What Climate Catastrophe? What Bicyclists?

The 65-space parking lot in front of 325 Columbia, where the Columbia County Mental Health Center is located, is a parcel of its own, known as 327 Columbia, that is inexplicably owned by the City of Hudson.  There is no bicycle rack for anyone to park and lock their bicycle to securely.  The railing in front of the front door and the guardrail along the alley are commonly used by cyclists because those are pretty much the only options. 

It's true that the city owns that parking lot that is solely utilized by the county.  However, Columbia County owns the two-tiered parking lot parcel with the shameful, jungle gym stairs and waffley walking surface across the street, as well as the smaller lot on west side of the building.  Go figure!

The city-owned 110-space City Hall Municipal Parking Lot two blocks east also has nowhere for a bicyclist to secure a bicycle to that can be considered a designated bicycle parking area.  You know, like a bicycle rack that is readily available for at least a few bicycles to be locked to.  You know, like a gesture that says loud and clear, "We're glad you came by bicycle rather than by automobile -- we are here to help you."  Or, to some, "We understand that your bicycle is your main form of transportation, and we do not want your bicycle to be stolen.  Please feel free to park and lock your bike here and come back anytime to visit."

The city owns 5 parking lots (including 327 Columbia).
You won't find a bicycle rack in any of them.

No, the gestures coming from Hudson City Hall and Columbia County are more like:  "You arrived here by bicycle?  Is there something wrong with you?  We are not interested in accommodating bicyclists.  Buy a car or walk next time, dummy!"

Typical late 20th century thinking, still alive and well around here. 

If the powers that be at the county level or at 325 Columbia should one day decide that it is time to install a bicycle rack in the front lot, will they have to get permission first from someone over at 520 Warren, like Kamal Johnson or Shane Bower?  I would love to hear that phone conversation!