David
02-25-2008, 02:05 PM
Downtown Meriden
By David J. Salafia
“Downtown -- (noun) . . . of, pertaining to, or situated in the main business section of the city.”
As Petula Clark sang in the song, “Downtown” -- “… just listen to the music of the traffic in the city, linger on the sidewalks where the signs are pretty. How can you lose? So go downtown, everything’s waiting for you, downtown.”
I often hear people say: “Downtown Meriden -- there’s nothing to do there.” “It will never get any better.” “We spent all that money, and what did we get?” “It’s not safe there.”
Just because it’s said doesn’t make it true.
Here are a few facts about downtown Meriden:
It is book-ended by a brand new Boys and Girls Club and a brand new YMCA, arguably the best of their kind in the state of Connecticut. In between we have Gallery 53, who just celebrated a milestone anniversary, a paint store (the oldest continually-run paint store in the United States of America), a barber shop, bakery, nail salon, deli (a Meriden business since 1940), Friends of the Library Bookstore, the Senior Center, a coffee house/eatery, Castle Craig Theater, Middlesex Community College, a jewelry store (owned and operated by two of the nicest people you will ever meet), a furniture store, opticians, a travel agency (founded in1929), beauty salon, and a spinal care center, just to name a few.
These businesses would be the envy of any downtown. These are the foundation of any successful downtown. While you may choose to focus on the obvious issues in downtown, I choose to realize these businesses as the base that is needed to keep Meriden moving forward. You may choose to see the glass as half-empty, but I see it as half-full.
Crime:
1.1 percent of all crime committed in Meriden occurs in downtown. It’s safer than the mall. Please don’t tell me “That’s because there’s no one down there,” because that’s just not true. Along with the above-mentioned small businesses, there are numerous state agencies that employ hundreds of people. There are many feet on the street, but obviously we need more.
Parking:
Yes, it’s an issue, but don’t get me started on that, until the Ethics Committee decides that issue. Parking is something we must address now -- no more long-term strategies and studies -- we need it now. You know it, I know it and the city staff knows it. Period.
Blight:
Yes there are some blighted buildings, but the Wilcox demolition will start on Friday the 29th, and that will remove a huge eyesore. Mr. Martorelli is fixing the old Hamrah building, and we are exploring a façade program that is used in other communities to fix up some storefronts.
Which downtown wouldn’t (and shouldn’t) boast about what they have to offer? Do our surrounding communities have a bookstore, art gallery, community playhouse and community college? Shouldn’t we be proud of these and other businesses that are working to keep our downtown alive? Remove half of the above-mentioned businesses and see what that leaves us!
So, the next time you need to have you glasses fixed or buy some paint, swing downtown and skip the “big box” stores. If you’d like to volunteer, the Boys and Girls Club, YMCA or Friends of the Library bookstore would love to have you do so. Why don’t you buy a cup of coffee while your watch battery is being replaced and stop in to pick up a brochure for your next trip? These are just a few suggestions of how you could spend some time downtown.
Yes, I know you’ll say, “He only says these nice things because he owns a business downtown and it will never be like it used to be.” Guess what? You’re right -- but just because you say it, that doesn’t make it true.
Downtown: swing on by, open your eyes and mind, you never know what can happen.
Again, just because you say it, that doesn’t make it true!
I hope I’ve helped to open your eyes a little bit about downtown Meriden. We have the beginnings of great things, and we need to attract more businesses. With your help, we will do so.
David J. Salafia is a Meriden City Councilor and downtown business-owner.
By David J. Salafia
“Downtown -- (noun) . . . of, pertaining to, or situated in the main business section of the city.”
As Petula Clark sang in the song, “Downtown” -- “… just listen to the music of the traffic in the city, linger on the sidewalks where the signs are pretty. How can you lose? So go downtown, everything’s waiting for you, downtown.”
I often hear people say: “Downtown Meriden -- there’s nothing to do there.” “It will never get any better.” “We spent all that money, and what did we get?” “It’s not safe there.”
Just because it’s said doesn’t make it true.
Here are a few facts about downtown Meriden:
It is book-ended by a brand new Boys and Girls Club and a brand new YMCA, arguably the best of their kind in the state of Connecticut. In between we have Gallery 53, who just celebrated a milestone anniversary, a paint store (the oldest continually-run paint store in the United States of America), a barber shop, bakery, nail salon, deli (a Meriden business since 1940), Friends of the Library Bookstore, the Senior Center, a coffee house/eatery, Castle Craig Theater, Middlesex Community College, a jewelry store (owned and operated by two of the nicest people you will ever meet), a furniture store, opticians, a travel agency (founded in1929), beauty salon, and a spinal care center, just to name a few.
These businesses would be the envy of any downtown. These are the foundation of any successful downtown. While you may choose to focus on the obvious issues in downtown, I choose to realize these businesses as the base that is needed to keep Meriden moving forward. You may choose to see the glass as half-empty, but I see it as half-full.
Crime:
1.1 percent of all crime committed in Meriden occurs in downtown. It’s safer than the mall. Please don’t tell me “That’s because there’s no one down there,” because that’s just not true. Along with the above-mentioned small businesses, there are numerous state agencies that employ hundreds of people. There are many feet on the street, but obviously we need more.
Parking:
Yes, it’s an issue, but don’t get me started on that, until the Ethics Committee decides that issue. Parking is something we must address now -- no more long-term strategies and studies -- we need it now. You know it, I know it and the city staff knows it. Period.
Blight:
Yes there are some blighted buildings, but the Wilcox demolition will start on Friday the 29th, and that will remove a huge eyesore. Mr. Martorelli is fixing the old Hamrah building, and we are exploring a façade program that is used in other communities to fix up some storefronts.
Which downtown wouldn’t (and shouldn’t) boast about what they have to offer? Do our surrounding communities have a bookstore, art gallery, community playhouse and community college? Shouldn’t we be proud of these and other businesses that are working to keep our downtown alive? Remove half of the above-mentioned businesses and see what that leaves us!
So, the next time you need to have you glasses fixed or buy some paint, swing downtown and skip the “big box” stores. If you’d like to volunteer, the Boys and Girls Club, YMCA or Friends of the Library bookstore would love to have you do so. Why don’t you buy a cup of coffee while your watch battery is being replaced and stop in to pick up a brochure for your next trip? These are just a few suggestions of how you could spend some time downtown.
Yes, I know you’ll say, “He only says these nice things because he owns a business downtown and it will never be like it used to be.” Guess what? You’re right -- but just because you say it, that doesn’t make it true.
Downtown: swing on by, open your eyes and mind, you never know what can happen.
Again, just because you say it, that doesn’t make it true!
I hope I’ve helped to open your eyes a little bit about downtown Meriden. We have the beginnings of great things, and we need to attract more businesses. With your help, we will do so.
David J. Salafia is a Meriden City Councilor and downtown business-owner.