‘Twas the week before Xmas and all over the Gateway Cities,

Rang cheers of Mayors, jubilant as kiddies.

 

Out on the street they made such a clatter,

I sprang from my car to see what was the matter.

 

Down the avenue I flew like a flash,

Looking for this makeshift bash.

 

When what to my wondering eyes did appear,

A small business district thriving with cheer.

 

A brewery, a boutique, restaurants aplenty,

Supported with small business technical assistance available to many.

 

Each entrepreneur of color received the loans they were after

 

So all of the storefronts were full to the rafters.

And then, in a twinkling, a bus came out of nowhere

 

The driver opened the door yelling “free fare”!

 

As I drew in my head and was turning around,

I witnessed the most glorious building in all of downtown.

 

I knew in a moment the source of this trick

Why a new HDIP project, sick!

 

Now if you’re wagering this story doesn’t get better

I’d advise you to bet like…never,

 

Behold, an Early College High School

The golden jewel.

 

With this sight, I could take no more,

I ran back to the car and opened the door.

 

Dawning my white beard and Santa Claus suit,

Running through town in hot pursuit

 

Ho, ho, ho, Regional Rail,

For that’s all that we need to complete our tale!