Hobart Community Alliance Hits the Ground Running in 2026

HOBART – The Hobart Community Alliance (HCA) gathered on February 26th at the Hobart Community Center for a productive session, with twenty-two residents attending in person to advance the group’s top four community-focused initiatives. The meeting, characterized by a spirit of collaboration, addressed key infrastructure and projects aimed at bettering the community.  

Infrastructure and Grants Take Center Stage

One topic of discussion was the plan to update the village’s Comprehensive Plan beginning in 2026. Working in partnership with the Village and Planning Boards, the HCA intends to shape the update to drive Main Street revitalization and pursue essential grants. Barbara Balliet, who serves on the Planning Board, reported that the Board had recently met to discuss first steps and will meet again in April. Barbara will keep the HCA in the loop as the project moves forward. Those interested in joining the Planning Board should contact John Whitner: john@whritnerbuilders.com. 

Key Priorities for 2026

Alliance work groups reported progress on critical issues mentioned at their January meeting: Main Street Safety, Cornell Avenue Lighting, Recreational Improvements and Activity Center Accessibility. Members discussed measures to curb speeding and improve overall safety on Main Street (Route 10). Alliance members and Village Trustees continue their efforts to improve lighting on Cornell Avenue. According to Kathy Sparkes, Village Clerk, NYSEG has conducted a field survey, and three new lights are planned for that location. The Village is exploring playground equipment replacement and the installation of a fence for the basketball court to improve safety for local youth. The HCA expects to give input on the choice of equipment and surface for the playground.  Don Dales and Michelle Stephens have been exploring options for enhancing access to the second floor of the Hobart Activity Center. They have learned that the next step should be to meet with Code Enforcement to decide which choice is best for the building prior to asking for quotes for the project. 

Community Engagement and Local Support

The Alliance also received updates on local business shifts, including the change in ownership of Creative Corner Books and NY Books & Ephemera. Discussions further touched on the Hobart Farmer’s Market and upcoming collaborations with the Hobart Historical Society.   

To increase accessibility for those who cannot attend in person, the HCA is currently polling members on the possibility of offering future meetings via Zoom.  

Peg Kenyon reminded the group of an annual fundraising event, called “Music and Dessert”, which was popular in years past. The group decided to form a work group to bring this event back to the community, possibly in the late Fall of 2026 or Spring of 2027.

Alliance Coordinator Julie Rockefeller summed the group’s efforts up best.

"There really is strength in numbers. Because so many people continue to attend our meetings, we are able to work on multiple projects at once. This is a time of resurgence and renewal in Hobart. It's fun to be part of that. Anyone who wants to collaborate with us is welcome to join."  

If you live or work in Hobart, or have an interest in working with them on Hobart-centric projects, contact the HCA at hobartcommunityalliance@gmail.com.

Upcoming Meetings

Alliance Coordinator Julie Rockefeller encouraged residents to stay involved by attending future meetings of the Village Board and the Hobart Community Alliance with a reminder that the next Village Board Meeting is Monday, March 2nd at 6:30 PM. The Next HCA Meeting is Thursday, March 26th from 7:00 to 8:00 PM. The following month’s meeting will be held on Thursday, April 30th. Both meetings take place at the Hobart Community Center, 80 Cornell Avenue.