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| Hope for downtown |
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| Written by Jennifer Wadsworth | |
| Thursday, 21 August 2008 | |
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 Photo by Glenn Moore/Tracy Press It just needs enough money to build it up. Wide sidewalks, historic buildings and a combination of homes and retail make the area between Sixth and 11th and D to A streets ideal for a cultural-commercial center, said Marco Li Mandri, who has helped develop business districts in several major California cities. The problem: Turning downtown’s potential into reality costs more than local merchants and the city have in their coffers.
“We’re beautiful,” said The general consensus among downtown merchants, he continued, is that improvements need to be made. Namely, Li Mandri said, the heart of the city needs to come up with its own identity to market and create a demand that would attract higher-end restaurants, entertainment and eclectic shops. “Everybody wants to go there,” Corbett agreed near the end of the hour-long session. “We just don’t know how to get from here to there.” A possible fix might be to change the way the business district gets taxed, said Li Mandri, whose company, New City America Inc., will get up to $30,000 of city redevelopment money for its direction. Should landlords get taxed based on building size, location and use, among other things, the district would garner much more money to pay for what it wants. Some of what a richer district could buy, suggested Li Mandri, using examples from other cities, include trash cans with logos, dog bags, landscaping, potted plants and awnings. The full extent of the plan could mean hiring a manager, marketing the place as a destination and organizing special events to attract visitors. Since the early 1990s, downtown merchants have paid anywhere from $125 to $475 for doing business within the boundaries of the Downtown Tracy Business Improvement District. But the dwindling number of storefronts in the area and slow retail growth has severely limited the business organization’s revenue. Plus, a widespread sentiment among merchants about the way the tax system has outlived its practicality led the consultant this morning to talk about a new way to generate money, and more of it. One outcome of the planned meetings with Li Mandri, he explained at the meeting this morning, could be to draft a ballot measure by next year’s general election to expand the district — and thus the taxable base — and shift the responsibility to pay that tax to the property owner instead of the tenant. That includes homeowners in the gerrymandered city center. Voters could also decide to make the downtown merchant organization independent from the city instead of operating as an arm of the city’s economic development department. The set-up would last five years, and then 10 years, if voters approved it a second time. If consultants, the city and voters meet the first-available deadline at the end of this fiscal year in summer 2009, the new landlord-based tax could be enacted by 2010. Li Mandri put the proposed changes in perspective by explaining the importance of a culture-rich city center in an age of rising oil prices and backlash against suburban sprawl. The San Diegan consultant will spend the next few months getting an idea of what local landlords and business owners want for downtown and getting a better idea of the way things work. He’ll send a survey to property owners to find out whether they’d support a change in district membership fees. He plans to publish a newsletter with his findings by January. For information: 619-233-5009. • To reach Tracy Press reporter Jennifer Wadsworth, call 830-4225 or e-mail her at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .
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(68)
 written by Tracy Commuter , August 21, 2008
That's all well and good to get the perspective of the DTBIA and the landlords, but what about the customers? How much time is spent inteviewing, surveying, talking to the people that will spend money downtown and what do THEY want to see?
 written by solar_biscuit , August 21, 2008
Because as a consumer, you are being targeted. They are trying to figure out how to draw you in and what makes you want to spend money......Notice how nothing was mentioned about cleaning up downtown? Just like downtown San Diego is a disgusting homeless mecca. They build, but they don't clean.
 written by what? , August 21, 2008
This is just an excuse for the city hall to use the downtown merchants to do their dirty work to try to get this on the ballot. Owners will never tax themselves!
The city cannot promote and campaign for a tax increase, they will try to sell this to the merchants. 30,000.00 for a consultant to try to revenue generate for the city of Tracy.  written by #1Iroc , August 22, 2008
I think you all make a good POINT. I also think we need more of some kind of excitement down town, like for example look at down town Livermore and San Jose(Santan Row), you see people sitting out doors having dinner, people sipping on coffee chatting with friends/family, and children running around the water fountain. The smell of all the good food mixing in the air and the sound of music that you hear as you drive pass. These are some the things that I think will help down town bring more people and one other thing dont close so early !
 written by Tracy RealNews , August 22, 2008
There is already some increase of base of business in the downtown. You can see the improvements over the years. The Grand. You can see base of business in the coffee shops downtown. Sundberg has a happy hour at her tea house? Budweiser and tea anyone?. And the Farmers Market brings life every Saturday morn. Let it grow.
 written by CATPReader , August 22, 2008
How about putting in some stores that carry stuff that people actually want to buy. I personally find that there's nothing down there to draw me in because there's nothing to buy. I think I bought some celing fans a few years ago from one of the shops but other than that I consider a lot of the store "boutique" type stores. In today's economy you'll find it especially hard to draw people into a downtown with these types of stores because no one has and disposable income to actually spend there.
 written by fortheunderdog , August 22, 2008
Tracy's downtown doesn't offer that attractive setting to lure customers. There aren't enough businesses on Central that will attract people. In Pleasanton, people stroll Main St and window shop sometimes buying. In Livermore people stroll the newly renovated 1st St. Dublin has the Hacienda Shopping Mall. I don't know what it's going to take to renovate Central Av to attract people but until the city finds the answer I'll take a drive over the hill.
 written by Observer , August 23, 2008
Well, I, amy, have been blocked for four days and I think I am making someone nervous since I raised fuss about the Mococo line?
Not able to contact the "administrator" and not able to contact by e-mail, so taking up new registered name under Observer. But will end sign with -amy. If this gets blocked, too, you better take TRACY back from those who had a power play in it! By the way, the blue "silo"? looks so out of place with the architectural theme of Tracy? Change the color? Might make the place look more appealing? Look at the shops in Palo Alto, look at the eaterie there, organic shops here, clothes and linens made out of organic cotton and also bamboo clothes! Cafes in Palo Alto would have advertising black board to list the specials of the day with prices.. lots of customers would stop to read it, go in, if you want to improve Tracy with shops, go to Palo Alto and see how they make it so people friendly! Lots of bikers, there, so beware! Good luck Tracyites. -amy  written by Bar Fann , August 23, 2008
"trash cans with logos, dog bags, landscaping, potted plants and awnings"
That would be enough to bring people downtown? Trash cans with logos: good for the self esteem of the homeless people rooting through for food and recyclables. Dog bags: great for homeless people's human waste, but I don't think any of the pit bull owners would use them. The nice thing about owning a killer pit bull is that you don't have to clean up after your dog. Potted plants: we all know what those are for. Awnings: with the rainy season coming up, the awnings would be great for the night time drug dealers, and also all those drunken fools smoking outside of Corbett's bar. Yep, this consultant's plan will be great for downtown.  written by Dale Cose , August 23, 2008 written by Bar Fann , August 23, 2008 One can see that prudence dictates going with your null-ideas to ensure future customer appeal. Comparing his creds with yours, His- organized 50 plus benefit districts up and down the state in large and small communities Yours- unknown but for complaining online His- runs a company involved with day-to-day and long term interaction between parties Yours- unknown but for complaining online His- track record since 1996 Yours- unknown identity leaving you with the ability to bolt at any time Yep, the Bar Fann's alternate plan will be great for downtown. An unknown poster child wishing to accomplish some unknown thing. written by Bar Fann , August 24, 2008 Comparing his creds with yours, Good point Cose; let's look at his record. On his webite he mentions the BLQ in L.A. Nice place, if you like that sort of cultural experience. Some of that tax money they raise was spent on their website, where you can see how nice a job they have done: http://www.theblq.org/photo/jkk_0103.htm Or maybe you get really excited about a project he did closer to us, the Tenderloin/North of Market Community Benefit District in San Francisco? You've spent a lot of time their, I presume? Was that logo trash can a good place for your tranny friend to dump his used jimmy hat when law enforcement rolled up? written by Dale Cose , August 24, 2008
If your BLQ District photo is the surface, your story lacks any depth. Can we get some history?
I am appreciative of your colorful description of the Tenderloin/North of Market and the lurid tale. Glad the tranny friend was able to accommodate you and high marks for 'jimmy hat' disposal before the encounter with law enforcement. Your position is against a benefit district? Okay. What experience does 'Bar Fann' bring? How long have you been involved with these types of projects? Successes? Not as successful? How many districts were formed? Where? Whom may we contact? written by Observer , August 24, 2008
I think it good idea to cosmetically refresh the city's appearance from time to time as if homeowners would cosmetically refresh their landscaping for eye pleasing appearance?
Worn out, tired looking items should be replaced? Or repainted. Make Tracy's businesses eye pleasing for the customers, too. Am for improvements. Fee is steep for consultation, though? Tax write off for the city to claim? Not sure how that works? -amy written by Observer , August 24, 2008
Just replace the "blue" with color in keeping with Tracy's color theme? That's just me, though.
-amy written by Bar Fann , August 24, 2008 Your position is against a benefit district? Okay. I haven't made up my mind on what my position is on this. I am not against benefit districts. I was in the the BLQ to eat recently and I think it is a nice place as far as such neighborhoods go, and the be. I am pretty sure that it is not what the residents of Tracy have in mind when they ask for a walkable downtown. As for qualifications, as a consumer of walkable downtowns, here and elsewhere, I think my experience, and the experience of my fellow consumer here, is more important than the qualifications of some pointy headed consultant who has done a bunch of projects within the city limits of LA and San Diego. The problem is, no one seems to care about the consumer. Take the dog bags for example. That is a way of encouraging dog owners to come downtown with their dogs. Look around at the dogs in this town. Pit bulls. Should we encourage pit bull owners to bring their dogs downtown en masse? It would be sure to bring in a certain element, but it would discourage other people from coming downtown. What about your qualifications? Have you had lots of experience walking your grandkids around downtown streets filled with dangerous pitbulls? Was it successful? Did the experience make you want to come back? written by Observer , August 24, 2008
You're kidding? Pit Bulls? Nothing wrong with them if they are not trained to fight! Most pitbull puppies are so affectionate and remains affectionate when treated with love and care by the owners? I don't think they will be so stupid to bring dangerous Pit Bulls with Police on foot patrol? People have cell phones and they can report the dangerous dogs if that happens?
Tracy is too proud to let it go to the dogs, no pun intended! -amy written by what? , August 24, 2008
Barr Fann,
Dale Cose is not one to throw stones at you for your opinion. He is a slum lord owner of downtown houses. One has a septic system that bubbles sewer and has to be pumped so the children are not playing in open sewer. His interest is to make money in the downtown area on redevelopment money and habitat for humanity dollars. He also is a city hall lurker. He is all about making the dollar. His interes in this consultant is in hopes his real estate values will increase. Dale is not just another blogger with an opinion. He has a financial interest in improving his own property! written by what? , August 24, 2008
Barr Fann,
You could say Dale Cose is currently part of the problem! written by what? , August 24, 2008
Or may I say with his quote, " Dale Cose is the Poster Child of the Downtown" Slum Lords, Inc! King of the most unqualified to bloviate at Barr Fann!
written by what? , August 24, 2008
The poster would be a picture of Dale Cose with dollar signs for eyes!
written by Bar Fann , August 24, 2008
Here is a list of all the districts that this consultant has formed.
http://newcityamerica.com/districtsformed.asp I would ask three questions: 1. As we look at our downtown, which of these districts would we like to emulate? Do we see our downtown as being like Rockridge in Oakland, or do we see it more like the Mile of Cars in National City? As I recall, Tracy Tomorrow spent years trying to answer this question. 2. If we say, for the sake of argument, that we want downtown to be like Rockridge or Fruitvale in Oakland, or Imperial Beach in San Diego, or the Fillmore District in San Francisco, we should then ask ourselves, "Is this realistic for Downtown Tracy?" 3. Once we decide what is realistic, how do we get there? Will downtown suddenly become Rockridge simply because we add some nicer trash cans and some awnings? Common sense tell me the answer to this. The big problem here is the difference between expectations and reality. I look at New America list and note that every single project on the list is an area that has between two and five million people living less than 30 miles away. At dinner time, 5000 people all over LA might say, "Hey lets go to Korea town for dinner," and another 50,000 might say, "let's go catch a Laker's game and get some dinner in South Park." Is the Grand Theater as big of a drawing card as Staples Center? Does Tracy have the kind of demographics where every evening fifty or a hundred thousand people hop into their cars and start looking for a "walkable downtown as entertainment" experience? written by Dale Cose , August 24, 2008 Welcome... the return of the prodigal man/child What? Nice to see your 2cents. written by what? , August 24, 2008 Sorry to disappoint 2cents, ask the tenants their opinion of me. His interest is to make money in the downtown area on redevelopment money What redevelopment money? Haven't used any. and habitat for humanity dollars. You are welcome to my position at Habitat at any time. When would you like to contribute? Have you contributed? He also is a city hall lurker. Man/child, what does the statement mean? His interes in this consultant is in hopes his real estate values will increase. My interest, yes... as opposed to your belief that decreasing real estate values are a savy investment? written by Dale Cose , August 24, 2008 written by Bar Fann , August 24, 2008 I haven't made up my mind on what my position is on this. I am not against benefit districts. I was in the the BLQ to eat recently and I think it is a nice place as far as such neighborhoods go, "trash cans with logos, dog bags, landscaping, potted plants and awnings" Glad to read your open minded and willing to work on improving the downtown. As for qualifications, as a consumer of walkable downtowns... I think my experience... is more important than the qualifications of some pointy headed consultant who has done a bunch of projects within the city limits of LA and San Diego It is... glad to read your open minded and willing to work on improving the downtown. You, nor your background with benefit districts will be forthcoming? Yes/no? The problem is, no one seems to care about the consumer. True... the idea behind looking into the formation of a benefit district between business and commercial property owners is not bring more revenue by fulfilling the wishes of the consumer even though without the shoppers and diners there isn't much reason for business. Is the Grand Theater as big of a drawing card as Staples Center? Guess we're lucky we're no LA or some other large city. written by Dale Cose , August 24, 2008 my bad ... property owners is not to bring more revenue... written by Bar Fann , August 25, 2008 the idea behind looking into the formation of a benefit district between business and commercial property owners is not to bring more revenue by fulfilling the wishes of the consumer It isn't? The lede says that a "city-hired consultant talks to merchants about what makes city centers vibrant." If there is something other than consumers that do that, let me know. In the meantime, if the goal is something else, then why should I or any other citizen care? It's just more of the same, the civil service, the council, Celeste and Mark and the developers and a bunch of consultants, and some downtown merchants, maybe a hundred people, sitting around the Rotary club playing pocket pool, nursing ancient grudges and plotting revenge for long ago slights, and the other 85,000 people in town, the people who could afford to actually make downtown vibrant, we are heading out to the West Valley Mall and Pleasanton and Walnut Creek, Danville, Piedmont, hell, we are going to Manteca and Modesto for a little downtown action, and spending our money there instead of in some crappy framing store or lighting gallery or a market that sells unrefrigerated meat or whatever. You want to know what doesn't make a downtown vibrant? Look no further than 10th and Central. You want to know my credentials? My one single credential is this: I have been to enough downtowns to know that the vibrant ones are not anchored by Big O tire stores. written by Dale Cose , August 25, 2008 If you're going to quote why not include the most relevant part of the sentence? written by Dale Cose , August 24, 2008 ... even though without the shoppers and diners there isn't much reason for business. [/sarchasimoff] ... It's just more of the same, the civil service, the council, Celeste and Mark and the developers and a bunch of consultants, and some downtown merchants, maybe a hundred people, sitting around the Rotary club playing pocket pool, nursing ancient grudges and plotting revenge for long ago slights... Start nowhere is your advice? Given the opportunity, how would you deal with the Big O Tire store? You want to know what doesn't make a downtown vibrant? I''m waiting to read what makes a downtown vibrant. written by Tracy RealNews , August 25, 2008 What? The City of Tracy has made a lot of improvements. See the list of restaurants: Roasted Bean, Barista's, the Bakery/Cafe. There is the Rib House, The Grand, Two Thai Cafe's, Amores, Great Plate, Philipino/Hawaiian, Mex food, Fabios, Subway, Rubios, Magellans, etc... Did I forget anybody? written by what? , August 25, 2008
Dave,
It is business 101- Supply and Demand... The problem with downtown is nothing for customers. Zero Demand. Nothing from Nothing means Nothing! Cant wait for Bass Pro Shops - Will be shopping over at the field of dreams shopping center - Yeah Manteca! written by Tracy RealNews , August 25, 2008
To what?:
Celeste if fooling herself this silly notion of her's is certainly NOT a "win-win" that she keeps trying to feed us. No, the idea of a downtown courthouse is not good for downtown image. Most people prefer the idea of wide sidewalks and cafe's. In contrast, Celeste's website says: Go to Modesto and see the courthouses sitting on each side of the Gallo Center and think of the Grand Theater. It is a win-win. Don't waste your time of money. We just wanted to save you the fuel costs: Just go here, instead, to see "image" of bail bond stores in Modesto. http://www.flickr.com/photos/inkyhack/825251792/ The sign says, "One of the "oldest corners in downtown Modesto is dominated predominantly by Bail Bonds businesses." Would not want that in our downtown Tracy, Celeste! What are you thinking? Would much prefer a "peaceful" family style, downtown FREE of the Bail Bond stores and "social element"! I have better ideas for Tracy, CA! Thanks! written by Observer , August 25, 2008
When the street engineers did the road work, sidewalk improvements and so on, it did hurt the businesses for a while, now that it is completed (for a while) more businesses are setting up shop in Tracy.. pretty soon, flux of people will visit those shops during the festivals taking place in Tracy, I hope for that much.
Little by little improvements will yield great gains, took a while to fix the road, right, might be a while before every vacant building is filled, but businesses are returning. For uniqueness, go to Palo Alto and look at the shops, watch the people, students, professors, medical doctors, teaching doctors,(Stanford University Hospital)medical staff... been there several times for sessions, loved the place, hope to see some of the charm transfer itself to Tracy for an outstanding place for customers, residents, tourists to frequent. Break the conformity, introduce new ideas, organic food shops, organically fed meat, organic clothes, people with sensitivies to chemicals or allergy will welcome these shops? Many patients do, believe it or not! Was even surprised patients even have a part in deciding which stores to frequent! Good luck merchants! -amy  written by maybenotdumBcommenT , August 25, 2008
I almost choked on my coffee when I read this part because it is so true, I mostly agree with Bar Fann.
Written by Bar Fann 8-24-08. TRN could be joshing us about the improvements seeing how most of these eateries have been around quite a while. I couldn't tell for sure. written by Dale Cose , August 25, 2008 written by what? , August 25, 2008 what?... report it directly to law enforcement. Bone up. Political candidate in the political arena espousing political ideas. (Its called a public figure) written by Tracy RealNews , August 25, 2008
maybenotdumbcomment,
The Hawaiin/Filipino place, the Rib Place and the Bakery are quite new. The Grand is only a few years old too. There are a few more new places downtown. I don't know what the percentage is, but I know when I walk around I see improvements. I don't want it to grow too fast. Keep it peaceful - free of courthouses and bail bond stores. That the way I like downtown. Someone said, "Peaceful". That's a great way to enjoy a downtown. Let it grow. The Grand is open Monday through Saturday. Nice things are going in there! People need to know what's going on downtown. Things are happening. Not too fast. Not too slow. I think it is a good way to grow in these economic times, even with these notions of "slow growth" that were forced upon us. We are moving forward in spite of it. That's why I posted. Hope that helps! Thanks! written by what? , August 25, 2008
Dale,
Sorry to disapoint, I am not, nor would I ever want to be a public figure. That is why I have the freedom to blog my observations and opinion and disclose that fact to you and the rest of the bloggers. Unlike you, it is of your financial interest to bloviate city hall and Brent Ives propaganda. You are only interested in making a buck! One of the Crypt Keepers of Brent Ives and the AMigos! written by Dale Cose , August 25, 2008 written by what? , August 25, 2008 what?... never a public figure? It bothers me not. That is why I have the freedom to blog my observations and opinion and disclose that fact to you and the rest of the bloggers on your freedom-to-make-yourself-look-silly-cyberstalking-observation-during-blogging... did you notify law enforcement yet? Unlike you, it is of your financial interest... Isn't there something missing in your statement? You are only interested in making a buck! Based upon your writing, you have no idea what my interests are... and please, to make your societal contribution, my position at Habitat is still available. but for some reason you won't be doing that will you? One of the Crypt Keepers of Brent Ives and the AMigos! Gosh Beaver, I don't think I'll survive your meaningless tag. written by Bar Fann , August 25, 2008 Given the opportunity, how would you deal with the Big O Tire store? Ha ha, that is a question for your high paid consultant. You seem pretty excited by the 50 districts that he has formed. Based on all that experience, what is his advice? Logo trash cans? Dog waste bags? Awnings? Marketing Big O as a "destination" for shoppers around Northern California, maybe roll out a hot dog cart for all the people waiting for their mount-and-balance? Will those address the issue? Oh wait, we won't know until we pay him big bucks to "send out a survey," publish a report? For my part, I do what I can; I buy my tires there. Or I did, the last time I bought a set of tires, which was about ten years ago. These days tires last a lot longer than my lease. written by Dale Cose , August 25, 2008 written by Bar Fann , August 25, 2008 Excellent non-response. written by maybenotdumBcommenT , August 25, 2008
Isn't Big O where Santa lives?
I understand TRN. Tracy downtown for some of it is plain looking. I've been to a lot of downtowns around CA. Not much going on here, yet anyway. Tracy has some history and it needs to be built up on that. That might be what attracts visitors. I thought a train station would have been nice until the 40 per day popped up. The Grand is to bright, that Hawaiian skirt on the Great Plate makes me cringe every time I drive by it. The parking lots aren't big dirt piles anymore, so it is going, all be it slowly. And what is going on with that JC Penny building. I miss the pet store. I needed a special lighting fixture last year. I barely go to downtown. Can't afford the coffee, it's more expensive per gallon then gas.  written by Tracy RealNews , August 25, 2008
maybenotdumbcommnt,
Waiting to hear more about the big 40. Actually that would be like 80 since the folks at UP goes both ways. Yes the "Santa House" resides on the corner in the parking lot at Big O Tires. He also makes an appearance with his wife at the Portugese House during the Festival of Trees. Hope we don't develop a dependence on foreign coffee too. I don't drink it myself. But walking into the coffee shops downtown, you might just think there are many in Tracy with a dependance on coffee. Starbucks and Java Makers too. Also that Coffee Hut on GrantLine by the mall.  Cheers! written by Bar Fann , August 27, 2008 Excellent non-response. You are the one who isn't responding. Any moron knows that downtowns in America are in decline in general due to market factors. Except for places with free spending residents (think Los Gatos), successful downtowns are ones that have a sufficient population base to support the downtown as a form of occasional entertainment. Which is why this consultant has created successful downtowns in. So why do you think Tracy is somehow different? Why aren't you responding to that question? Why do you think that a plan that worked in neighborhoods in downtown L.A. would somehow work in Tracy? You've said that we are "lucky" that we are not L.A. or some large city. I agree with that, but the price we pay for not being L.A. is that we probably don't have a realistic chance of "revitalizing" our downtown to the place it was in the 60's. We could create something new, something different, maybe, but it would take more than some logo trash cans. And it seems to me that the people who should come up with new ideas are not random newspaper commenters like me, but rather people like, um, like real estate developers and government leaders. And if all that you clowns can come up with is ideas to spend taxpayer dollars on logo trash cans and dog poop holders, then no wonder you and the politicians are held in low regard in this town. written by Dale Cose , August 27, 2008 written by Dale Cose , August 25, 2008 written by Bar Fann , August 27, 2008 written by what? , August 27, 2008
DALE,
And what owner will be in favor of raising their taxes? Are you the Poster Child for the city to increase owners taxes and fees for the downtown area? written by Bar Fann , August 27, 2008 Lower Central and 6th St contained empty lots, vacant spaces, dilapidated buildings, flop houses and bars in the 60's. That's right. Which is more "life" than exists in the Magellan's strip mall today. ... Any moron knows that downtowns in America are in decline in general due to market factors... Sorry, nice try, but the non-response is yours. You refuse to answer why Tracy is fundamentally different from other middle class cities of 80,000 people in this country. Why are downtowns all over the country vacant, but ours will suddenly be vibrant (maybe the Super Wal Mart will help?) Why is our downtown the exception to economic reality? Is it because our city has bigger, bolder, more creative ideas? If so, what are they? I don't have them, and I don't see anyone else with them either. I don't know how to make water flow up hill, I will never see the inside of a high school or buy a hair brush again. I can't fight immutable laws of nature. If that makes me "non responsive," I guess I am. Now you don't like complaints, even when they simply state the obvious. The sky is blue, clouds are white, the ocean is wet, our downtown is dead and some trash cans and marketing won't change those fundamental facts. I don't want to be a pessimist. I think there is room for boldness, for energy, for creativity, for community and political action that can fight gravity and age, that can provide communities with vibrancy. My complaint is that I just don't see it here, in this city, in this plan, in this downtown. It's obvious to me. It's obvious to shoppers, to merchants, to everybody except, maybe, to you. So what are you arguing? Are you arguing that New America is going to radically reshape our downtown experience? Or maybe you are arguing that tiny incremental steps will be enough to stave off reality? What exactly is your point? written by Dale Cose , August 27, 2008 written by what? , August 27, 2008 We are. written by Dale Cose , August 27, 2008 You refuse to answer why Tracy is fundamentally different from other middle class cities of 80,000 people in this country Nothing I've stated says Tracy's downtown business climate is any different. Is it because our city has bigger, bolder, more creative ideas? I don't have them, and I don't see anyone else with them either. That's the spirit... in two short paragraphs you are beginning think about possibilities... Good job! My complaint is that I just don't see it here, in this city, in this plan, in this downtown. When I was a teenager and frustrated with a project I crabbed at my dad, "Why don't they get this done." His response, "When you have to move a car, do you run into it or do you put your back into it to get it started? We do projects that take 5 years, a decade, sometimes longer... continue to work on those projects and one day you're there. If there is not enough interest by the parties involved there won't be a benefit district. We will continue to work on our properties and with our neighbors. written by maybenotdumBcommenT , August 27, 2008
Dale, they have no $$$$, what will they pay with. Stores are closing down left and right. We are in a depression and we want to build a water part and a transit station. Doesn't make any sense. Build it and they will come. But I'm wondering if they wil.
written by Dale Cose , August 27, 2008 If you do not work on providing the opportunities for business it only makes it that much more difficult to attract them. I helped 3 new small businesses open in the last 4 months. Recession, depression, expansion, slow times, busy times... life and business go on. written by Tracy RealNews , August 28, 2008
That Transit Station would be great for Tracyites finding jobs in the Antioch area. Think E-BART.
Let the downtown grow as it will. There has been growth there. The downtown needs a park The property across Central from Magellans is for sale. I don't listen to Garamendi screaming like there is something wrong with the downtown and the rest of the city. That's her same sad song and it never changes anyway. I don't think Tracy was/is ever good enough for her, anyway? written by what? , August 28, 2008
I am with Barr Fann, it will never happen! Owners will not raise their taxes and trust city hall would provide a active and innovative downtown. It seems to me all city hall wants is revenue!
Dale, Do you know for a fact all the owners and residents in the downtown area would vote in favor of a property tax increase? You speak for all? written by Tracy RealNews , August 28, 2008
Cathleen Galgiani (D-Tracy):
Now that Arnold just signed legislation that would pay 9.9 billion dollars for a high speed rail from L.A. to S.F. Will it go through Tracy, CA? Hope we will be gettting a part of that puzzle, and do not get bypassed. 9.9 Billion dollars is a lot to support for some other county. Need to know how this will benefit Tracy, CA!?! http://camajorityreport.com/index.php?module=articles&func=display&aid=3429&ptid=9&theme=print http://www.fortmilltimes.com/124/story/268087.html Otherwise, why would the Tracy Democrats push Proposition 1 through to the Governor's desk??? Please advise! Thanks! written by Dale Cose , August 28, 2008 written by what? , August 27, 2008 I answered your question as you asked it. Please take some time to comprehend my response. ... it will never happen! written by what? , August 28, 2008 You've well documented your churlishness. In regard to a benefit district: -the formation process -the relationships of the potential parties involved -the types of properties involved -the boundaries -the economics -the revenue vs disbursement -the operation -the relation to city hall -its reason for formation you don't understand them do you? Not a problem but it can certainly be discussed without all your bluster. you read my previous comment? written by Dale Cose , August 27, 2008 Life won't end if it doesn't happen. When you put in your 2cents, use less emotion, more thought. written by Dale Cose , August 28, 2008 written by what? , August 28, 2008 I don't speak for them. They need to decide the appropriateness. Residential would normally be excluded unless commercial. written by what? , August 28, 2008
Dale,
Hey you were the one with the "WE ARE" comment. Has the downtown owners and business merchants voted you as their representative? Are you the leader for the city hall to promote a tax increase? written by Dale Cose , August 28, 2008
Please reread my response, 'We are' within the context of your question.
Has the downtown owners and business merchants voted you as their representative? Have the downtown... To that, I can only offer that you reread my last post. Are you the leader for the city hall to promote a tax increase? A new question... no, they have spokespeople on-staff. Your comprehension abilities appear to have degraded since High school. When you put in your 2cents, use less emotion, more thought. written by what? , August 28, 2008
You did not answer my question. Did the owners and merchants choose you to be their representative or speaker for them? You use the term WE, as a plural...
Useless is one word - Are you grammatically challenged? written by Dale Cose , August 28, 2008 written by what? , August 28, 2008 Please reread my post. written by Dale Cose , August 28, 2008. we equals family Has (Have) the downtown owners... Yes, I are. When you put in your 2cents, use less emotion, more thought. written by Dale Cose , August 28, 2008 written by what? , August 28, 2008 Maybe, maybe not, clearly got you beat. written by Tracy RealNews , August 28, 2008
Donde preguntas,
It was suggested by the City consultant. Now, I guess, you can accuse him of being "paid"??? go figure. Cheers! written by Tracy RealNews , August 28, 2008
Cathleen Galgiani (D-Tracy):
Now that Arnold just signed legislation that would pay 9.9 billion dollars for a high speed rail from L.A. to S.F. Will it go through Tracy, CA? Hope we will be gettting a part of that puzzle, and do not get bypassed. 9.9 Billion dollars is a lot to support for some other county. Need to know how this will benefit Tracy, CA!?! http://camajorityreport.com/index.php?module=articles&func=display&aid=3429&ptid=9&theme=print http://www.fortmilltimes.com/124/story/268087.html Otherwise, why would the Tracy Democrats push Proposition 1 through to the Governor's desk??? Please advise! Thanks! written by Tracy RealNews , August 28, 2008
Also please respond, asap.
We need hope for our downtown. Thanks! written by maybenotdumBcommenT , August 29, 2008 written by Dale Cose , August 27, 2008 I think Dale is saying the business people have to help themselves by doing what is will bring business to them, altho I could be wrong altogether. This content has been locked. You can no longer post any comment.
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