Adirondack Hamlets

The term “hamlet” draws my mind directly to Shakespeare but in the Adirondacks “hamlet” has a different meaning. In the park, a hamlet is a small community town which most towns in the Adirondack park are. The Adirondack Hamlets are the most important part of the economic success of the park as they are where all things commercial happen. The businesses in the park are struggling and the Adirondack Park Agency has decided to step in and address the concerns of the shop owners in the park towns. The agency is working with a local who has invested in this program and they are providing the communities with the opportunity to participate in an initiative that will support them through the revitalization of their town. Their plan is called the HEPA (Hamlet Economic Planning and Assistance) Initiative and should turn economic struggle into economic success in the near future. 

The intentions of this initiative are inspirational. In today’s economy, I’m sure it is challenging to own a commercial store in a prospering town but to live in the park with a low population has to pose many problems. The fact that the community is taking part in helping these commercial centers of the park revamp is important because given the small population, the economy in the towns are dependent on community participation. 

I wonder if the hamlets will see a substantial difference in their economic success with the implementation of the plans to revitalize them. The park has work to do to keep the rural communities flourishing but with the commitment demonstrated by the community and the other supporters there should be a much needed turn around in the economy of the hamlets in the park. 

http://www.city-data.com/forum/city-vs-city/1400970-best-mountain-town-usa-2.html