Column: Be there or be square

For many years Red Hook was lucky to have an active and vibrant Civic Association, run by John McGettrick. It gave us an institution where those interested in our community could come to and discuss whatever good or not-so-good things they wanted to add (or detract) from the neighborhood.

Of course, it also gave us a place to vent about things we weren’t happy about and in many cases provided the impetus to take action to fix them.

John moved away before the pandemic and for a couple of years the association went defunct. I tried to revive it in 2023 but after a promising start, it went defunct as well due to some infighting that did not involve me, as it was considered inappropriate for a local publisher to be part of such an organization.

Last year, a new organization was formed just north of us, as some righteous people in the Columbia Waterfront District realized that they were given short shrift in the EDC process of transforming their neighborhood with their onerous plan for their waterfront. The Columbia Waterfront Association, headed by Randy Gordon, serves as the inspiration for me doing it again around here.

Tony at the great Mark’s Pizza has graciously offered his back room for an inaugural meeting of what I’m calling the Red Hook Waterfront Association. There will be no formal leadership, and it will be my job to make sure meetings happen every month.

In the beginning, the goal will be for us simply to form the new group.

All ideas to keep Red Hook a vibrant, inclusive and unique community will be welcome, and open for discussion.

As time goes by, I’m sure we will start working on noble projects, and all the politicians interested in our votes will make sure they send someone to our meetings and see what the grassroots are talking about.

Of course, we will be sharing pies and getting to know each other in a friendly and central location.

I look forward to an auspicious beginning and hope to see you there!