I've managed to squeeze in some reading time during my 30 minute lunch break at work. I don't make it downtown anymore, and now I know why that's not such a bad thing. According to local papers, the Downtown Association is trying to revamp it into a posh playground for the rich, chasing away any hopes of the alternative nightlife that once existed, minus one club, and the scummy bar next to the greyhound station (that i hold near and dear to my heart).
But damn them to hell.. they have put in a vodka bar... 100 different vodkas from around the world.... dr00l.
For some reason, I'm reminded of Decibel in NYC.. muzt add to list of Places to Stumble Home From while in NY.
But damn them to hell.. they have put in a vodka bar... 100 different vodkas from around the world.... dr00l.
For some reason, I'm reminded of Decibel in NYC.. muzt add to list of Places to Stumble Home From while in NY.
The Downtown Association is a non-profit, with a staff of ten people. They have a board of directors comprised of about 35 downtown business owners, and the Association acts on their (and the rest of the downtown business owners, for that matter) behalf. They can go to the Mayor or the city council and say, "here's something the downtown businesses are concerned about." But that's about it. They really have no say as to what kind of business opens, as long as it's legal. (and the executive director is very cool...several years ago, he was advocating for a skate park!)
However, the city is notorious for the mass of red tape businesses (especially new ones) have to wade through, and the Redevelopment Agency (who I fucking hated dealing with when I worked at the SJDA) has had a reputation for trying to force out businesses they don't like, and force in businesses that they do (with predictable results - Zanottos, the Pavilion Mall, the UA Theatre, etc., all closed due to lack of business). It's a frustrating, political, bureaucratic mess
Oops, I'm probably going on too long. Let's talk more over rum and cokes at the Caravan!