Another contribution I would make to the Ralston community would be to Ward 4. In “A Structural Look at Ralston”, this ward scores a 3 for Ward Vitality, but a 2 for Ward Neighborliness, showing it could benefit from something that brings residents together. Ward 3 has an active group of birdwatchers, as well as Ralston High School and “Rivet” High. I think a small cafe between the schools and the canal would be a perfect way to bring people together here. It would draw students both before school to get breakfast/coffee, as well as after school as a place to get a snack or meet with friends or a study group. It would draw birdwatchers as well because of its proximity to the canal, therefore being an ideal spot to grab a bite to eat. By being located in between the canal and the high schools, it would be in an easily-accessible spot for students and birdwatchers, while not being too close to disrupt the local wildlife that is so important to the birdwatchers. A cafe would also offer new job opportunities for the Ralston community – and its location would be perfect for students looking for after-school jobs.
A cafe would greatly benefit Ward 4 by bringing together the multiple groups that are already drawn to it. This would help to raise the Neighborliness score that unfortunately falls behind some of the other wards.
Ralston, Vermont's "Green Island" City 