Some big challenges remain, but several developments indicate the effort is building momentum.
Chief among them is the news last week that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has agreed to help restore Nashawannuck Pond. Making the pond a more inviting spot is the top priority in the city's bid to pump new life into Union and Cottage streets. The Army Corps' participation will boost efforts of the Nashawannuck Pond Steering Committee, which has been working since 1985 to revive swimming and boating at the pond. That group has made significant progress reducing the amount of sediment entering the pond. Several other initiatives related to the pond have been moving forward.