forum on downtown ypsi business

7 Comments

1. mark
   Posted November 3, 2006 at 7:59 am | Permalink

   Unfortunately, not everyone had a great time.

2. Hillary
   Posted November 3, 2006 at 12:46 pm | Permalink

   “MAIN STREET COMES TO YPSILANTI On November 3 and 4, Ypsilanti business people and civic leaders united in an intensive two-day series of meetings to discus downtown revitalization. Sponsored by the Downtown Development Authority, the program was under the direction of Tom Lutz, from the National Trust’s “Main Street” program in Washington, D.C. Lutz’s central point was that Ypsilanti will not have a viable downtown again until the community at large decides that it is ready to make a total commitment to downtown.

   At the final meeting at Woodruff’s Grove, Lutz told his large audiences that they seem “intimidated by some neighbors”. He expressed astonishment that so many of his audience still had doubts about the value of an historic preservation program, which to him means, essentially, making the most of the unique resources we have. He urged the creation of a new umbrella organization which would work with objectivity and vigor to mobilize the community in making a vital downtown. He noted the need for an energetic, young, outside professional who would work full time on the project; but the ultimate success of the project would depend upon an all-out community effort.” November 1982

   “SHOP FOR CHRISTMAS IN YPSILANTI – FIRST! November, 1983

   — copied from YHF newsletters

3. ol' e cross
   Posted November 3, 2006 at 3:22 pm | Permalink

   Regarding “not everyone having a good time” to above, in all fairness to Budget Towing, I saw Brian pull into the EMU structure, and well, he did park here.

4. ol' e cross
   Posted November 3, 2006 at 3:22 pm | Permalink

   Regarding “not everyone having a good time” to above, in all fairness to Budget Towing, I saw Brian pull into the EMU structure, and well, he did park here.

5. mark
   Posted November 3, 2006 at 3:26 pm | Permalink

   I think that’s exactly right, Hillary. They had “business people and civic leaders” at that other meeting, and this time it was primarily members of the community. Lutz, whoever he was, was absolutely right when he said – “The ultimate success of the project would depend upon an all-out community effort.” Hopefully we’re finally turning that corner… Too bad it took 23 years.

6. egpenet
   Posted November 3, 2006 at 5:34 pm | Permalink

   23 years … at least! That’s past …

   Looking forward, fellow citizens … let us not depend on the “powers that be” nor on “the powers to be transfered” after next Tuesday’s election.

   It’s up to us and we have the dollars and the spirit to get it done.

   We can recruit the businesses, find ways to help incubate business that wants to come in, help them convince financial resources we will support business downtown … and we need to start spending NOW.

   The upcoming “Buy Local” campaign and the county “Think Local First” Directory should be consulted on a daily basis.

   Businesses located outside of the downtown along Ecorse, Washtenaw, E. Michigan and Ellsworth, who want more from us should move into downtown. We like your stuff, but we want to walk or bike to trade with you, not drive all over the place.

   There’s no reason why two or three compatible businesses couldn’t subdivide one of the several larger retail areas along Michigan. Get creative! And check out the Thompson Block in Depot Town … VERY exciting!

   As for the landlords who refuse to make their “For Sale” and “For Rental” commercial and upper floor spaces “move-in ready” … I’m gearing up for a public shaming they’ll never forget.

   Fix up and rent or sell and get out of town!
   You know who you are … and we know you who are. And this applies to the housing market, as well.

7. mark
   Posted November 4, 2006 at 11:14 am | Permalink

   Sam Abuelsamid has written a post about the event here