*http://tinyurl.com/qafaaqf*
Will this Arcade developer be the one who revitalizes the downtown? That
is the "million" dollar question.
It is well known that he made a lot of money renting to many people
with a dubious past from well outside the area. Just do a search for
the criminal activity happening within his buildings and see what you
come with. His buildings are in the middle of it all. That
said...... He now wants us to think he's going to change that?
To think that an upscale clientele is going to want to move there will
be something to see as it has failed with the condos over at the SMOC site.
That was a complete failure. So what makes this different? The way
I see it you have only two choices of people who would live downtown.
Those with some money who want to live downtown in the midst of some
troubling circumstances that haven't been corrected, as of yet, or those
living there now who are part of the downtown social movement, you know
those on the Social service bandwagon, and still hang out in front of
the Salvation Army etc.... Yes there is still a group hanging out
there, drove by them today.
You won't be able to mix the two groups because it doesn't work that
way. So it's either going to be an upscale clientele who like nice
marble kitchen tops, or what you have downtown now, those who are more
concerned with where their next meal is coming from, and what day their
SS checks come in.
My bet it will be the latter. I am one who believes in miracles
though so I will take a wait and see attitude.
If this is not monitored properly it could be a big mess for the town.
On the other hand it could turn the downtown around if the right people
are put in those apts.
Jim Rizoli