Dimond Message Board
Zarka Popovic
I tried to get a great international food dealer to go into the old Sprouse Reitz space, but when he called the broker the space was leased. So I assume someone is going in, be it Goodwill or another business.
Over the years I polled over a hundred households to see what types of businesses were most sought after and the number one response was hardware store closely followed by a family style restaurant.
Business attraction requires courting brokers. It also requires some creative collaborations. One of the hindrances to that site is the lack of rear access. At one time several DIA members explored ways to remedy that.
One thing that would still help would be tearing out the small building that used to be the 24 Karat Gold Salon before they moved. This would add access to the parking lot in the rear and encourage more foot traffic.
I hope that whatever business joins the district that neighbors will consider supporting them. I too, am guilty of not going to Blockbuster (I don't own a T.V. or VCR) and commonly dine out in other neighborhoods. Even though I have been one of the strongest supporters of the neighborhood for over a decade I now spend as little time there as possible in terms of leisure hours.
In spite of some of the lackluster businesses, I can't tell you how grateful I am to the DIA for all of its good work over the years and for its continuing efforts for IMPROVEMENT in both the residential and commercial neighborhood.