Had my car serviced at Pohlman yesterday, and took the opportunity to walk the area-dow Main to the Sorg, then up Central all of the way. Checked out every business and conditions in and out. Have never seen the area in worse dis-repair. Ceilings had fallen in many locations. Few spots were ready for occupancy. Dirt and trash outside of many locations. Very few properties actually occupied with sustainable businesses, with the core activities revolving around Govt.services, Family Services and the Hope House(all entities that some want relocated--but to where? They honestly seem best suited right where they are. Maybe the very few upscale businesses are the enrities out of place).
Aren't we glad that we paid for new store fronts to be installed along Central on the consistently vacant buildings? Will we be replacing them down the road, even before tenants are found? Buck's Cafe(formerly known as the Anchor) was the only dining location--it is actually pretty good and a decent place. Try it out! Even the other bars are gone.
The Sorg Opera House was particularly depressing. The companion storefronts were even worse. The former Rose Furniture location may well have to come down next. For an area touted as an "Arts district" there was nothing outside of Beau Verre and a small Chris Walden presence. The Thatcher properties were un-characteristically unkept. The "Bright Future" doesn't seem to be any time soon.
I would expect Mr.Michel to be the perfect choice for KMB and their donated office space within the city building. Congrats to Ms.Hall for her service and new position. A very nice lady.
The Historical Society is obviously on it's last legs in it's current form. What can Mr.Wilson do other than seek new funding? MCF or other foundations? I doubt that the record-keeping organizational situation will get govt.funding.
|