[Ang]

The News Dispatch is running a series of articles from the Chamber of Commerce about sprucing up the north end of MC. They're very interesting and informative. I would put them here, but I'm not sure how to do that. Anyway, I think there is a lot of potential on the north end of town and one suggestion I have to improve business and tourism would be to put a gas station/convenience store on the corner of 12 and Wabash (across from the pet store). It would get a lot of business from beach-goers who need ice and beverages to replenish their coolers. They could close at 10 since the park closes at 10. Also, the lot from Memorial Hospital would make a good site for a civic auditorium. One other thing is the old Brewery (on 8th and Mich. Blvd.) could be turned into fully furnished apartments for short term leasing--like people who move to MC and need a place to live until they find a job and permanent residence.

What are your thoughts or suggestions about this subject?

[Southsider2k12]

This is probably one of my biggest concepts that I want to see addressed in detail before I decide who I want to vote for in the next elections. We have had way too many people pulling in all different directions, when what we really need is one big concept for the future. Franklin Sq revitalization, the Memorial Hospital site, West-side revitalization, and the Trail Creek corridor all should be thought out together, instead of as separate battles. I want to see a canditate come in with a vision for the future for all of these projects which work together, instead of the stupid battles fought over each individual project. It all comes down to making the same stupid mistakes we have been making as a municipality for decades now. The personal battles over this stuff, have to stop, and someone has to step into the limelight and unite people behind one big goal. The opportunity is there to remake Michigan City for the next 100 years, if someone can think big enough to take it. All of these things are right here in front of us, and not many failing ex-manufacturing areas have this kind of chance staring them in the face. I really hope there is someone out there dreaming big, because that is what we need to save MC.

[Roger Kaputnik]

The complete lack of any coordination of planning is what brought me out to speak against the Park Dept plan in the Fall. The Lakefront and Trail Creek Corridor are essentially priceless to MC, and no matter what a private developer would pay for the land, it cannot be enough. This area must not be allowed to fall into private hands. The best model of how this area should be developed in the Grant Park area in Chicago. This would actually result in the increase in value for a much larger area than just the park areas themselves.

Does anyone trust the current powers-that-be in MC to make a good plan and execute it? Not moi!

[Southsider2k12]

First off, until someone steps to the front of the line and can unite the town behind an idea of somekind, I would much rather the land sit in its unused state, than to have someone come in and do something, just for the sake of doing something. So far, we have become way too locked into territorial infighting everytime someone tries to do something with portions of these areas. That exact problem has been bogging down Michigan City for too long now, and impeding our progress for the future.

Personally I was thrilled to see Tim Bietry and the Chamber step to the front again, as they did to settle some of the issues in the MCAS/ teachers problems, and take the initiative to break this stalemate and do try something postitive here. The history lesson of gathering up all of the information contained in the first eight parts of the articles was worth its weight in gold. What I personally learned is that MC seems to be really good at planning, but really poor at executing these plans. We have an incredible number of man-hours of research and work already done for us, which we can use to help us decide what works best for our community's vision of our future. I think the big thing we have to do now is to decide on our vision. In the past I think MC has fallen victim to waiting for a hero to swoop in with a vision and fix things. Instead we need to define our vision, and then identify who best would fulfill those ideals.

[lovethiscity]

The most assinie part yet. Is the Chamber calling for a meeting at the very same time of the BZA meeting. The board of Zoning Appeals to here and probably decide the Pahs Rd. housing development while the population attends the North End meeting. I am beging to think it is all smoke and mirrors.

[Roger Kaputnik]

Is the workshop planned for tonight (Tuesday, 7-9 pm) still on? Can someone e-mail Mr. Bietry to find out?

[Roger Kaputnik]

I got this answer.



Thank you for your interest but we are probably going to postpone due to the
weather. We will contact WEFM as soon as we make our call. I hope you can
be with us if or when we re-schedule.

Tim Bietry, President
Michigan City Area Chamber of Commerce
200 E. Michigan Blvd.
Michigan City, IN 46360

[Southsider2k12]

Thanks for the info. I do want to try to get up there for this. I am curious what they will have to say.

[Roger Kaputnik]

I think I heard on the radio that the meeting is postponed until next Wednesday, 21 Feb. Unfortunately, that is Ash Wednesday, and I think that Mass will mean that I will miss at least the first third of the meeting.

[Roger Kaputnik]

It IS the 21st, Ash Wednesday, time and place I think is the same, viz., 7pm at the Senior Center (Cenior Senter??).

Maybe I can make it after Mass.

[Phil]

Ang - You have some valid suggestions, hope the city and investors listen. The only problem that I see with a gas station and convienience store would be the lack of business during the winter months.

[Ang]

The only problem that I see with a gas station and convienience store would be the lack of business during the winter months.

Not really. If the gas station were at the end of Wabash in that vacant lot across from Brantz' (if it's still vacant), I believe it would get a lot of business from people travelling to the boat or Michigan. I think there would be enough winter traffic to sustain it.

[Roger Kaputnik]

Gas is price-driven: If the station would have normal prices or even (get this!) attractive prices, people will fill up there, winter or summer.

[Southsider2k12]

Gas is price-driven: If the station would have normal prices or even (get this!) attractive prices, people will fill up there, winter or summer.

You are leaving out the competition factor there as well. To get gas you either have to drive to the Pines, or to past the Casino on 12, or if you go through town, up to Franklin and Detroit. I think that is a prime, untapped market for a place like that. The question becomes what do the local residents think of having that establishment in their area.

[Ang]

I think the residents would like to have a gas station/convenience store near them. The location I mean isn't in the middle of a neighborhood, but it would be close enough for north end residents to walk if they wanted. I think everyone would win in this situation.

[Max Main]

I know someone who lives in congress park, says she would go to a convenience store a lot--even walk to one!