Cardinal Points

Issue date: 12/7/07 Section: Opinion

Media Credit: Kelli Catana

When our neighbors in the city talk about Plattsburgh State, it's rare to discuss all the money the area has seen because of the school and its students. The topic of conversation is quite often the terrible things college students do in the community.

Some of the complaints - perhaps most - are quite valid. Noisy parties at 1 a.m. Drunken entourages returning from downtown at 2:30. Vandalized houses at 3:30.

Even though most school and city officials say those represent the actions of few PSUC students, City Center residents continue to decry the mischievous young people that invade the community every fall.

It will certainly always be a topic for as long as the school is here. But what if it wasn't? What if PSUC, with all the jobs it provides and all the students it brings, ceased to exist?

The simple answer: The community would lose $184 million every year.

For the City of Plattsburgh - which has less than 20,000 residents - and for the North Country in general, that's a lot of cash. PSUC is the fourth biggest employer in Clinton, Franklin and Essex counties, with a staff of nearly 1,500. It also brings roughly 6,000 consumers into the area each year.

The fact is Plattsburgh is a college town now that all the elements of the Air Force base are gone. People thought that was the worst thing to ever happen to the North Country. It turned out, as the city's last mayor put it, to be the best thing.

But losing PSUC wouldn't be anywhere near positive.

The school has become a driving force in this community. It is an integral component in attracting businesses and supplying them with employees, resources and customers. It is also the case in adding to the arts and entertainment for local residents.

Cardinal hockey games account for some of the most attended community events. Theater, art and music events are well attended as well.

But most of all it is something that can't be measured in dollars, cents jobs or events. Plattsburgh State adds a life and vitality to the community that nothing else would. No matter what age people are, they should still appreciate what youth can bring to a place.

This city is quiet when Plattsburgh State students are gone for summer or winter breaks. Everything changes. Life moves at a different speed. That's not necessarily a good thing.

Businesses are without customers and the area is devoid of activity. There are fewer cars on the road and less people walking the streets. It's like a vacation town during the off-season. It might make for a nice break for residents, but it would be a terrible thing to be permanent.

So as residents grumble and moan, let's hope that deep down they realize how important students are to Plattsburgh.

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