05-17-2013, 12:17 AM
Main Street can't do it alone. It seems the long standing perception that the city is hard to do business with is the larger problem. Also that it's not Wilmette but many art districts start out a bit seedy and expand and draw in restaurants, clothing stores, etc eventually. It takes public/private partnerships to tango, draw money in and plan well and realistically. Violet's enthusiasm alone has been so refreshing and has rubbed off on many. Living there you may not notice improvements. But visiting lately (grew up there and visit every few months) I can see the increasing # of stores. It "feels" better, pretty empty still but at least less down and out types hanging around. Even they mostly seem to interact well with more "normal" looking people. Odd the "boom" is more on S Genesee but I'll take it. Big Ed's seems to be the major attraction next to the Theatre. At least when there's turnover new businesses replace the old ones. If we truly care we'll go down there and buy something, go to a restaurant. I bought some chocolate at Sweet Things opening day just for that reason. I always feel guilty when I shop at Home Depot and not Ace. So though it may cost a bit more I make sure I stop in there too at least for part of my shopping. And I get the 5% with my Ace card.