Dec. 15 - Planners Propose French Quarters For Marquette District.
BAY CITY: Imagine driving into the small Marquette Business District someday in the future and suddenly getting the impression that you're in France. Well, the city's planners believe that's possible, let's hope that it's most likely probable. It is just what is needed to draw customers to this historical part of the west side. The roots of this area of Bay City are to Frenchman Joseph Tremble (Trombley) who platted the land for what became the village of Bangor, shortly afterwards it was renamed to Banks due another Michigan commununity already named Bangor. It should also be noted that Joseph built the historical Trombley House which was the first framed home in Bay City (then, Lower Saginaw), and that his Uncle Leon was the first white settler building a log-cabin on the river's edge at what is now Fourth street.
Bay City has some talented people working in the planning department. They apparently know their local history and understand it's value as an asset for the future of Bay City. Their organized approach of reclaiming the vitality of the city's ethnic districts benefits the overall appeal of the city as a place to live or at minimum, visit. To the community's good fortune, many of the old buildings that represent this history are still standing. They just need to be exposed and polished up to take advantage of their uniqueness in an organized way. And, it can be done as a process over time at minimal expense to merchants and the city. A little painting using colors specified by a theme approach would do wonders at very little cost. In time the metal siding exterior that was the craze at one time, and is now faded, and full of dents and scratches, can be removed and painted or replaced with a more appropriate look to fit the desired image.
There are many good things happening in Bay City and Bay County that will make for a brighter future for its citizens. Probably the biggest issue that needs to be dealt with is jobs to retain the youth of our community. That may require a more metropolitan approach to turn around, such as an economic alliance of the counties in this area. Their combined assets are required to compete successfully in a global economy. A new business and jobs is good for each of the counties no matter which county it is located in. Travelining upto a a half an hour to go the work isn't an issue for most people. The old thinking about political territory has to change if we are we are to move forward in the 21st century and re-establish our success of the past as a vibrant community that catches the attention of outside investors.
^ Dec. 21 - Portsmouth Township Board Welcomes Wal-Mart.
PORTSMOUTH TWSP.: After months of debating a new township board voted unanimously on Monday to zone 31 acres of farming land along M15 for commercial development. Although not official, Wal-Mart is believed to be interested in locating a superstore there.
Residents opposing the zoning change have argued that the proposed Wal-Mart store would negatively affect existing small merchants and residents living in that area. Many have organized into a group called, “Friends of Portsmouth,” and are weighting their options to continue their effort. Possible considerations include petitioning to have the decision put to a vote of township residents or seeking a court injunction.
Large anchor stores typically have an economic impact where ever they locate on small merchants and residents. If Wal-Mart does build a new store in Portsmouth, it a statement that this location will grow into a significant shopping area. It will affect merchants already located there and it will bring new merchants to the area. Large merchants like Wal-Mart won't spend millions of dollars without extensive marketing that supports its success is highly probable. But, the impact extends well beyond Portsmouth. It will affect all east side merchants and residents.
The new Meijer Thrifty Acres store on Youngs Ditch and Pine Roads has been highly successful not because of support from residents in Portsmouth. Its success comes from being the only large full serve store on the east side of the river. It draws upon shoppers from the communities of Hampton township, Essexville and Bay City more so than Portsmouth township. If Wal-Marts opens the proposed superstore, it will to compete with the Meijer's store for the business of east side residents. Together, they represent a greater threat to merchants on Center road and downtown Bay City than to the few stores located near M15 and Cass avenue which may actually benefit from increased traffic.
However, mathematically, something has to give. The population will only support a fixed amount of businesses. The population of the east side, indeed, all of Bay County, has been stagnant for decades. The success of the east side Meijer and Wal-Mart stores will have an impact on existing merchants unless our population truly increases. Otherwise, shopping districts will only shift around geographically leaving vacant buildings and parking lots behind. No issue is more vital to residents and merchants than true growth that comes from manufacturing jobs. Jobs that make a product are what determines the wealth of a community, and this is where community leaders need to constantly focus their efforts. Unless we are successful in creating more manufacturing jobs, the service jobs they support can not survive either. Failure to in this regard will lead to higher taxes, reduced services, and ultimately, will force residents to move elsewhere to another community where they can enjoy a better life.
Construction of the roadway along Broadway Avenue is now complete and promises to add vitality to that neighborhood business district. Bay City has begun the clean up of the Up Town At River's Edge property and the landscape along Saginaw Street is being transformed for what promises to be a new exciting area of downtown Bay City. Another construction project in Essexville that will be opening in the near future is a new store and service station on the north west corner of Center and Pine roads. Kitty corner from them, McDonalds has just completed a total remodeling of the inside of its building and is open for business again, and several new merchants north of them on Pine Road have cropped up to take advantage of the increased traffic heading to the new Meijer Thrifty Acres store on Pine and Youngs Ditch roads. And, downtown Bay City is blooming with several new merchant businesses. And, of course, the Double Tree Riverside Hotel opened this year and is off to a good start.
About the only gloomy business asset that has yet to come alive is the property of the former Herford and Hops restaurant. Hopefully, an investor will soon have the micro-brewery producing a fine ale for the thirty citizens of this area. It would be nice to see a horse team delighting riders and viewers as it trotted along the streets again.
Maybe next year will be its time, along with many other exciting things taking place in our community.
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