Kathleen Shaffer
07-01-2008, 09:53 AM
As deliberation begins on the Northeast Specific Plan, I strongly recommend that light manufacturing be allowed in the area. The history of the area is industrial and manufacturing, so preserve its character. Manufacturers, whose products can also be sold at their building, produce more sales tax revenue for the city. Since the city is down 9.8% in sales tax revenues, we must look at ways to strengthen our local economy. Mixed use buildings could also include light manufacturing on 2nd floors. Food producers, artisans, decorative mouldings are just some of the kinds of manufacturers that could operate in the area.
Allowing a mix of businesses - manufacturing, industrial, and commercial, in my opinion, is the key to financial sustainablilty.
There should not be 2 downtowns. The area should be linked together with identical signage, lighting - perhaps decorative street or walk pavers so you travel through the downtown not into one area and out of the area.
One last suggestion: a business that is definitely needed is a deli or small market located on the Laguna Parkway side which would serve the skateboarders and the employees in the Morris Street business complex so they could walk to lunch rather than always drive.
Kathleen Shaffer
Allowing a mix of businesses - manufacturing, industrial, and commercial, in my opinion, is the key to financial sustainablilty.
There should not be 2 downtowns. The area should be linked together with identical signage, lighting - perhaps decorative street or walk pavers so you travel through the downtown not into one area and out of the area.
One last suggestion: a business that is definitely needed is a deli or small market located on the Laguna Parkway side which would serve the skateboarders and the employees in the Morris Street business complex so they could walk to lunch rather than always drive.
Kathleen Shaffer