New street doesn?t equal revitalization
The latest word on the street, as it just so happens, involves several downtown streets. Most prominently, this talk surrounds Morford Street which is the primary street targeted for improvement as the city takes aim at phase II of downtown revitalization.
One could argue that phase I of downtown revitalization isn?t complete. Sure the $5.1 million project is done and construction crews are gone, but Main Street revitalization has hardly taken shape before our very eyes.
New businesses haven?t flocked to Main Street, although there have been some new store openings. And despite new street lights and sidewalks, I?ve talked to several store owners who have told me business has not been robust.
Main Street is pretty, it just doesn?t appear too profitable.
One end of the street seems to be climbing to its feet a little faster than the other. The block with Magness Library and the Park Theatre is at least at full capacity. On the other side of Court Square, the block with Regions Bank, Attitudes and Paul Holder Realty is also fairly full.
But when you travel past First National Bank, the black hole of Main Street quickly converges. There?s one storefront that?s boarded up with plywood and the old Fraley?s building is conspicuously empty, save for a few rusty bicycles.
New York Grill even reduced its hours and is now only open for dinner. Put any type of spin on that you like, I don?t think it?s positive.
I realize turnarounds take time and I?m by no means criticizing phase I of downtown revitalization. The project was badly needed and I applaud city officials for having the initiative to get the job done. It didn?t come without its share of complaints, from taxpayers to business owners.
More than anything, I?m merely pointing out the obvious. While the road looks great, Main Street merchants have hardly been showered with financial rewards.
That takes us to phase II of downtown revitalization, which is mainly concentrated on the section of Morford Street that?s between Sparta Street and Chancery Street.
City officials are showing forward thinking by considering this project, although I must put an asterisk next to my level of enthusiasm. While I whole-heartedly embrace making Morford Street look nicer eventually, I have to weigh the potential benefits against the potential headaches, and costs.
For starters, there aren?t many storefronts along that section of Morford Street. It starts with a used battery store, includes a large parking lot behind Fraley?s, and features plenty of open space around the post office. Central Church of Christ continues to expand down Morford Street and it probably won?t be long before it reaches Warren County Furniture.
That said, my question is how much office space is available on Morford Street to make it a thriving retail district? Back 60 or 70 years ago, was it ever a thriving retail district? Other than looking pretty, are there any other real advantages to improving Morford Street?
My take is this: If the city has millions of dollars to throw around, that money would be better used right now to help the existing Main Street businesses survive.
It?s easy to pull a George W. Bush and proclaim ?Mission accomplished? when it comes to Main Street revitalization. But before jumping too far into phase II, city officials would be wise to re-evaluate phase I.
Main Street looks great but I would stop way short of claiming revitalization has occurred. It?s been more like a facelift. There?s a fresh look on the outside, but the same struggling businesses are inside.
James Clark is editor of the Standard. He can be reached at 473-2191 or by e-mail at [email protected].