Civic Openings and Cultural Collaboration Lead Hobart Community Alliance Agenda

HOBART—At its April 30th meeting, Hobart Community Alliance Coordinator Julie Rockefeller led the group in a discussion of local leadership opportunities, upcoming cultural exhibits, business relocations, infrastructure grants, and community event planning.

The Planning Board of the Village of Hobart is actively seeking two new members to help shape the community’s future. Led by John Whritner, the board will revise the Village Comprehensive Plan this year, and interested village residents should contact him directly by email: john@whritnerbuilders.com.  Community stakeholders can contribute their ideas for the revised plan at public meetings held on the second Tuesday of each month at the Community Center, 80 Cornell Avenue, 6;30 PM. Print copies of the 2003 Comprehensive Plan are available at the Village office, also located at 80 Cornell and open 8 to 12 AM and  1 to 3:30 PM Monday through Thursday. 

In cultural news, the Historical Society and MURAL are collaborating to present a summer exhibition highlighting the historical photography of Hobart resident Anna Carroll. Running from August 22 to September 27 at the MURAL gallery, the display will feature fifty of Carroll's photographs captured between 1900 and 1925, with prints available for purchase. The Historical Society is seeking volunteers to train as gallery docents and plans to host a companion walking tour of relevant local historical sites. Those interested should email HHS President, Rick van Valkenburg: rick@mountbob.com

In local business developments, Federico Zimerman  of the Book Village Inn is relocating Creative Corner Books and NY Books & Ephemera to the barn behind the Inn following a notice to vacate from his previous landlord. The Inn will also launch an outdoor Saturday Farmers’ Market starting Memorial Day weekend, operating from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. with free vendor participation, alongside expanded weekend hours at the Inn's new coffee shop, opening soon. The Shops Around the Corner, located at 40 Cornell Avenue just across the street, will stay open until 6 on Satudays through the summer. 

Additionally, the Village Board recently applied for grants to construct a new playground and splash pad, with funding decisions expected in July. Meanwhile, the Hobart Community Alliance approved a three-month hybrid meeting trial, introducing a view-only Zoom option in May before launching full remote participation in June. Finally, the Stamford Library will host a Building Campaign Kickoff party at 139 West Main Street on May 30 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. to showcase its new facility footprint.

Next HCA meeting is Thursday, May 28th at 7 PM in the Community Center at 80 Cornell Avenue.