Through the years, the city of Dunkirk did studies, reports and one famous plan in hopes to turn its fledgling economic fortunes around. None of them worked.
But Maclain Berhaupt did.
Under Berhaupt's leadership as city development director, Dunkirk gained momentum. Old industrial properties left bare were cleaned. State grants were applied for and received. And, most importantly, tangible development in the form of construction and finished facilities started to happen.
For the last three years, Berhaupt has brought projects forward and seen them through. Most notable of her successes are the Boardwalk Market, the high-tech incubator, which is a city and SUNY Fredonia project, and the Crocker-Sprague work, which is expected to be completed in August.
Through it all, Berhaupt exhibited professionalism and true enthusiasm. Next month, she is headed to our sister city to the south to make a difference. Jamestown has a winner indeed.
