Main Street gets edgy Offbeat events and stores are transforming downtown Mesa

3 comments:

• GayUpMesa posted at 2:31 pm on Wed, Aug 3, 2011.

  Posts: 1

  "Nobody" wants light rail? Did the rest of us elect you as our spokesman? [smile]

  Granted, the construction period is going to be yet another in a long line of disatrous interruptions to traffic and commerce on Main Street. Terrible.

  BUT. Main Street has been essentially deserted for more than a decade. And struggling for a decade before that. Light rail actually IS the answer. The light rail has shown itself to be an enormous boon to business all along its path.

  See this link: http://www.houstontomorrow.org/livability/story/report-light-rail-is-boon-for-phoenix-businesses/

  Quotes:

  "Some of the business owners were opposed to or skeptical of light rail initially, but those interviewed have now turned into supporters after seeing its effect on local businesses. The support is not limited to these individuals, either; members of the Downtown Phoenix Association want Valley Metro to build future extensions near their businesses.

  "The owners of 14 Phoenix businesses interviewed by the Arizona Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) say that the new light rail line has increased pedestrian traffic, business visibility, and revenues, as well as reducing parking difficulties, according to Rail Life.

  "Business owners said that in addition to bringing more pedestrians during the day, the light rail has also boosted the number of evening and weekend customers. One owner reported a 30 percent increase in revenue after the line opened in December 2008, and another said he targets his advertising specifically to people getting off at the light rail station."

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• azconan posted at 3:40 pm on Mon, May 23, 2011.

  Posts: 61

  Well I think we should have a going away party for all the downtown businesses ! Yes say GOODBYE ! They wont be able to endure years of traffic restrictions and construction for the light rail thats coming. NO WAY ! Nobody will go downtown when its reduced to one lane, no parking and no life. STUPID city planners think light rails the answer. NOBODY wants it. Goodbye to all you businesses !

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• snipes posted at 9:46 am on Fri, May 13, 2011.

  Posts: 141

  I see encouraging signs in the downtown:

  The City of Mesa seems to have lightened up on it's burdensome licensing and permitting process, thus streamlining the path by which new businesses can get established here.

  A reorganized Downtown Mesa Association might have finally gotten its act together and focused on how it can help its existing members while at the same time attracting new businesses. The Chamber of Commerce also has new leadership, which is a good thing.

  Several recurring events draw people to the area on a regular basis, but those events are just part of the equation. The rest relies on greater merchant participation: That is, keep your doors open into the evening hours; you might be pleasantly surprises at the results!

  There's nothing wrong with looking back with nostalgia and envy on Tempe's Mill Ave experience, but Mesa *is* different, and Mesa shouldn't try too hard to replicate Mill Avenue's success lest they replicate its failure too.

  Let's hope the new enterprises--many still in their infancy--can survive the disruption that the coming Lite Rail construction with no doubt bring. After all, Mesa has much to learn from the Tempe and Phoenix's construction experiences, and there will be no excuse if we suffer thru the same mistakes.

  My Mesa Magic 8-Ball, which has been perennially stuck on "Outlook not so good", has recently improved to the more optimistic "Signs point to yes".

  Only time will tell.

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