I’m a longtime resident of Mineral who has owned property and other investments here for more than 45 years. I would like to share some Mineral history as seen through my eyes.
Fifty years ago, there were two resorts at the lake. Today there is one. There were two small stores. Today there is one. There was a full service hotel. Today there is none. There were two gas stations, one in Mineral the other at Carlson. Today there is only one. There was an active log yard. Today there is none. There was a cafe open to diners of all ages. At one time there were two schools. The last of the two closed in 2002 due to the shrinking student population. There was an active employer shingle mill at the lake. Today there is none.
The American Legion Post 171 has discontinued service.
It is safe to say that Mineral’s economy and population have declined.
My wife and I are in favor of the YMCA project. As I see it, the Y brings a positive vision and adds hope for our small town. The organization has 177 years of experience working with young people and youth leaders in rural areas in the outdoors.
Who can beat that record?
The Y has proven it can steward natural resources impacted by its developments and it has demonstrated expertise cultivating leadership for youth education and safe, enriching outdoor experiences. Its presence here, the jobs it will create and the potential for its services to extend to or influence Mineral residents are all positive side effects of the planned camp project.
The Y is not a new startup business.
I see the Y’s plan as a wonderful opportunity. How often does a community get the chance to have a neighbor like the YMCA? It’s my belief that the best investment a person, employer or an organization can make is an investment in the young people of the community.
The YMCA gives Mineral — Lewis County — this opportunity. I have talked with a number of longtime residents that agree with my feelings. I hope the county, and the YMCA come to an agreement that allows a “green light” for this project.
As I stated earlier, in the last 50 years, Mineral has lost a lot of ground. The YMCA camp project can put Mineral back on its feet, and on the map in a new way, as a place where youth learn to experience the outdoors in fellowship with their peers and as a place where a new kind of economy, connected to nature and our proximity to natural resources, can emerge.
Mineral needs this project as much as the children who need the adventure and structure of a new Y camp to set them on a positive path in life.
The learning experiences that are provided at a camp like the Y cannot be found in any school classroom.
Considering that an appeal for this project is in the process, this is the opportunity for the county commissioners to use some foresight and support this project. The project not only serves Mineral as a positive move, but it also is a big plus for Lewis County in general.
I read about the NIMBYism majority. I only see about 15 yard signs stating “No YMCA Rezone.”
Fifteen signs does not constitute a large majority.
In closing, my question is, how often does a small declining town like Mineral get an opportunity like the Y is offering?
Gary Johnson
Mineral
