Like The Gary before him, John Lopp seems eager to graft as many exurban principles as possible onto the downtown canvas to impress those prone to the way of reacting, not necessarily thinking, that culminates with the exclamation, "Boy, just think if we had a (insert national chain store) downtown."
In this, I believe Lopp is utterly mistaken. It is ludicrous to mention the magical words "Cracker Barrel" as curative for a vicinity that has numerous, unique local dining options already, and it makes me worry that the residential neighborhood he has in mind might be better situated up on the hill, behind a big wall and billfold-activated gates.
To be fair, at least some of this dust-kicking may be intended to distance Lopp Real Estate from the downtown work of former associate Mike Kopp, now out on his own as Blue Sun. And, positing the need for charming downtown "gateways" probably is harmless and might provide a morale boost to some.
Just the same, much of what Lopp says in today's Tribune cover story strikes me as jarringly out of synch with what we've learned about downtown prospects -- fundamentally, that they be distinct and local, and that the city be used as it was intended to be used.
Can your Cracker Barrel do that? Nope.
Next?
No start date set for west end work; Lopp said gateways to downtown must improve to bring more variety.
First, let’s look at Cracker Barrel’s business model. They primarily cater to Interstate drivers. While locals would eat there, that’s not who Cracker Barrel targets. Most customers would be people who drive in, eat, and leave. Cracker Barrel customers are in a hurry to get to their next destination. Most won’t linger and shop at downtown retails establishments. Direct profits leave for corporate headquarters; spinoffs are minimal. At the same time, the costs of a downtown Cracker Barrel are real. The uniqueness of New Albany is replaced by something you can find off any interstate. Large parking lots make walking less inviting for neighboring residents.
ReplyDeleteSecond, while I’m a huge proponent of beautification, targeting “gateways” is the wrong approach. Again, with gateways we target people who don’t know New Albany and who might just stumble in. With limited resources, I’d rather create a more attractive destination than a more attractive gateway to that destination. Beautifying ordinary buildings, streets and sidewalks improves both the experience for the visitor and the quality of life for the local. An improved gateway may improve perceptions for the first time visitor. However, frequent visitors, locals, regulars, will judge us on our substance and not our facade.
Finally, I’m not bashing chain stores. Chain stores, even big box stores, can and have fit into walkable and high quality of life urban environments. It just doesn’t have by chance and the chain stores aren’t going to do it on their own. We’re the only ones who live here and it’s up to us to ensure that quality of life remains strong.
Why is the local "newspaper" printing a commercial developers wish list for 2010? That's all I get out of this. Any news in the paper lately?
ReplyDeleteWow. I'm usually one of the big defenders of being open to chain restaurants on this blog, and even I cant fathom such an idea being well received or a good fit in downtown NA.
ReplyDeleteI didnt know Mike was on his own. That's great for him...
wAccording to Cracker Barrel's (CBRL GROUP, INC.) FORM 8-K filed in FY '07, the average Cracker Barrel store has:
ReplyDelete"Seats per restaurant: 200
Average number of employees per store: 105 (Hourly)
Hourly employee turnover: 113% in FY07"
Not exactly a place from which to retire for New Albany's citizens. Is there really any local benefit?
"Why is the local "newspaper" printing a commercial developers wish list for 2010? That's all I get out of this. Any news in the paper lately?"
ReplyDeleteThe West End story is an update on a development that was introduced about a year ago, and would have a substantial impact on residents of the West End if completed. It's intended to let those residents know where the project stands. That's the thrust of the story, the part about restaurants and what not is near the end and is basically just to provide background on why Mr. Lopp chose that location, and what he aspired/still hopes to put there.
Daniel S - more about "what is", less about what might be, is NEWS.
ReplyDeleteMs. Coyle,
ReplyDeleteWe try and update stories periodically that we've run in the past. If not, readers wonder what happened. This was one of those updates.
"If not, readers wonder what happened." YEah, by the way, how is the Linden Meadows project going? Or the CCE deal? Readers would like follow up on stories that are costing money NOW.
ReplyDeleteWe've had some updates on those within the last month. Lm plan still being formed, Eastridge and rd commish negotiating new terms. neither costing city money, yet.
ReplyDelete