by Kirby Lindsay
Every year I write a resolution for the coming year in Fremont. I like resolutions, and the chance to assess and evaluate the coming year - and my expectations for it.
As the global economy does a steady, careful and wildly over-analyzed turnaround, the small businesses of Fremont continue to struggle. With winter fully arrived, as holiday hysteria gives way to grey grimness, some businesses won’t survive such as Railey’s, Lucca Statuary and Urbanweeds.
However, we will also gain businesses – Kylie’s Chicago Pizza, Wax On Spa, and Santolea (the restaurant opening in the former Ian space). People change careers, rents have come down and previously occupied retail spaces offer opportunities.
My resolution for 2010 is to not only support the Fremont business district, but even nudge changes that I want to see – as well as the visions of others.
Make A Difference
It is possible for an ordinary citizen to bring a specific business to this neighborhood – since I’ve done it. Passing on a phone number between a landlord (or real estate agent) and a more-than-prospective tenant can put a business here instead of elsewhere. Community activism put behind a good idea can also direct change.
To make it happen, it helps to have a plan. So, for this year, I’ve got a list of my dreams for Fremont.
First, I (always) want a more ‘family friendly’ Fremont. A casual poll of parents and teens of what they need to come here got these suggestions:
Some ideas are worth pursuing for all demographics:
They say in brainstorming, there are no bad ideas. So, let’s consider…
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In 1980, the Fremont Chamber of Commerce did a Revitalization Plan for the neighborhood business district. Part of it contained a 10-year-plan and a list of the business-types that participants wanted in the area. By 1985, after the neighborhood directed its energy towards a specific goal, all those businesses had arrived.
Change will happen. Businesses will move or close, and if we all work to keep Fremont the attractive, energetic and positive place it is, other businesses, services and programs will arrive. In 2010, I have resolved to do what I can to make change happen – how ‘bout you?
©2010 Kirby Lindsay. This column is protected by intellectual property laws, including U.S. copyright laws. Reproduction, adaptation or distribution without permission is prohibited.