I still think we need a soup and salad place, like the one I always recommend .. Sweet Tomatoes.

Well,
They would still be there if the owner of the building didn't force them out. It was a great
place to meet your neighbors, bring the kids to for pizza, and have parties at. What a shame. We need a complete overhaul on how all of our business district should be developed. First of all, lets make sure the Library is paid off...then STOP spending millions of dollars on the Police and Fire Deaprtment..they are fully funded and we are pouring money into departments that do NOT need it. Spend money on attracting well known retailers here and offer subsidies to locals to open up retail stores. Develop the Northpointe area as a river attraction !!! Build a complex of bars,
unique dining, and a place to go dancing...a lot like Bourban Street...

Parking is rough. I feel only chains will survive this town. This is a rough town for an private business to make a go of it, I would love to se a Corner Bakery or a Panera. Until the landords get their act together small private business will suffer here .

We need to look at models of other successful suburban downtowns. Sort out the parking situation, STOP opening up "italian" restaurants, and think about what would attract people to our down town. Bars and restaurants, yes--craft beer, wine bar, etc. lower the speed limit, so people are rushing through and have a chance to take a look at what we have--actually have something. We can attract a national chain store if we have the promise of foot traffic.

and get on the owners of these strip malls to repave their deteriorating parking lots.

I would like to know what happened to the "long term development" plan that we paid 50 thousand dollars to have drawn up about 5 years ago. Why was this done if we were not planning on using it. The plan did include parking being moved to the back of the stores. Lets use what we already have follow through with the long term plan it was beautiful and is just what everyone is looking for. I agree that the landlords seem to be a problem for many of the businesses in town and have caused many great businesses to go out of business or leave our community. With the high rent and unwillingness to work with store owners why would anyone want to open a business here? Not sure what the city can do about that but something needs to be done. As far as the police department, the new vehicles are normally purchased with seized drug money. Our police just arrested 2 know gang members robbing homes 2 blocks from my house and I am very grateful. As far as I am concerned, they can drive whatever they want as long as they are keeping us safe!