The New Year is always an exciting time, as it offers a chance to reflect on the past 12 months and an opportunity to make goals for the next.

Throughout the past week, we have talked to leaders in both Niles and Dowagiac, who have done just that. Both reflected on some strong achievements in 2015, and expressed enthusiasm for proposed plans for 2016.

Both communities saw strong business growth in 2015, and really created momentum for the upcoming year. Similarly, both communities planted seeds for projects that will show visible fruition in 2016.

Dowagiac is working to improve aesthetics and green space, and expand parking on Commercial Street in downtown.

Niles will continue work on removing the Pucker Street Dam, building on the progress already accomplished in 2015.

These are just a small list of accomplishments and goals that city leaders outlined, all of which should help to make for better residences for the people of the communities.

We appreciate our city leaders for taking the time to outline these goals. This future-driven mind set is imperative to the growth and sustainability of communities of any size, but is especially impactful in small cities like ours.

While improved wastewater plants or added parking space may not seem to make much of an impact on the community, these tangible goals are important to the people who choose to reside in city limits.

Added amenities like the proposed bicycle loan program in Niles and the proposed property developments along the waterfront in Dowagiac are important for drawing tourists who invest in our communities, but also for drawing new people looking to find a place to settle down.

We congratulate both Niles and Dowagiac city leaders on their accomplishments last year, and look forward to an exciting and prosperous 2016.

 

Opinions expressed are those of the editorial board consisting of Publisher Michael Caldwell and editors Ambrosia Neldon, Craig Haupert, Ted Yoakum and Scott Novak.