As Ben Gitkind and Andrew Crimer discussed in their pieces this week, New London is a pretty cool place, to say the least.
As someone raised in the area, I’m always upset that few Conn students consider a trip downtown for an evening at Exchange, Bean & Leaf or Oasis (among other great spots) to enjoy music, drinks, friends and the unique atmosphere New London has to offer. Even fewer seem to take an interest in the revitalization projects that are taking place downtown. I hope that changes.
Right before spring break, The College Voice hosted a Common Hour on the revitalization efforts in Connecticut cities like New London and a historical account of their decline. The proliferation of cars contributed to the dispersion of residents moving out of small cities and into suburbia, which left cities with less funding, fewer residents, less activity and a lack of interest in maintaining architectural gems like the old theater pictured above.
What’s always especially interesting to me is the lack of students who frequent downtown despite the values that residents of New London and students at Connecticut College share such as music, art and sustainable food.
Oasis, El ‘n’ Gee and numerous other venues feature Conn students on a regular basis, as well as indie-style music. In fact, The New York Times recently reported on the active musical scene in New London that has improved in recent years.
Likewise, galleries and co-ops like Golden Street, the Hygienic and Aticc constantly offer shows and events, many of which are open to all for submissions.
F.R.E.S.H. New London and Fiddleheads promote the consumption of sustainable local food, an initiative many Conn students support, judging by the large turnout at our recent Sustainability Teach-In conversations regarding foods.
We should take advantage of New London as a part of our education — our first application of our education into the “real world” — and also enjoy all the cultural and artistic opportunities the city has to offer.
