On Revitilization

Last time I mentioned that I have been spending quite a bit of time utilizing the online research resource provided by our local library. Interspersed with stories on redevelopment I found special interest stories that had the feel of being placed by a publicist.

For some reason one story in particular jumped out at me and it had to do with the idea of turning downtown Martinez into a day spa destination. I remember the day my mom and I happened into the spa down on Ferry Street the day the news photographer was in the store. Today all that remains of that business is the arched doorway and I think I know where Obama got his Greek columns. But it was a sweet story, just like the newest story that ran in the business section a week or so ago.

[Spoiler Alert] for those who think I can just leave it at that, congratulate a few businesses for getting theirs and their business’s name in the paper, sorry. I didn’t raise three kids, two of which are now in the military, by blowing smoke up anybody’s anything. Being plucky isn’t the same as being profitable. If year over year growth was as simple as getting a one-off PR piece placed in a regional newspaper, anyone could do it and agencies like Publicis Hal Riney or Ketchum Public Relations would close up shop. And this revolving door of fits and starts like “Martinez, the East Bay’s day spa destination” would have a better ending.

If its true that the City of Martinez hired a consultant to provide a valuation of the current downtown business mix, and they did, and the results showed the downtown didn’t support itself, and it doesn’t, shouldn’t the focus be on bringing new blood to our downtown and not worry about who is doing what, when or how? Well in my opinion it would be if the ultimate outcome everyone is looking for is economic viability. It was apparent to me based on the consultant’s perspective that having a core group of loyal patrons isn’t getting the job done.

The truth is that if a redevelopment agency is formed – this discussion becomes moot. All of the squabbling and backbiting will be replaced with shiny new corporate stores and automatons for shopkeepers. While that may be the ultimate outcome for some, that isn’t what prompted a fifty dollar a plate spaghetti feed in order to stave off the closure of what once was for me, a beloved watering hole.

So what’s it gonna be, Martinez, hubris and homogeny? Personally I’m pulling for plucky and profitability.