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April 25, 2007
This is Home, This is Main Street
City struggles to find its true identity
What makes a city attractive? Notwithstanding the scads of papers and books that exist on the subject, I think we have a case study right here.
Whether you attribute them to a supreme designer or a happy accident, the natural features here would seem advantageous. The weather can be very muggy and full of bugs, but that’s true of a lot of places. There was a manufacturing base that has left only its toxic residue, but we’re slowly catching up to the times and going high-tech. In spite of all these things giving it a leg up, however, Chattanooga’s story continues to be underlined by an internal struggle over its identity.
The last mayoral election seemed to pour salt into our old wound, and those flyers about “the power structure” played a key part. I don’t want to come off as unfairly critical of the current administration, but I would encourage you to reflect on what the winning team has delivered so far. The cry went up, and we voted against the perceived “elite.” But what have the rest of us gained from that decision? Better, safer, more prosperous neighborhoods? Get back to me when you find them.
The local media reported not too long ago that well-known (or infamous, depending on your outlook) developer Ken Hayes is relocating from one of the mountains to Main Street, Chattanooga, USA. Hays is just one notable of quite a few who are moving into and revitalizing this long-dormant area. I’m glad to see it. Locally owned small businesses are springing up to support the new residences. In the face of objections from well-meaning but, in my view, nearsighted naysayers, the streets are being beautified. The vision that transformed the waterfront can and should be applied elsewhere, even if individuals find a way to profit from its application.
A healthy Main Street, starting with the section from Finley Stadium to Central Avenue, but with a long-term goal of reaching Dodds Avenue, would be a big part of making our city welcoming to outsiders; but even more importantly, it would perhaps make us prouder to identify with this place and call it home.
Looser liquor laws licked by lobbyist
Two related bills that would have opened liquor stores on Sundays and allowed wine to be sold in grocery stores were defeated in committee. Score two more for the “Golden Goose,” as the state’s most famous liquor lobbyist is known. I guess if you’re out there catering a wedding or something on a Sunday, and you run low on wine, you’ll have to just round up some water and see if you can call in a favor; else you’re not going to serve any additional glasses. And we can forget about good grocers like Trader Joe’s opening any stores here, as Nashville blogger Sean Braisted has pointed out.
We can always try again next year.
Cheers!
Pulsations | By joe lance | 12:27 PM