Downtown's really not as bad as people think

http://www.aroundtownwoodland.com/news_06.html

Downtown's really not as bad as people think.

I was intrigued by the letter from Dan Walker which appeared in Sunday's Daily Democrat about the condition of downtown Woodland. One reader has responded to Walker in far harsher language than perhaps necessary.

And while there is always room for improvement downtown, I also have to disagree with Walker's assessment, when he wonders whether the city's Planning Commission has "allowed a portion of downtown to be destroyed? Empty store fronts, no trees, vacant lots are all unavoidable as you drive from West to East. What would the town look like without this massive migration to build east of town along Interstate-5? How about some thought toward infill and making the beautiful historic buildings more attractive and usable?

"Tom Stallard has done a nice job, but he can't do it alone! I'm very loyal to Nugget Market, but the downtown store, their flagship store, is the very worst in their chain. It would be nice to see some landscaping, more trees and flowers along Main. Maybe even a round-about or two to make the street more intimate and user friendly?"

What most people forget is how downtown looked back in the late 1980s and early 1990s, when it was a four-way thoroughfare with major truck traffic a constant source of loud noise and danger.

The city worked with businesses to make Main Street a two-way affair, which gave downtown a far more unique character. Some business owners were opposed to this effort, most, however, supported it.

Walker's comments about Nugget seem to imply that the owners of the food chain should fix up their property regardless of cost. He seems to feel it's the obligation of the city to require business and property owners to improve their sites. Of course, we know that's impossible. Imagine the tumult if the city stepped in and "told" property owners or buyers "this is where you will build and this is how you will build it." Land-use zoning is one thing, so are uniform building standards, but no one will tolerate such dictates from local government.

Downtown has always been in flux, some remarkable efforts have been the result of city planning, others by landlords or business owners themselves. Some landlords don't give a damn about their shops and charge excessive rents while letting their buildings go to pot. Others, like Stallard, have worked hard to create a modern ambiance with historic roots. Some construction is still under way, witness the Capitol Hotel, which is a work in progress. Some vacant land will be filled in as time goes on. Some land will remain vacant as long as the owner thinks he can squeeze a few more dollars from a potential buyer.

Ely Fairclaugh wrote some time back reflecting on what's now available downtown in the form of restaurants. It's a sampling of how downtown is changing.

She states: "It occurred to me when I went to pick up lunch at Silvina's Basket near First Street on Main that I could travel 'around the world in six blocks' for lunch or dinner É and that this concept could make a wonderful Pulse feature - profiling some and listing all the restaurants along or off Main within three blocks or so of the (Daily Democrat) offices. Maybe your features writer would like to take it on."

Fairclaugh, who works for Congressman Mike Thompson in his downtown Office, offered the following restaurants:

• Silvina's Basket, Mexican • Pad Thai, Thai • The Savory Café, English Tea Room

• Steve's Pizza, Pasta &Grill, Italian and American

• Tazzino Bistro, Italian and Continental • Osaka Sushi, Japanese • Maritime Seafood, Mediterranean • Morrison's First Street Deli, American • Salvadoran Drive-in, formerly Al's Drive-in • Fat Cat Cafe, homestyle

• La Garita, Mexican • Cuarto, Mexican • Paco's, Mexican • Carousel • And not to forget the Chicago Cafe that's been in business about 100 years.

Downtown is changing. It's always been changing. It's not great, but it's better than it was and not as good as it will be.