As Hercules comes out of a turbulent year, Hercules Patch asked some residents what they expect, hope and fear for 2012.

Here's what resident Susan Keefee said. Share your own predictions in the comments or see the note at the end of this article if you'd like your thoughts published as a separate article.

Where you think Hercules will be by the end of 2012 and where do you hope Hercules will be?

It is both my expectation and my hope for the following thoughts. By the end of 2012 I hope that the housing market in Hercules will have hit bottom and will be starting to level out and perhaps even begin a slow rise.  I hope the Council has found a way to begin phase 1 of the waterfront project, which is all infra-structure, but it sends a signal to the other agencies and private investors that Hercules is serious about the future and its role in the region and is solvent.  I hope our new Council has learned to work together and has had the opportunity to be trained in matters concerning city councils.  This does not mean I feel they are inadequate, far from it, but as Dan Romero has pointed out a few times they are all new and its important they learn.  By the end of 2012 I hope our new city attorney and city manager have been able to address not only the Oliva lawsuit, but also the Red Barn and Big League Dreams issues and solved the problems in a way that benefits Hercules.  I hope Sycamore North is sold and completed with new quality retail that reflects our unique multi-cultural blend including services for seniors.  I hope Sycamore North's residential portion will be market rate for the most part and if there are affordable housing units, the city specifies who would qualify, such as teachers, safety workers and those already employed in Hercules.

Where do you fear Hercules might be?

My greatest fear is that Hercules will not move on the waterfront initiative thus preventing a nationally award winning project from ever becoming a reality.  I also fear Hercules may have to resort to Bankruptcy to solve its debt problems.  I fear we will lose the Olive lawsuit, the Big League Dreams reimbursement and any hope of deriving any benefit from Red Barn.  I fear Sycamore North will not be purchased and will sit there, a huge symbol of urban blight that threatens to tear down our city. I fear that the failure to complete Sycamore North, combined with our diminished Police force, will result in an increase in crime.  I fear Hercules will not sell HMU, which is incurring a huge monthly drain on the general fund and thus contributing to the debt-load.  

Post your reaction in the comments below. If you'd like your 2012 Hercules predictions published as a separate article, please send your answers to the above questions to laila.kearney@patch.com. Include your first and last name and a photo of yourself that clearly shows your face.