As NATO representatives and visitors prepare to descend on Dayton, Ohio, next month, the city showcases its post-industrial revival following decades of economic decline due to white flight and the Great Recession. Recent developments in hospitality and culture contrast with the impact of the pandemic on local businesses. While the event presents a unique opportunity to spotlight Dayton, organizers face challenges regarding communication and accessibility, particularly concerning the establishment of a NATO village that may restrict public access to nearby businesses like Rabbit Hole Books.
Bringing Nato to Dayton is the brainchild and a career-defining move for Mike Turner, a Republican Ohio congressman and former Dayton mayor who has been a leading advocate.
I want people to talk about what a great time they had here and what a success it was, says Larkin Vonalt, who runs Rabbit Hole Books.
However, many say communication and clarity on the five-day event, which will center on a Nato village in the heart of the city, have so far been lacking.
Vonalt says she was later told a tunnel would be erected to allow people access to the bookstore, which has added to the sense of uncertainty.
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