As I hinted at in a much earlier post, former Farmington Mayor Jim Mitchell has finally emerged to stand with Hank Borgman as a lead figure in the streetscape “Vote No” effort. Mr. Mitchell has long been opposed to the project in less public conversations, but waited until the end of the campaign to send his letter to the Farmington Observer. Of course, he’s well aware that the later he declares his opinion in the newspaper, the less opportunity people have to submit critique and analysis of what he has to say.
Which, of course, I intend to do – but with no small amount of consternation, because it’s hard to find an arguable point in his letter. His opposition centers around an apparent distaste for certain business owners and the DDA. Interesting that a former mayor would call long-time business owner Dave Cornwell a “hypocrite” for not fixing a problematic entrance to his building. Mr. Mitchell also failed to address this issue during his very long tenure on city council, when he had the power to exert some influence. He was also on council and supported the Cowley family’s investment of more than a million dollars on their new building, to the point of suspending the city’s standard parking rules for the restaurant. (Which, by the way, turned out to be a good decision, Cowley’s is doing well.) Now he’s concerned about special treatment.
As to the facts, however, Mr. Mitchell completely avoids any substantive discussion. He doesn’t argue the merits of engineered traffic calming or improved walkability. He’s not saying the project won’t achieve its stated aims; his only real objections are these:
a) Downtown businesses don’t deserve this much support from citizens.
b) There is no value for the entire community.
c) We shouldn’t spend this much money in a “bad” economy.
I’m actually a little disappointed, because I heard Mr. Mitchell has some interesting alternative ideas about improving Downtown Farmington. Instead, he simply repeats arguments we’ve all heard again and again. This is why the proponents and opponents of the streetscape will never settle their differences. All that remains is to count up the votes on either side and to see how many people are optimists and how many are pessimists. It is really that simple, because all the discussion, public and private, boils down to this:
When we face times of apparent financial lack or need, we basically have two choices: reduction and expansion. Anti-streetscape folks favor reduction, which moves in the direction of cutting back, shrinking, hunkering down until it all blows over. Reduction “plays it safe” with status quo and assumes change will only make things worse, and disastrously so. Reduction prefers safety to risk, sees lack and need everywhere, with little hope for the future. It gives the economy far more power than any individual’s ability to change his or her circumstances for the better.
Expansion promotes the idea that shrinking from a challenge only makes the challenge more powerful. Expansion innovates, creates, overcomes. Expansion builds worth and seeks new income and ways to increase value. Expansion recognizes the risks in both moving too quickly and not moving at all. Expansion recognizes change will come no matter what, and opts to drive the process, rather than reacting to it. That would be the pro-streetscape position.
Neither of these positions is inherently “bad” or “good”. We are all citizens with differing visions for our community. Mr. Mitchell now comes forward to identify himself as a reductionist. He says only that the status quo should be maintained. No suggestions no alternatives, no better way, no smaller budget solution – only criticism and complaint. And no surprises here.
–Joni Hubred-Golden
Michigan Woman Blogger
Interesting.
“This is why the proponents and opponents of the streetscape will never settle their differences.”
Joni, I’m the type that believes and knows from 20 years experience that differences are settled when each side understands the value of the differences. That doesn’t happen too often, sadly, until someone consistent and charismatic enough comes along that brings people to the otherside without lowering their standards or character. It’s a win for both when each side can rise above their own reality.
Right, the vote will decide and then what? If no, create and execute backup plan B. If yes, create and execute plan A and support it with heart and soul. By the way, where did Mr. Stevenson go? Ah, it doesn’t matter – he’s probably like everyone else – get’s in his car and drives here and there to/from a job he just “loves.” I shake my head; it doesn’t have to be that way.
You and I seem not afraid to take advantage of change. The two choices you point out, reduction and expansion, can happen at the same time. In fact, I believe it is happening, and has been happening for quite some time. More and more business are “right sizing” to small businesses, which are being pushed and/or created in the home. You know this yourself, I presume, to be true. It certainly is true for me.
Inherently bad or good? Not relevant. Right or wrong? That’s a matter of fact and/or opinion based ones view. Individuals expand before government. Sometimes they flee! But that’s the way it should be; I fear a government that leads the expansion. Most people do. Ask any Iraqi at home or abroad. I have yet to see a government expansion that was “right” or worked.
But I’m getting too far out there. Mr. Stevenson, where are you? Where’s that darn City Tavern? I could use a cold one and a basket of chicken wings.
Here I am, George – reading yet another of your byzantine ramblings and trying to figure out your point. Do you actually have one, or is it just the tingling of your fingertips on the keyboard that mesmerizes you into continuing ad infinitum? Is this your chief source of entertainment?
Let’s see, you swerved from determining what is “bad” or “good” (or not, as you’ve stated that it’s irrelevant), to comparing local government to Iraq, to stating you believe in expansion and reduction that happens simultaneously, to defining “rising above each side’s reality” as a win/win situation.
I much prefer your statement, “I’m getting too far out there”. If you ask me, I suspect you’ve been there all along… : )
By the way, I work from my home office in the fair city of Farmington, George. I drive downtown, then park and walk to patronize it’s businesses. I do “LOVE” my job, thank you very much.
Seeing the “value of the differences,” I think, is an excellent way to identify the problem here, George. That’s an excellent turn of a phrase. But where I’m lost is how what’s being communicated about the streetscape doesn’t seem to sink in. I’m not talking about whether it’s a good idea. I’m talking about the basics.
For instance, government isn’t leading this expansion effort, people are. People like me, and the scores of volunteers who’ve been involved in the creation of this project. Those opposed seem to think some amorphous government body created all this. It’s citizens, regular people. Well, as regular a person as I am, that’s always up for debate.
Many businesses are “right-sizing,” but for some, shrinking or morphing into something home-based isn’t the answer. My business will expand into Downtown Farmington, because my dream is to create a gathering space where people can come and share their stories. You’ll have to bring your own frosty beverages and chicken wings, but the chairs will be comfortable.
But I’m getting ahead of myself. I have listened to people talk about what happens if the vote fails, and the best response came from the DDA director, who said at a meeting this morning that if the vote fails, then we’ll all go back to the drawing board. That’s the “Plan B,” the back-up. Do it again, after a thoughtful, careful examination of the lessons learned the first time around. I will be part of that effort, and my first suggestion would be to re-engage those who worked in opposition, so that they don’t just vote “no” and walk away. I’m sure others will have ideas as well. The most important thing we will do is to learn from the experience, no matter what else happens. And the lessons here are enormous, if we have eyes to see and ears to hear.
I truly meant what I said about Mr. Mitchell’s other ideas, I wish he would share them. I’d love to see alternatives to “let it stay the way it is,” because nothing stays the way it is. Change is coming. We’re either out ahead of it or watching it roll through.
And we’re all getting too far out there. That’s where the fun starts…
Scott, I’m actually flattered somewhat that you are trying to figure me out. I didn’t think you had that much time. Have you figured yet that I’m an enigma? But you’re not yet sounding like a loving kind of guy Scott; one that isn’t afraid to reveal who he really is. But I have Barack Obama hope. So why don’t you cut your points about voting yes into the proper forum and we’ll just take it from there, ok?
The quality of shared space that Joni has created here permits me to spend myself. So far, the experience has been rich. To your dream Joni, I say I think you are heading in the right place and I also say, “Cheers!”
George, that’s awfully kind of you. More visioning to come, I believe that articulating visions brings them closer to reality.
Here’s the thing, I don’t hold to any space or placement restrictions. Freedom of expression flows naturally, I think.
Joni, I can be as kind and loving as a teddy bear or as tough and mean as a grizzly bear.
Yes, I agree. Articulating vision is necessary for actualization. And for seeing the vision of others.
Aahhh, the keyword freedom…..today we have freedom of expression. I believe one becomes rich by spending themselves that way; not spewing, spending. And if that’s ever taken away like some of my past freedoms (driving, for example), I’ll reach for my guns and religion.
Quality of shared space – that actually is not my line but was planted in my hard head by this man: http://briankoval.com/ As per your dream, I know you will realize it, and I think you might like a visit to Brian’s site. Years ago, Brian and I piggy-backed on the network of Fast Company magazine. As a result, Brian did something trully amazing – created a venue in a corporate cube farm that actually fostered and encouraged individual expression and creativity. Outside of that he and I formed gathering spaces and in and around Ann Arbor area cafes, including our home here in Farmington at the Grand. The common thread was the sharing of business stories, i.e., exptertise. Unfortunately, it would seem the owner of The Grand Cafe didn’t have time to listen while he was serving up the jo. But nevertheless, the Company of Friends Cells survive and it’s good energy.
Fast Company actually has a great article online right now (http://www.fastcompany.com/big-idea/best-time-launch-startup-during-recession) about starting up a business during a recession. I believe these are EXACTLY the type of businesses that would turn downtown Farmington around without or with a streetscape.
Correction, the article is really here: http://www.inc.com/magazine/20080501/starting-up-in-a-down-economy.html
OK George, I read those articles. Good read, actually.
But let me revisit your statement “I believe these are EXACTLY the type of businesses that would turn downtown Farmington around without or with a streetscape.”
1) Method – a cleaning products company who never occupied a retail space on their own. They are essentially R&D and a manufacturer. How would this be successful as a downtown Farmington shopping district component? We’re talking storefronts here, George, not warehouse inventory. They wouldn’t (and couldn’t, in their formative years) pay retail rent – no way, no how (probably don’t now, either).
2) RF Micro Devices – again, certainly apropos for an industrial park or something similar, but storefront RETAIL? I’m beginning to wonder what kind of stores you usually shop, George – do they carry micro chips?
3) Clif Bars – unlike the other two, this guy did had a retail space – THAT WAS FAILING. Notice he didn’t choose his retail space to sell his new product. Also note that the bakery was losing money consistently. The money made was on wholesale sales and distribution, yet another strange fit for the area of Farmington we speak of in these little diatribes of ours.
George, you and I share the hope that Farmington will grow responsibly and become more of a jewel in the crown that is our community. Let me rephrase that – my hope is that this already existing jewel will get the polishing it needs. The streetscape is one step toward that goal, I believe.
The examples of success you offer are good ones, and represent the necessity of hard work, research, more hard work, and a little luck. In that sense, I can see how that could be applied in the case for our hometown. But retail is a different animal, George. You’re comparing leechee nuts to cumquats (“apples and oranges” is SO trite..).
The businesses mentioned in those articles didn’t have to worry about how to actually sell the product to the public – they sought to sell to those who had the expertise. They didn’t have to worry about a shiny new showroom, or special lighting, or $5000 a month rent, or myriad of other things essential to make the retail sale. They concentrated on the product, perfected it and then let others take it from there.
Filling the currently empty retail space in Farmington will require a combination of things, in addition to the entrepreneurial mojo that the above exhibited. It takes knowledge of the customer, which in this case is the public at large. Failure to understand them, and their idiosyncrasies, whims, wants and fickleness is a sure bet to lose in retail. Pretty colors, flashy lights, pleasing sounds are the stuff of their desire. Been to the mall lately, George? Why didn’t they save huge bucks by pouring plain, solid concrete for entryways (instead of those expensive, ahem, bricks), and making each store look alike? Why do stores in the mall have palm trees, neon lights, insipidly-dressed employees and music blaring out of many of them? People NEED that George, to be persuaded to patronize one or the other. (OK, not everyone, but evidently it’s working) In that way, the streetscape provides an attention-getter, although much more tastefully – something that plays to that retail customer’s need to be persuaded. Nice brick sidewalks, professional landscaping, outdoor dining, on and on – all help do that.
When you drive through downtown Milford, Northville, Royal Oak, etc, etc., you want to stop, park, get out and see what’s going on – be a part of it. What I hope is we can keep Farmington from becoming the kind of place that, as you drive down Grand River, makes you want to press the accelerator a little more.
Greetings from the Amtrak bedroom suite parked just outside Kansas City. Don’t know how long this connection will last, and, it’s very late.
My definition of change and moving forward with respect to money changing hands is not focused on retail; it’s focused on the individual, the individual’s product and/or service, and the individual’s startup.
1) Method. A company like this brings its people downtown much like Compuware. Dagwood’s gets a whole bunch more business, and, the employees actually start looking around the city to buy their next home.
2) RF. Oh yeah. This is change man. Put a nice glass front and show people tech at work. Tell me you haven’t been to downtown Ann Arbor or San Jose and seen that?
3) Clif Bars. The fuel of cyclists everywhere. So this particular owner failed. If he stays down then he will have trully failed. Where is he now?
Right, I’m comparing different animals but not intentionally. My definition of change is more far reaching than most.
I don’t go to the malls Scott. I don’t go to Target, WalMart, and only Home Depot when I absolutely have to. No offense to anyone out there but my support not only extends to our local businesses but our state and national ones as well. I cannot support China, Inc.
Frankly, I don’t buy all that much but when I do, better than 75% of the time I buy directly from the actual vendor provided they support the bulk of my beliefs. I don’t buy veggies from Mexico, for example. I gladly fork it over to the farmer from Hillsdale who hauls his organic produce to our farmer’s market. I wouldn’t buy a guitar from the new music shop downtown because most of their Fenders are made in Mexico. But I wouldn’t (and didn’t) hesitate to fork it over for my Rickenbackers still made entirely right here in the good ole USA albeit on the lower left coast.
I would very much like to see a REAL furniture store downtown, well at least real to me by what I’m trying to describe (not diatribe!). Room & Board, for example…..could they make a go of it here? They sure get enough orders from the Detroit area even though we pay a premium for shipping.
Toot toot – time to disconnect. Well, the easy part is done – the bond is passed. Now the hard work really begins.
George, how was your Amtrak experience? Brian insists we have to travel that way at some point and would value your opinion. (I would, honest!)
We did have a real furniture store downtown. Three Oaks Mall went the way of Scrappin’ and Stampin’ (departing from the same building), for a variety of reasons, including space limitations. He is now doing a booming business in Downtown Rochester. Marion is a cool guy, he takes the time to engage his customers in real conversation to find out what their needs are and stock his store accordingly. And he always had the coolest puzzles on his front counter.
I admire you George. It takes an effort these days to support American-made products in a land surrounded by imports. I’ll admit, I frequently fall short, but I give myself points for at least being aware of the need to change. Old habits die hard…