And Stark said his move to Hamilton was the start of his own revitalization.
“I suppose that’s what I love the most about our city ― thanks to a radically optimistic momentum that just won’t quit ― Hamilton always seems to be on the verge of something new," said Stark. “I constantly feel invited to participate in something bigger than myself around here. All her citizens, even those not born here, like me, are welcome to help make today’s Hamilton something special.”
That, Stark said, is the real “secret sauce” to Hamilton being a melting pot of culture, dining, new and expanding businesses, historic building renovations, and civic engagement. He’s usually involved in some part of that Hamilton renaissance recipe, and why several people nominated ― and the committee selected ― him to be the 2024 Hamilton Citizen of the Year, which is presented by the Greater Hamilton Chamber of Commerce. He will be honored on Jan. 31 during an event at Spooky Nook Sports Champion Mill’s conference center on North B Street.
Credit: Nick Graham
Credit: Nick Graham
This past spring, Stark was at the forefront of a fight with the Dayton-based Miami Conservancy District, which announced its seventh appraisal for flood protection rates. For most, but not all, communities along the Great Miami River would be impacted, and it appeared to impact Hamilton property owners more than other assessed properties along the Great Miami River. Stark formed Keep Hamilton Afloat in April to dispute the rate increases that would double, triple and even be raised tenfold for some property owners. Spooky Nook Sports Champion Mills assessment would have increase more than fiftyfold, according to calculations.
Over the course of months and a pair of MCD meetings in Hamilton, the board eventually altered the calculations, and the increases were not as high. However, change is still expected to happen as state lawmakers want to change the calculations outlined in Ohio law, which is in part to Stark’s vocal fight against the initial reassessment, which takes affect in 2025 and will be the first since 2012.
"Hamilton’s comeback story isn’t yet finished," said Stark, “and this particular threat of a late-announced and unduly high assessment increases on our property tax bills by the MCD would have marked a clear and dooming pause to our city’s momentum had it gone through.”
Community activism is not in Stark’s wheelhouse. Since 2018, he has been the director of Artspace Hamilton Lots, and all of the art shows, concerts and community events going on at 220 High St. He’s also the founder and director for the adjacent Strauss Gallery. Stark’s work “has provided ample opportunity to tap into not only the creativity that an artist housing community fosters, but also the abundant resource that is Hamilton civic life.“
Hamilton community events he’s been involved with include the 17Strong Advisory Board and Executive Committee, the 2020 Charter Review Commission and WeArtHamilton. He’s also worked to support several past and current initiatives, like Alive After Five, Chalk it Up Hamilton!, InsideOut’s SHIFT event and Golf Classic, Hamilton’s Juneteenth Celebration and upcoming Hamilton Black History Month Gala, Hamilton PRIDE, Christian’s Corn Stand Jam, Hamilton Hispanic Festival, Operation Pumpkin, the 17Strong Celebration Breakfast, and the inaugural Hamilton Neighborhoods Summit.
Stark isn’t the only one in his family to make Hamilton their adopted hometown. His sister, Sara Vallandingham, owner of Sara’s House, which is also downtown, has been in the city just as long. “It’s a huge blessing,” he said, to have his sister and her family close, specially a year-and-a-half ago when they lost their mother and brother in a span of a few months.
“I’m very grateful to have a close relationship with my sister,” he said, “even if I remain in her Hamilton shadow.”
Now, instead of being introduced as “Sara’s brother,” it will be amended to “Sara’s ‘Citizen of the Year’ brother.”
Credit: Nick Graham
Credit: Nick Graham
HOW TO GO
Greater Hamilton Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner
When & Where: Jan. 31 at Spooky Nook Champion Mill Conference Center on North B Street. Cocktails and dinner starts at 5:30 p.m. and the program starts at 7 p.m.
Honorees: The 2024 Citizen of the Year Award will be presented to David Stark and the 2024 Small Business Person of the Year Award will be presented to Kirsten Spicer, owner of Two Women in a Kitchen.
Speaker: The keynote speaker will be Randy Young, president of Aglamesis Bros'. Inc.
Tickets: Admission is $89 per person or $840 for a table of 10. To register for tickets to this event, visit www.hamilton-ohio.com.
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