“Berlin Uncool” signs way off base

Editor,

This letter is only directed to the person and/or persons who have placed signs around Berlin saying. “Make Berlin Uncool Again.”

The sign makes a “play” on the award Berlin received as “America’s Coolest Small Town” by Budget Travel in 2014. However, the implication as I see it, is that these persons feel the town has grown and become too busy for their taste.

No matter their reasoning, I feel the sign is offensive to many, who have worked to bring Berlin out of the doldrums from the early 1980’s. In the era, most of the long time retailers including grocery, hardware, clothing, etc., had left town leaving primarily vacant buildings or offices. Offices do not stimulate the commerce of towns therefore retail was needed.

Another major issue in those years was the condition of much of the buildings which had become somewhat dilapidated or run down.

When you consider the huge capital expenditures that was made to rehabilitate the buildings and the effort to bring new ideas to town including festivals etc, it’s a slap in their faces to have a sign saying, “Make Berlin Uncool Again.”

I hope this motto goes away. Instead, thank the numerous people that gave their dedication to revive what was once a dying town. They have kept the historic value, revived the local spirit and I applaud all those people, as well as the newcomers. At least be considerate of their success, even if you preferred living in a ghost town of “uncool” squaller, as Berlin used to be.

Reese Cropper, III
Ocean City