The improvement project downtown will run into some
difficulties. It’s important to keep everything in proper
perspective
It’s understandable that some downtown business owners are cranky. The place is a mess. Business is way down. It’s hot, and everyone wishes that a downtown improvement project fairy could wave a magic wand and have the new construction completed tomorrow morning. Dream on, this is hard work.
Let’s not forget the years spent clamoring for a better downtown with an improved streetscape. Let’s not forget that much of the infrastructure supporting downtown is a century old.
Imagine, for a moment, remodeling a 100-year-old home … you get the picture. There are bound to be unforeseen difficulties with pipes and new codes.
We’re not suggesting that downtown business owners simply “grin and bear it.” Questions about why the contractors are quitting at 3pm daily when the construction schedule is falling by the wayside are legitimate. Mayor Al Pinheiro, to his credit an almost constant presence downtown, and City Administrator Jay Baksa are taking those questions seriously and meeting with the contractor.
The city, contrary to the picture being painted by some, has been diligent and responsive with regards to the downtown project. There were innumerable meetings before the project began, and there are weekly updates now.
Notably, not many business owners attend.
Could more be done?
Sure, a suggestion for putting a cloth covered and shielded walkway along the sidewalks – as is done in urban areas routinely – to make the area more welcoming is a good idea.
And we’re sure there might are other suggestions that the city should consider.
But business owners have to be realistic, and keep their eyes on the prize: a refurbished downtown that will be embraced, not scorned, by this community. That will translate into more business and long-term economic health, as well as providing Gilroy with an area that represents not just an economic hub, but a soul where residents as patrons gather to exchange more than just dollar bills.
The city should, of course, pressure and, if necessary, further incentivize the contractor to get the job done.
But the suggestion that the city dole out taxpayer money to business owners is ludicrous. There is pain now, there will be financial gain in the future.
During this trying period, everyone must keep their wits about them. The city has, at long last, taken steps to right a downtown headed in the wrong direction. It’s a huge undertaking, and a little gracious perspective shouldn’t be too much to ask.
