Lots of Farmland in Otsego

It's easy to forget as we drive to and from the major highways that surround Otsego that a great deal of the city is still farmland.

In the western half of the city farmland is just about everywhere.  Cornfields seem to be in the entire area bordered by Co Road 39 (95th Street)  in the north to  N.E,. 80th Street in the south and from the city's border with Monticello Township on the west to Nashua Ave NE in the east. And then in the southeast part of the city there is also a great deal of farmland.

 

This photo was taken from just west of the intersection of Co. Road 37 (70th Street)  and Quaday Avenue and highlights the beauty of the land and the barn as the sun was setting.

Agriculture played a very important role in the establishment of the city, and continues to be an important part of Otsego.  Chris Wilson has written a book documenting the history of the city. The book,  "Images from Otsego - America" is available for sale for $20. That book and other books about Otsego written by the Otsego Heritage Preservation Commission can be found by clicking  here.

I mention the history of the city because times have changed. The city now has nearly 15,000 residents, more than 100 new home building permits have been issued in 2012, there are some 5,000 households in the city...but communication between the city and its residents and businesses is lacking. Where once it was acceptable to post a notice outside City Hall about an upcoming meeting (and it's still legal to do so today) it's no longer enough. People need to know what plans the city has for the future, how will we get there, and what will it cost.

I'm running for City Council in large part because of what I perceive as a serious lack of communication. I'd like your vote November 6 and I will work to improve how the city talks and  listens to residents and businesses here in Otsego.