AndreaK

As with all areas, they are all changing. When I went back to parts of route 46 in NJ, I wasn't sure where I was. Everything had changed in certain spots. At one point I thought I was lost. I am only here 2 years, but I am talking about even changes within the past 4 months.
So, the Poconos of the past is the past, and we did need more stores etc especially with the high cost of gas and the economy. Hopefully, there will be a balance. The charm and some memories of the past along with the trees, some ski places, hotels and then the increase of stores making things a little more convenient and choices where to shop. And then at some point, it stops.......................Thus we will have a balance. Hopefully!!!!!!! ~The Sun

This story is one being told across America today as many families moved away from the big cities to cut themselves a slice of the American dream. The real estate bubble and recession are a speed bump but I forsee more of the same although at a less hectic rate in the future as the economy stabilizes.

If you look at say Long Island some years ago, it was a lot like the Poconos was 10 years ago. Over time people moved further away from Manhattan but with the LIRR were able to easily commute to work and live further and further away. Having driven out to the east end of LI you could see a lot of farmland reminding me of much of the Poconos in the surrounding regions today.

Its been over 10 years since I've been out there, and I wonder how much of that has changed as well.

Some change is good, some is bad, but one thing is certain - it is inevitable.

A lot of the future depends on how our elected officials manage these growth spurts. For example, if we had not built up our schools and used temorary trailers for example, would we be better off today not to have that tax burden haunting us with a decline in student population? Did we make the wrong choices by not building up the road infrastructure and taking the train to NYC seriously?

I've read how mega-money is going into high speed rail, some in PA, but I didn't see any going to the Lackawanna line. If we did complete the train it would make commuting so much easier for many people, and help encourage others to move out here. That in turn would continue to build up the population.

If taxes continue to rise because our elected leaders cannot figure out the right formula to address this complex equation we will only push more people out and they will move elsewhere while those who live here leave for greener pastures. It only makes sense to endure an extreme commute when financially it works out a lot cheaper than staying close to one's job. If we cannot address this intelligently, then population will decline and stores will begin to close up one by one if the tourist trade isn't sufficient to keep them going - and it might be. Then the Poconos will revert back into an "upgraded" or "reborn" tourist region, not the honeymoon capitol but a family favorite.

If we can get it right, the Poconos can be both and maintain a thriving population, hopefully attracting new businesses who pay decent salaries and transform us into our own micropolis where people commute HERE for jobs. Now that would be the best scenario of all, and its within our grasp if we can just keep our eyes focused on the ball.

I whole heartedly agree with Wayne. Especially the part about the elected leaders. If only they could find the right formula to keep growth in alignment. The world is so different today and I guess some of that factors in too. I don't think back in the 50s or 60s people would have thought to leave children home alone all day (or I know...a whole week) so they could commute for a job. So the parents have a good job and a house but the child is alone from 5am to 8pm. The "American Dream" is different for all people though.