectural interest. 

This is a community where walking and bicycling are viable modes of transportation.  Residents possess a strong work ethic. 

If you have moved, why did you move?  What would bring you back?:

I moved away from Corry when I was 11, after I finished 6th grade at Wright School. 

My parents re-located due to a business opportunity.  I now live in Erie and likely would not move back to Corry, although I have many family members who live there.

What are the most important challenges for our community to address?:

I believe that transportation is the single biggest challenge for Corry and all other Pennsylvania communities along the northern tier. 

Railroads were the lifeblood of Corry in early years, but now that highways rule transportation, Corry has never found its footing. 

Its distance from interstate roads prevents business opportunities. 

What strengths and resources do we have that we can build on?:

Physical beauty of the area is a plus.  Corry's manufacturing experience and area agricultural heritage have value. 

The Corry Higher Ed Council is an important resource.  The Corry Journal is a respectable newspaper for a small town. 

Please share some project ideas we can undertake.:

I would like to see Corry and other communities in Erie County work together to create a culture that responds to current needs. 

The manufacture of alternative energy systems is a potential focus.  I also would like to make a pitch for organic farming. 

With growing concern about the environmental and health impact of pesticides, growth hormones, etc. on our food supply,

an increasing number of shoppers are looking for healthier food choices for their families.  Why can't Corry become a major hub in the organic food world?

What resources would you be willing to offer to help your vision?:


What does Corry look like 10 years from now?:

From: Holly Wittmer
Date: 01 Nov 2009
Time: 20:34:29

What do you love about the Corry area?:

That its my home and its not a big city but yet has all the nice neccesities that come with it like food stores and clothing stores, ect. i
Its also a great community to live in and im not in a hurry to leave it.

If you have moved, why did you move?  What would bring you back?:

If i moved away from corry, i would be heart broken but i would've moved for what ever purpose god had in mind for me and

theres nothing that corry could have me want to come back if god didn't want it.

What are the most important challenges for our community to address?:

The drug and alcohol use, also the pregnancy's. the rates are way to high.

What strengths and resources do we have that we can build on?:

The education and schools/teachers are great but could have some improvements in sections.

Please share some project ideas we can undertake.:

I think that Corry definately needs some more activities for us teens.

I my self have expirienced that sometimes my friends walking around in Corry they end up doing stuff that is so saddening.

Like drugs and stuff. I have realized that there are so many kids in our community that have talents and most of it is skateboarding.

A skate park would be the best thing ever or just a nice safe, supervised place that kids can have fun and express themselves,

and talk if they are going thru some rough times.

What resources would you be willing to offer to help your vision?:

I am a worship leader at my youth group (singer/guitarist) and its so much fun!

I also have a brother thats in a band and if any oppurtunites come up that anyone wants a band my bro and them would be more than happy

( they are a christian band). So if anything comes up that anyone wants to use these talents let me know and i'll get back.

What does Corry look like 10 years from now?:

It looks just like it does now but all the unused building (old Save-A-Lot) are in some use for some good necessity and some building aren't so run down.

No one is living in a falling apart house no matter how bad it be and everyone is caring for each other. Not so much drug use and alcohol/bars,

and everyone helps everyone. 

From: Nicole Norton
Date: 04 Nov 2009
Time: 16:14:40

What do you love about the Corry area?:

I love Corry because it is a very generous, close-knit community and a great place to raise a child. 

I have considered moving only because of my job, but my son has been very comfortable here and we feel safe here. 

He didn't want to switch schools and is intent on graduating from Corry High School.

If you have moved, why did you move?  What would bring you back?:

I have been back in Corry for 17 yrs and would only move for reasons pertaining to my career.

What are the most important challenges for our community to address?:

1. Transportation--Corry is a small town, but has definitely expanded over the years.  We also get some very harsh winters. 

There are limited jobs available and even more limited higher salary jobs here, so many live on a modest income. 

Transportation can be a major barrier to people who either can't afford a vehicle or a vehicle repair or

those who are elderly or disabled and can't get around, especially in the winter. 

I am impressed that the "Corry Cab Company" is still running and has expanded,

but many residents need to get to other neighboring towns for appointments and errands. 

There is no public transportation other than EMTA, which only comes to Corry on Fridays. 

It would be nice if Corry had a bus or trolley service, if people would use it. 

Actually, I read that someone had suggested that we capitalize on our train history--so wouldn't it be cute if we

had a historic-looking trolley train to provide residents with transportation and to provide visitors tours of Corry or take them to historic or

popular sites in and around Corry?  This could be a seasonal service or year-round, depending on how many people would use it. 

It could be weekends only, even, taking people to the plaza, flea market, Mead Park, City Park, and as far as Wal-Mart. 

2. Opportunities for jobs, education or skills training--jobs are limited in this area, and the harder it is for folks to obtain a job,

the harder it is for them to learn valuable job skills to prepare them for advancement into that next job or position. 

There are limited higher education opportunities in this immediate area.  The Corry Higher Ed is a wonderful resource and

they have been steadily growing and offering more classes and services. 

I would like to see that growth continue and for them to utilize more of that space. 

I am a caseworker for the PA Department of Public Welfare, and we had considered putting a branch office at the Higher Ed building

so that clients with transportation barriers could attend their DPW appointments and meetings there. 

What I would really like to do is to start a "job club" that would meet 1-2x a month at the Higher Ed Building. 

This would be a place where job seekers or employers could meet and discuss opportunities in the area and help each other resolve barriers. 

This would be more than a class on how to write a resume or how to act at a job interview. 

I envision this as a community resource where we help each other, offer advice and support. 

Participants would share job leads, offer advice/constructive criticism, discuss past job successes or losses to determine

what was done right or what could be done better, brainstorm on helping each other resolve barriers such as transportation, child care, etc. 

(People could offer to carpool, trade babysitting services, etc.) Due to limited jobs available here, many are forced to take jobs in

Union City, Clymer, Erie, Warren, etc.  Transportation can be a real issue. Employers could occasionally come in to meet with participants

or even conduct interviews during a set time period.  I have somewhat made an outline of topics/sessions I would include and I would be very willing

to make this project a reality.

What strengths and resources do we have that we can build on?:

One of our strengths is FAMILY.  Many families have remained in the Corry area for generations. 

We know each other, our parents knew each other, our grandparents and great-grandparents knew each other. 

When a community member is in need, I have seen the residents of Corry rise to the challenge over and over again to help their friends and neighbors. 

We should take pride in our closeness and commitment.

Mead park is a wonderful community resource that many have enjoyed for generations. 

I think there should be more community events centered there but there are a few barriers that need resolved there first. 

The tennis courts need repair/attention and parking is limited for larger events. 

The historic museum should spruce up and expand their hours to hold a few events to attract visitors.

North Hills Golf Course attracts many out-of-town golfers and I've heard many say that it is one of their favorite courses.

The flea market keeps growing!  One thing people love in this town is a good bargain.  We're a thrifty community. 

"Summer Sidewalk Sales" and "Moonlight Madness" used to be a big deal in Corry when I was much younger. 

It seems the excitement has died down or fewer businesses are participating.

The City Park is a great place for people to gather for "Thursday in the Park".

These events seem to be successful, as is the Corry Days celebration in July.  What other gatherings could be held here? 

What about a karaoke night in the park?

Please share some project ideas we can undertake.:

I think that as individuals (whether it be residents, educators, authority figures, etc) we need to take more personal responsibility for our

 community and the children of our community.  I've seen over the years, not just in Corry, but everywhere in general,

a lessening in our ability to communicate with each other.  In my childhood, if I did something wrong,

I learned a lesson from it because not only were my parents teaching me valuable lessons, but so was the postman,

the supermarket owner, my teachers, my friend's parents.  I hate to quote Hilary Clinton, but it DOES take a village. 

More and more, people tend to mind their own "business" and not reach out to make a change simply by reporting crimes,

taking their concerns to councilmen/board members, or taking steps to be the change they wish to see. 

Leadership is only effectively taught by example.  We need to take an active role in ensuring we maintain effective leaders

by voting and voicing our concerns.  I feel that the recent local elections have shown just how much of a difference it makes

when people take an active role in the decision-making even if it is only by casting a vote. 

I think the community of Corry has a strong dedication to keeping our town and our kids safe and making Corry a place we can be proud of.

I would like to launch the "job club" project I described in another response above. 

I think we can help each other resolve common barriers simply by being good neighbors and friends. 

I see the job club as a place for people to help each other succeed. 

I would like to have occasional presentations from other community organizations describing their services--Salvation Army,

LifeCare, Corry Food Pantry, etc.  Job seekers could also learn about volunteer opportunities which would help them develop valuable job skills

and gain positive references for future employers.

What resources would you be willing to offer to help your vision?:

I have worked in many different careers--I've been a cashier, a Head Start volunteer, a children & youth worker and Program Supervisor for

Anchor House here in Corry, a radio personality, and now a caseworker. 

I am very aware of social patterns and behaviors as well as barriers common to our communities, as I help clients resolve these issues every day. 

I love working with children because their minds are like sponges and they are so ready to learn. 

I love working with people in a capacity where I can motivate and guide them toward positive changes and assist them in overcoming barriers. 

I also love expressing my creative side, so I love planning and organizing fun events and making them come to life. 

When I worked in radio, I loved the promotions end of it and being able to plan and create every aspect of the contests and events. 

I would also be willing to do announcing or to em-cee events, etc.

What does Corry look like 10 years from now?:

In 10 years, I hope to see Corry thriving with businesses/local merchants. 

I see smiling, familiar faces recognizable by their resemblance to the generations before them, who also lived and worked in Corry. 

I see clean, safe streets and neighborhoods.  I see family-oriented events scheduled for nearly every weekend at places like Mead Park, City Park,

Public Library, North Hills, Columbus Ball Park, Corry Plaza, etc. 

I see the night life expanding to consist of more than a few bars--possibly a movie theatre, a community theatre?  a new restaurant, Glow Golf? 

There would be some sort of public transportation, more job skills training opportunities. 

People would be smiling and not complaining that the town is "dead" or there is nothing to do. 

People would want to stay here, raise families here.  Students would want to return here to work here, pay taxes here, and raise their families here.

From: barry
Date: 04 Nov 2009
Time: 19:32:08

What do you love about the Corry area?:


If you have moved, why did you move?  What would bring you back?:


What are the most important challenges for our community to address?:


What strengths and resources do we have that we can build on?:


Please share some project ideas we can undertake.:


What resources would you be willing to offer to help your vision?:


What does Corry look like 10 years from now?:

From: 
Date: 04 Nov 2009
Time: 20:22:44

What do you love about the Corry area?:

the best fact of Corry is that it feels like one big family.

If you have moved, why did you move?  What would bring you back?:

n/a

What are the most important challenges for our community to address?:

The road conditions and reducing adolecent crimes should be on the top of our issues to address.

What strengths and resources do we have that we can build on?:

The comminity in a hole and using up space left by school and other facilities no longer in use 

(making them work for the community).

Please share some project ideas we can undertake.:

Word of mouth, more advertisement, and getting more interested would be some ways to get the community into action.

What resources would you be willing to offer to help your vision?:

They are limited to ideals.

What does Corry look like 10 years from now?:

From: Clayton Webber
Date: 06 Nov 2009
Time: 11:43:41

What do you love about the Corry area?:

Small town and the country life.

If you have moved, why did you move?  What would bring you back?:

Live in Corry.

What are the most important challenges for our community to address?:

The roads that come into and leave the Corry area. Rt 6 should be 4 lane from 

Warren to Erie,A lot of us, now work in Erie and it's not a FUN or SAFE drive.

What strengths and resources do we have that we can build on?:

Corry a small town and is a good place to raise KIDS.

Please share some project ideas we can undertake.:

Make RT 6 four lane.

What resources would you be willing to offer to help your vision?:

Anything to make RT6 a four lane.

What does Corry look like 10 years from now?:

It would be the best if we had good roads.

From: Julia Drinkall
Date: 07 Nov 2009
Time: 10:21:36

What do you love about the Corry area?:

Friends, Family, small town living, nice place to raise children. 

If you have moved, why did you move?  What would bring you back?:

Moved to join the military had to find a job to move back it took me 4 years to find a job in the local area. 

My husband is still in Ohio until he finds a job in the area.

What are the most important challenges for our community to address?:

Corry needs a four lane highway from Warren to Erie. I also believe it would be nice to have a city pool 

where children can go during the summer like some other communities I have lived in. 

The YMCA is not the best place to plan to take the kids swiming as a working parent I can not work around 

their schedule of open swims. If I pay for a membership I would like to use the facility when its convenient for me. 

What strengths and resources do we have that we can build on?:

Rt 6 is a great resource for trasportation but I believe they need to add if not another lane, 

lanes for people turning in many areas (Corry Auto Exchange). 

There are not many areas that are safe to pass and with farming equipment and slower vehicles it has taken me 

30 minutes to get from Union City to Corry for a doctors appointmet. Let's face it most people in Corry do not work in Corry. 

Please share some project ideas we can undertake.:

Get together and make Rt 6 a four lane. 

What resources would you be willing to offer to help your vision?:

There is power in numbers. When your ready to turn Rt 6 into a four lane let me know I'll help any way I can. 

What does Corry look like 10 years from now?:

I hope with the new four lane we will have a couple of new places to eat, a new city pool and park for children and 

less drivers with road rage because driving from work to home will be a little less stress. 

From: Kenneth Drinkall
Date: 07 Nov 2009
Time: 23:09:54

What do you love about the Corry area?:

I can not say that I love Corry but I do not mind the overall lackadaisical approach to every day living and doing things.

If you have moved, why did you move?  What would bring you back?:

My wife had left Corry to try to enrich her life with an education and trade which is not at all possible to do in Corry. 

Even with the experience and education it still took her almost four years to be back home. Unfortunately, 

due to the depressed area stemming from economic downfall she had to get a placement that resides outside of Corry. 

I feel that if there was some type of real industry big enough rather than agriculture that could be brought to Corry 

to aid in growth and profits this would help stimulate Corry's economic shortfall.

What are the most important challenges for our community to address?:

I feel that there seems to be a lot locally owned restaurants that are not that great at all. So this makes people go 

outside of the community and spend their money elsewhere which does not help with keeping the money in the community. 

Even though big business is somewhat a danger to the smaller businesses but I have yet to see any real growth and 

competition for services in Corry area in years. The one business that seems to be doing exceptionally well 

is of course China-Mart. That is big business. Corry should think about trying to get bigger chains into the 

community to stimulate growth and employment. As this yields employment and growth with that comes a growth in 

population which may require a real need to get a four lane highway that carries from Erie through Corry / Rt 6 

all the way to Warren. 

What strengths and resources do we have that we can build on?:

The commute to any city east or west of Corry is littered with abusive drivers. 

What I mean by that is that most drivers will drive 10-15 miles below the posted speed limit 

which in turn causes severe road rage, anger, and frustration from other drivers towards the offending driver. 

To be able to push resources in and through Corry more efficiently it would be beneficial to construct a four lane 

highway to try and combat the slower drives making way for the eager ones who like to maintain a constant speed that is 

posted by law and nothing below.  

Please share some project ideas we can undertake.:


What resources would you be willing to offer to help your vision?:


What does Corry look like 10 years from now?:

Business growth for new businesses which brings people, new money, new communities, a better library, 

and more kid oriented parks and pools where kids can hang their heads after school while their parents are 

working to better the community. It would feel great to see the community prosper rather than remain stagnant. 

I also see a FOUR LANE HIGHWAY that will allow for carriers to carry their goods with out having to take an hour

 to get from Corry to Waterford.

From: Kathy Kosko
Date: 08 Nov 2009
Time: 12:37:56

What do you love about the Corry area?:

beautiful countryside

If you have moved, why did you move?  What would bring you back?:

I moved to Corry 2 years ago to be close to my job.

What are the most important challenges for our community to address?:

1. The incredibly high teen birthrate.  Kids raising kids instead of furthering their education and breaking out of 

the low-income mold into which they have been born.  And I hear adults encouraging these kids to have more babies! ??   

2. Drug and alcohol used regularly are viewed as normal.   3. Gossip

What strengths and resources do we have that we can build on?:

People have common sense.  They have practical skills.  They have a deep heritage in the area, and care deeply about

 their area and one another.  

Please share some project ideas we can undertake.:

Have contraception education a priority, and have contraceptives available for teens.  

I don't know how to inspire them to break out of the same-old, same-old.   

I heard on the radio a few months ago about a program that targets young parents not with job-training, etc., 

but with "parent college" (that's what it was called), to help the young parents bring up their kids to break out of the mold.  

What resources would you be willing to offer to help your vision?:

Unfortunately, my work hours are generally too long and without an ending time to my days for me to commit to anything.  

I also have a disabled family member in the area that receives some of my limited time/energy.  

I will, however, see if I can track down where the above-mentioned program is, and find a contact person name.

What does Corry look like 10 years from now?:

A thriving Suzuki violin program that focuses on positive reinforcement of any effort for students, 

and parent participation in their children's musical experiences.  

Check out Tonawanda, NY (on the Erie Canal outside Buffalo), which has reinvented itself from an impoverished & 

crumbling little town to a snazzy, vibrant place.  

From: 
Date: 11 Nov 2009
Time: 14:16:09

What do you love about the Corry area?:

It seems to be a hub, a lot of things are close by, easy to get to. From large cities like Clevland, 

uffalo and Pittsburg to smaller areas like Allegheny National Forest, Cooks Forest.
Colleges are close by. Lot to go to and Corry is a great place to start.

If you have moved, why did you move?  What would bring you back?:

A reprieve on taxes for artists so they could set up working studios and galleries in homes that would evenually 

be made into low income housing.
they are doing this in Oil City with MUCH sucess!

What are the most important challenges for our community to address?:

complacency and Politics. Hope has seem to be gone from the eyes of most of the people due to the lack of Jobs. 

Pride follows suit, cause you show ANY interest in your home, put a new coat of paint, you get youe taxes raised. 

No incentive for the town to look good, so why should anyone care. and the more people leave.
our main street (route 6) shows people passing by to keep on moving. if you dont have a reason to go into to town, 

you dont have to and THAT is the problem. and look at THOSE businesses. who would want to stop

What strengths and resources do we have that we can build on?:

Train system. it is still running, utilize it with a commuter train. Bringing in supplies. dont take the farmlands and 

built warehouses like in York, Lancaster areas. use the farmland to grow crops that we could process at our new plant 

housed where the Erie Plastics was.

Please share some project ideas we can undertake.:

As in one meeting it was pointed out, that our surrounding communities are at "arms" because of the schools atheletics. 

the competition. that needs to be put aside for survival of all, even in the denominations of churches. 

in the individuals, NO ONE is better because they can "lord" over someone
it starts with a belief that it CAN be changes and hold on to that....

What resources would you be willing to offer to help your vision?:

i am a concept artist, i draw peoples ideas. i listen, make notes and come up with a resolve to a problen visually.

What does Corry look like 10 years from now?:

A passenger train picking up and leaving off passengers. The bars, gone and in their place, places to go to eat and drink 

without paranoia. Kids having fun, and respecting all they skate past. Would love to see a culteral center, 

a building that isnt a hodge podge of stuff trown together. Our heritage coming through so that people want to 

stop and see what we are about. what about re-enstating the trolley, with a green powered trolley that follows the ORIGINAL route

people need respect, not beat down, they need a leg up. yes there are those who take advantage of the 

situation but that is easily taken care of....uphold laws, and make some that make sense
in order to get a good crop out of a fallow fild, one must cultivate it first, plant seeds and 

nurture it so it will grow into a harvest.

From: 
Date: 11 Nov 2009
Time: 14:42:18

What do you love about the Corry area?:

The close knit, laid back community. I love returning to Corry after a trip to Erie and realizing that 

people outside of Corry are in such a hurry and they don't seem to care much about anyone else. 

It is always nice to come home to the place where everyone knows everyone else and for the most part, 

people really care about one another.   

If you have moved, why did you move?  What would bring you back?:


What are the most important challenges for our community to address?:

I think one of the most importand challenges for this community is the low income housing. 

Despite the struggling economy and industry, I feel that our biggest challenge is having the Erie County 

Housing program right here in our back yard. I do believe that it is a good organization, however it attracts 

way too many low income people to our area. With the influx of poverty, it is going to be hard for any industry 

to move into the area. This depressed area really needs some industry. We need jobs in our area. 

If I were the CEO of a company, Corry would be last place on my list as far as options for satellite locations. 

I would much rater start a company or expand a company to areas that are growing and can provide high quality working people.  

What strengths and resources do we have that we can build on?:

Location. Corry is a great location with beautiful country. I strongly feel that Corry would be a wonderful suburb of erie. 

Corry offers beautiful country living or quaint small town pleasures. When Vist southern towns I realize people travel 

many mile to get to work. Many people travel 1-1.5 hours one way to get to their job. These people typically have a 

great job in a big city, but don't want to live anywhere near the city. 

These people often reside in a nice town similar to Corry. 

With a small expansion of a couple passing lanes between here and Erie, 

I think we can market some of our beautiful real estate and small town traits to some higher paid, 

Erie based workers. Especially with our beautifully renovated schools. 

Please share some project ideas we can undertake.:


What resources would you be willing to offer to help your vision?:


What does Corry look like 10 years from now?:

From: Ralph J DeRose
Date: 12 Nov 2009
Time: 15:40:19

What do you love about the Corry area?:

The rural setting.The tireless efforts of a number of their leaders to continue to improve the community.

If you have moved, why did you move?  What would bring you back?:


What are the most important challenges for our community to address?:


What strengths and resources do we have that we can build on?:

We have a basic good work force contrary to some previous company managements comments.

Please share some project ideas we can undertake.:


What resources would you be willing to offer to help your vision?:

My basic management skills and business involvement.

What does Corry look like 10 years from now?:

From: David Sample
Date: 12 Nov 2009
Time: 16:07:04

What do you love about the Corry area?:


If you have moved, why did you move?  What would bring you back?:

N?A

What are the most important challenges for our community to address?:

Lack of sustainable jobs and the lack of affordable housing

What strengths and resources do we have that we can build on?:

We have a very strong core of people who are very dedicated to this town

Please share some project ideas we can undertake.:

Clean up around whenever you can, vote when the opportunity arises , and be proactive instead of reactive

What resources would you be willing to offer to help your vision?:

already spending a lot of time

What does Corry look like 10 years from now?:

not all that dissimilar from today just cleaned up and polished a bit. 

We sometimes don't realize how lucky we are to have the YMCA and the Hospital towns of our 

size don't usually have this. We have a diversification of jobs and employment opportunities.

From: Vicky
Date: 12 Nov 2009
Time: 16:38:15

What do you love about the Corry area?:

small community,the people,nice area to live

If you have moved, why did you move?  What would bring you back?:

n/a

What are the most important challenges for our community to address?:

jobs,recreation

What strengths and resources do we have that we can build on?:

schools,the hospital,stores

Please share some project ideas we can undertake.:

find ways to bring more jobs to this town. Need to get more things for kids to do. a movie theater would help

What resources would you be willing to offer to help your vision?:

n/a

What does Corry look like 10 years from now?:

there would be a movie theater,skate park,factories,differant food choices for dining out, 

it would be like Erie,Pa. It would be a boomin town with more people and more work and things to do.

From: Mark MIller
Date: 12 Nov 2009
Time: 17:16:49

What do you love about the Corry area?:

I enjoyed the landscape of the area with the woods, rolling hills, etc., plus the close proximity to Lake Erie, 

Lake Chat., Peak n Peak, and the other nearby cities.  The people in the community were the best aspect though as

 everyone seemed willing to try and help each other out for the benefit of the community.

If you have moved, why did you move?  What would bring you back?:

I moved away due to my employment.  I initialy came to Corry in 2003 when our company purchased a business 

from bankrupcy in Corry, and then I moved back to the main office in March of 2008 to assume more responsiblity 

within our organization.  There are many days I wish I was still in Corry!

What are the most important challenges for our community to address?:

Continue the work to land a community college - I think it would be a real benefit to the Corry area.  

Further the work to improve the perception of Corry in the general surrounding areas as I think many people think 

it is a town where not much is happening in a positive manner.

What strengths and resources do we have that we can build on?:

The strength and drive of the people in the community.  Getting the word out to more people in the community about 

what is taking place and soliciting their input would be beneficial.  I know that I didn't realize everything 

that was taking place until I was able to participate on several councils.  There is a lot of exciting opportunities 

in the Corry area and dedicated people.

Please share some project ideas we can undertake.:

Regarding the neighborhoods, I think it would be nice if there were more zoning type restrictions as there is a 

mixture of nice houses with not so nice places right next door.  The inconsistency of who might move in next to 

an individual could deter some from being willing to make investments to upgrade their property for the fear of 

someone stock piling junk cars next door.

What resources would you be willing to offer to help your vision?:

I will continue to support as possible with thoughts, comments, letters to politicians regarding improvement 

opportunities, etc., as well as being willing to help solicit others to participate.

What does Corry look like 10 years from now?:

Bus transportation to Erie and other key areas, a few plays per year (could potentially be an extension coming 

down from Erie), a community college, a completed bike trail, another park similar to Meade, move paved roads, 

general clean-up of some of the older or not-maintained buildings/residences.

From: edward sekerak
Date: 12 Nov 2009
Time: 17:18:18

What do you love about the Corry area?:


If you have moved, why did you move?  What would bring you back?:


What are the most important challenges for our community to address?:


What strengths and resources do we have that we can build on?:


Please share some project ideas we can undertake.:


What resources would you be willing to offer to help your vision?:


What does Corry look like 10 years from now?:

From: edward sekerak
Date: 12 Nov 2009
Time: 17:38:42

What do you love about the Corry area?:

I thought this was going to be multiple choice. Sorry. 

If you have moved, why did you move?  What would bring you back?:


What are the most important challenges for our community to address?:


What strengths and resources do we have that we can build on?:


Please share some project ideas we can undertake.:


What resources would you be willing to offer to help your vision?:


What does Corry look like 10 years from now?:

From: James Beaulieu
Date: 13 Nov 2009
Time: 09:44:01

What do you love about the Corry area?:

Corry is a very friendly comminity. The place gives a sense of tranquility. 

A great place to raise a famly. Excellent school district.

If you have moved, why did you move?  What would bring you back?:

I would move to Corry if there was more activities for kids. 

What are the most important challenges for our community to address?:

Poverity and the need for more opportunities for work.

What strengths and resources do we have that we can build on?:

School system
Caring people
Faith based community
Community pride

Please share some project ideas we can undertake.:


What resources would you be willing to offer to help your vision?:

I am an educator.  I would like to see Corry as a a good location for a community colloge and/or trade school 

not assciated with the high school.

What does Corry look like 10 years from now?:

I would like to see Corry available to the surrounding counties through the use of mass transportation.

From: Beth Zajac
Date: 13 Nov 2009
Time: 15:44:47

What do you love about the Corry area?:


If you have moved, why did you move?  What would bring you back?:


What are the most important challenges for our community to address?:

Lack of good paying jobs.  Many companies have gone out of business and no new companies are wanting to come to Corry.

What strengths and resources do we have that we can build on?:


Please share some project ideas we can undertake.:


What resources would you be willing to offer to help your vision?:


What does Corry look like 10 years from now?:

From: M.JUKES
Date: 13 Nov 2009
Time: 20:30:19

What do you love about the Corry area?:

MY FAMILY AND I LOVE THE BEAUTIFUL RURAL COUNTRY SETTING WITH CHATAQUA AT OUR BACK DOOR,

WE ARE JUST ABOUT AN HOUR AWAY FROM A VERY DIVERSE POPULATION WITH NUMEROUS ACTIVITY NO MATTER WHAT WAY YOU DRIVE N,S,E,OR W.

If you have moved, why did you move?  What would bring you back?:

I DID GO AWAY FOR AWHILE AND RETURNED BECAUSE OF MY FAMILY AND THE COUNTRY SETTING

What are the most important challenges for our community to address?:

SUSTAING BUSINESS, WE NEED GOOD PAYING JOBS TO COME BACK TO THIS LITTLE TOWN!  

What strengths and resources do we have that we can build on?:

OUR CHURCHES,THE YMCA,LIBRARY,THE SMITH CENTER,MEAD PARK,THE CHAMBER,THE ARTS COUNCIL,AND I'M SURE THERE ARE 

MANY ORGANIZATIONS I'M FORGETTING BUT WE DO HAVE A NUMBER OF RESOURCES TO PULL FROM.

Please share some project ideas we can undertake.:

WE NEED MORE EDUCATION PROSPECT, WE NEED TO THINK ABOUT THE FUTURE, AS FAR AS THINGS BEING ECO FRIENDLY,

WE HAVE MANY BUILDINGS SETTING EMPTY THAT COULD BE UTILIZED, WE NEED TO PULL TOGETHER AND BRING ACTIVITY FOR OUR YOUTH.

What resources would you be willing to offer to help your vision?:

I TO AM UNABLE TO HELP MONETARY WISE,BUT WOULD BE WILLING TO VOLUNTEER OR HELP  A WITH A LENDING HAND.

What does Corry look like 10 years from now?:

I WOULD LIKE TO SEE CORRY BE A VIBRANT COMMUNITY PARTIALLY AS IT IS BUT ENHANCED WITH THE TECHNOLOGY AVAILABLE 

AND THE SHARP MINDS TO MAKE THE INDUSRIES COME BACK TO LIFE,AND A MAN MAKE A DECENT WAGE TO GET AHEAD,

I'D LIKE TO SEE SOME AREAS CLEAN UP MAINLY PROPERTYS AND PEOPLE TAKING PRIDE IN THERE HOMES AND COMMUNITY, 

THE YOUTH NEED A FEW MORE OUTLETS AS WELL,AND LETS NOT FORGET ABOUT A LITTLE ENTERTAINMENT BE A 

MOVIE THEATER,SKATE PARK, FOOD COURT, ANYTHING TO ENHANCE OUR SURROUNDINGS, THIS LITTLE CITY HAS POTENTIAL 

TO STEP UP IN A BIG WAY FOR THE FUTURE.

From: William Wellington - Wayne Township
Date: 14 Nov 2009
Time: 09:36:48

What do you love about the Corry area?:

The changing seasons, the beautiful trees, the smell of the forest, no big highways/4-lanes, the ability to 

drive an hour in any direction and find anything you need for home or business.

If you have moved, why did you move?  What would bring you back?:

Moved away because of employment, and moved back because of employment. It is a nice woodsy area with low crime.

What are the most important challenges for our community to address?:

Local merchants are too eager to dig deep into the consumers' pockets.  You see what they drive, how they live, 

and it is hard to swallow the prices they charge and the service you receive at their businesses.  

Hence, the hour drive mentioned above.  You have to feel sorry for the less fortunate (elderly, unemployed, 

disabled, single parents, etc.)who must frequently these local establishments as they have no other resonable option.

There needs to be more properties put back on the tax rolls.  Corry has too many non-profits and businesses 

not paying their fair share.  Obtain a list of all the properties in the Corry Area School District that are 

not paying taxes and you may be shocked at the dollar amounts lost.

Corry needs to get over it's inferiority complex. This is not Erie.  It's not Buffalo.  It's not Pittsburgh.  

It is Corry.  It is in a rural type area.  If you want 4-lane highways, fancy stores, etc. move to these big cities 

and leave this area alone. Don't spoil this area for those of us who like it the way it is.    

What strengths and resources do we have that we can build on?:

To reopen the "Hotel".  It was the centerpiece of the community.  You could go there for a meeting, a meal, a drink,

 a place to stay.  It was a gathering spot for all types.

Corry has a good education system.    

Please share some project ideas we can undertake.:

I don't know what you are looking for with this question.  Other than starting another of the non-profit 

organizations that continually deplete the tax coffers, maybe just as individuals, lend a hand to someone in need. 

Do it not for the glory, but because it is the right thing to do.    

What resources would you be willing to offer to help your vision?:

The old saying is "if it ain't broke, don't fix it".  I would be more than happy to help those not satisfied 

with this beautiful area, by donating my time to help load their U-Hauls.  Bon Voyage. 

What does Corry look like 10 years from now?:

Again, I don't know what you are looking for with this question.  Well, there is no doubt we need jobs.  

Don't ask me, ask our legislators.  Ask Kathy Dahlkemper.  Ask Curt Sonney.  Ask Mary Jo White.  Ask Barry Grossman.  

Where are the jobs?  Federal, State, County.  What happened to the Union City Dam Project?  

What happened to our County Executive's local office for this outlying area?  Where is the Gaming Revenue going?  

Hopefully these people will roll up their sleeves and try to do something in this area, instead of 

just brainstorming along with others.  It would have been nice if you (Corry Vision) would have gone to

Please remember, that any decisions or changes in Corry affect all these areas.