[thimbleberry]

Two beautiful cities located on the beautiful Portage canal. Truly God's country. Houghton is special because of Michigan Technological University and the diversity it brings to the area, Hancock is special because of Finlandia University, the Finnish American heritage center and the fact that so many of its residents are Finnish. Houghton does a great job keeping the city progressive while at the same time preserving its history. Houghton has invested a lot of $ along with grant money to beautify the city, and it shows. On the other hand, city leaders in Hancock seem to forget that the only thing that makes hancock unique is its special relationship with Finland. It could be such a great marketing tool. Instead, the city seems to be letting this opportunity slip through its fingers. The English/Finnish street signs are great but the few that line Quincy Street are not maintained. They are a tourist attraction as is the Finnish theme. Parks are not maintained as they should be, the wooden steps near the waterfront are falling apart, historic monuments are given no maintenance. I am sure if the city reached out to the universities and civic and church groups for help, some of these maintenance issues could be taken care of. It is an absolute shame that the city has chosen to allow the once beautiful flower gardens to be overgrown with weeds. what a waste of the money invested a few years ago when these perennials were planted. Money is tight but look what Houghton is doing. Isn't there anyone in a position of power in Hancock who cares at all what the city looks like? Paint, flowers, and some simple attention to aesthetics would make such a big difference. The White Street, Pine Street, and South Lincoln flowers were beautiful but they now stand weed infested and seem to symbolize an attitude of indifference on the part of city leaders. The wall by the bridge looks like crap again, and it is the entrance to the city. Downtown merchants................don't you care enough about your city to get actively involved instead of just sitting back and complaining about how tough the economy is? Where is your involvement in community events such as Bridgefest, Parade of Nations, Heikkinpaiva, The International Frisbee Tournament? There are volunteers doing the work which should benefit downtown merchants if you would just get involved.