Pantagraph.com Weather forecast, local radar and more
NewsSaturday, August 18, 2007 4:13 PM CDT
Comments Comments (30) | E-mail this page E-mail this page | Print this page Print this page | Enlarge type Enlarge type | Reduce type Reduce type | Search archives Search archives | RSS RSS feeds | Add to My Yahoo! Add to My Yahoo!
Feuds plentiful among downtown business owners
By Scott Miller
scottmiller@pantagraph.com
Advertisement

BLOOMINGTON -- This is a story of rotten fish and hot wings, urinating on camera and peering through a private window from a public patio. This is downtown Bloomington. | Multimedia & more

The district has all the elements of an award-winning soap opera, but the storyline isn't scripted. One supporter prefers to call the squabbles "growing pains," but some of the arguments have ended up in court and on video.

Trying to re-script the mini-dramas into love stories isn't easy -- everyone has an agenda.

In the meantime, the cameras are rolling: Two of them, mounted from the windows of the Chocolatier candy shop on North Main Street. Owner John Shank set them up to catch people in the act of late-night vandalizing, urinating in public, drinking in the streets and fighting outside bars.

The videos are posted at www.nixbadgovt.org. They're the culmination of Shank's anger over downtown nightlife, particularly at Fat Jack's, the popular nightspot right across the street from his business and residence.

Next door, another fight has brewed.

In a quarrel over the placement of garbage bins in a downtown alley earlier this summer, Daddio's owner Butch Thompson purchased a large truck, filled it with trash and parked it next to the outdoor beer garden at Show Me's restaurant.

Consider it retaliation. Show Me's owner Brian Novotny had purchased the alley behind the two establishments and started charging Thompson and other business owners to place garbage bins there. So, Thompson parked a dump truck next to Novotny's beer garden.

That feud quickly resolved itself, however, after two decaying fish made an appearance in the truck.

Before that, Novotny and longtime downtown developer Fred Wollrab were in a legal battle over Novotny's attempt to build an outdoor patio above his restaurant. The patio would have looked right into the window of one of the apartments Wollrab rents.

That feud also came and went, but what's next?

Peggy Flynn, executive director of the Downtown Bloomington Association, calls the squabbles "growing pains."

"Those are symptoms of a growing downtown," she said. "I welcome those challenges because those are what are going to keep us on our toes and make things better for new investors to come downtown."

Competing agendas

But growing into what?

An entertainment district? A shopping center? A legal hub? The feuds themselves are one more indicator of downtown's divergent directions, and the delicate balance of having competing interests co-exist as neighbors.

Amy Calhoun, owner of the A. Renee wine shop on Center Street, would like to see retail businesses clustered together to make it easier for shoppers. She'd like the lawyers and other professionals to move into the upper floors to free street-level space for storefronts and restaurants.

"Otherwise it will never jive, and we will never have that substance," she said. "We need shop, shop, shop, you know, eatery, shop, shop, shop.

"To have a couple shops, people do not like to have to walk a couple blocks to get to the next one ... I really, strongly feel that if that doesn't change, we will not come to fruition."

But that's not the way developer Steve Parker sees it. He renovated the Paxton building on Washington Street last year and tried to find a national chain to move into the lower level.

It didn't work, and lawyers -- seeking proximity to downtown's Law and Justice Center -- moved in instead.

"It seems to work better than retail. It's a lot more stable environment," he said.

So far, those decisions have been made by the free market: Developers renovate space, tenants rent it, and little thought is given to the overall placement of the businesses.

In hindsight, Mayor Steve Stockton admitted better planning could have meant more fine dining options near the Center for the Performing Arts.

Flynn said that can still happen. Armed with $850,000 to cover five years of expenses, the DBA wants to develop a five-year master plan.

It would provide direction on downtown growth and recommend whether new developments could replace dilapidated buildings.

It could determine the future of retail -- and whether subsidies might attract more tenants.

"And a retail plan has to have a level of incentives for property owners ... otherwise they have to compromise their rent," Flynn said.

It could determine what mix of businesses can best co-exist, and provide a map for long-term planning.

"And we can all work for that purpose," she said.



Downtown: In their words



"Parking is an issue. If I'm having coffee and meeting with my friends, I'm there for more than two hours. It's like they're trying to keep people out." -- Bloomington resident Barbara Schaad, a downtown supporter who doesn't like the two-hour parking limit.

"There's so many shops and food places to go to that are fun and different ... It's like going to Chicago or some urban place. It's a smaller version, more contained, safer." -- Atlanta resident Markie Jo Crisman, who visits downtown once or twice a month.

"(Going downtown is) just not really convenient, but they do have some really cool shops." -- McLean resident Sarah Lyle, a friend of Crisman's.

"I like the feel of the downtown. I like the farmers' market. I like the sense of community. If we want our downtown not to perish, we all are going to need to promote it." -- Michelle Maurer of Bloomington, a downtown shopper and supporter.

"There's just nothing really down there that attracts me." -- Fairbury resident Karen Margherio, while at Bloomington's Eastland Mall, saying she'd shop downtown if it had brand-name department stores.

More: Watch/listen to multimedia interviews and read more stories.



Downtown Bloomington



8,000 -- Estimated daytime population of the area, including workers and residents.

4,000 -- Residents living in "greater downtown," which includes adjacent residential neighborhoods.

130 -- Estimated number of professional services offices.

120 -- Liquor-related ordinance violations in downtown Bloomington in 2006, with the largest problems being public drunkenness and illegal possession or consumption of alcohol.

50 -- Estimated number of retailers.

27 -- Estimated number of service-based businesses, including salons, auto repair shops, tattoo parlors, photography studios, drycleaners, tailors and others.

22 -- Number of liquor licenses issued to downtown taverns and restaurants.

8 -- Percent of downtown commercial property vacant in 2006.

5 -- Percent of downtown commercial property currently vacant.

1 -- Average monthly rent, per square foot, in dollars, for commercial space downtown.

SOURCES: City of Bloomington, Downtown Bloomington Association, Bloomington Police Department and 2006 Bloomington City Directory.

Video
Most commented stories
Browse online archives
Recent issues:
Reader comments on this story - 30 total

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

Entertainment Mecca wrote on Aug 21, 2007 7:38 PM:

" I agree with Smapdi. The bars have thrived downtown for years and years. Use that as a positve and make the area an entertainment playground. Like a small Laclede's, this would be a great opportunity to actually utilize more of downtown with food establishments and entertainment. Also, if the city hired workers to clean up after the bars closed, the streets wouldn't be a total mess the next day. There are already tons and tons of places to shop on Veterans. Go with what works and build on that. "

To: lindini wrote on Aug 20, 2007 6:57 PM:

" Well said. People in this community are afraid of anything that isn't built to look exactly like their neighbor's. Most have more money than (cultural) brains. "

to: Crybaby wrote on Aug 20, 2007 2:19 PM:

" Your point is? Signed 'Vet from the 60's" "

Reader wrote on Aug 20, 2007 1:49 PM:

" I love the candy at The Chocolatier. "

h bomb wrote on Aug 20, 2007 1:30 PM:

" "There is better candy in town anyway, so I would suggest people should shop elsewhere" This person speaks the truth. "

To Build It and They Will Come wrote on Aug 20, 2007 12:55 PM:

" Well said and I fully concurr. The few people who actually make the decisions for the flock are so out of touch and no one seems to do a thing about it. Oh thats right King Tom Hamilton was annointed, and he does not have to campaign like the rest of the peasants. Hamilton has cost the taxpayers of this city TOO much money and should be FIRED IMMEDIATELY. Until a few changes in personnel are made at city administration the folly of past years and waste of OUR money will continue. "

Cynic wrote on Aug 20, 2007 12:44 PM:

" Why don't you just make down/uptown all entertainment. Maybe they can get Big Als to move over. "

Smapdi wrote on Aug 20, 2007 11:24 AM:

" Why not play to what works and let that be your catalyst? The votes are in - the research is done - and it didn't require a single tax dollar. Downtown is fond - logically - of its lawyers (and other professionals) and bars. Nothing wrong with that. Instead of fighting it - instead of trying to find some other answer that sounds nicer - embrace that reality and make downtown the best damn drunken-lawyer Mecca the world ever knew! Seriously. The rest will follow. Stop trying to jam the square peg into the round hole! Lawyers and other professionals need other services (witness Gliteratti and Coffee Hound). Trips to bars are often proceeded by trips to restaurants (Central Station, Lancaster's). Play to your strengths! Clean up the area at large. Get some green space in there somewhere. Maybe re-route some traffic. Make it welcoming instead of a dilapidated ghost town with the occasional spot of life. Many people need to be there right now. Make them actually WANT to be there. "

lindini wrote on Aug 20, 2007 10:32 AM:

" I am sick of hearing how bad downtown is! I go there every week to enjoy the farmers market, I frequent the shops and have eaten or drank in every single restaurant and bar there. I can say the same thing for dozens of my friends and family. If you are too lazy to walk a couple of blocks to shop then the problem isn't parking, it is your sense of entitlement. The same thing goes for those of you complaining about the parking limits, the extremely limited homeless problem and the occasional mess left by the exceptions not the rules. Have none of you ever been in a real city? Compared to shopping in Chicago these problems make us look like Mayberry. Despite what the east side might think, not everyone wants a strip mall of cookie cutter catalog stores. Don't we already have those everywhere anyway? This town seems to think anything unique should be covered in beige paint and hand sanitizer. Downtown is the only unique thing in our stepford community and I for one and proud that it has managed to hold on to it's character despite the foolishness it has had to endure. "

Build it and they will come wrote on Aug 20, 2007 10:15 AM:

" Isn't that what Judy said? Build the Judy dome and they will come? Some millions and millions later, where are they? Where is there money? Now they want more money to do a five year plan? Why didn't they do a five plan before opening the Judy dome? This type of ignorance does not exist in private businesses, because when/if it does that business goes under or out of business. People wake up and start questioning and challenging those elected. This city is being run by a few people and they are pushing there agenda. It is scary if most of you knew that the power in this city is contained by a small group! Stop letting these people spend your tax money on their pet projects..... "

To FYI: wrote on Aug 20, 2007 10:09 AM:

" $500 for a 1000 square foot apartment is pretty good. "

lindini wrote on Aug 20, 2007 10:06 AM:

" I am sick of hearing how bad downtown is! I go there every week to enjoy the farmers market, I frequent the shops and have eaten or drank in every single restaurant and bar there. I can say the same thing for dozens of my friends and family. If you are too lazy to walk a couple of blocks to shop then the problem isn't parking, it is your sense of entitlement. The same thing goes for those of you complaining about the parking limits, the extremely limited homeless problem and the occasional mess left by the exceptions not the rules. Have none of you ever been in a real city? Compared to shopping in Chicago these problems make us look like Mayberry. Despite what the east side might think, not everyone wants a strip mall of cookie cutter catalog stores. Don't we already have those everywhere anyway? This town seems to think anything unique should be covered in beige paint and hand sanitizer. Downtown is the only unique thing in our stepford community and I for one and proud that it has managed to hold on to it's character despite the foolishness it has had to endure. "

Although wrote on Aug 20, 2007 9:57 AM:

" Urinating in public is truly disgusting...I think Mr. Shank needs to get a hobby (or a girlfriend). There has to be something better he can do with his time then spend it complaining. "

Crybaby wrote on Aug 20, 2007 9:48 AM:

" To: " Vet from the 60's": This post is for you only. I remember well the BYOB bars in Tulsa. And the enchanting all night restaurant ( The "Empire"?) near the Tulsa Tribune building where, for fifty cents for a cup of 'coffee' ( at least I've always hoped that's what it was), you could sit and watch the freak show after the bars closed on Sat. night. Or watch a broke drunken Tulsa native 'limbo' into a pay toilet stall. Anyway, I had a part time job with Magic Empire Express, trucking early Sun. morning newspaper bundles. Leaving the alley from the loading dock, you took care not to run over someone who couldn't quite make it on all fours to the restaurant. Oh my, those were the days. I hope you read this, " Vet from the 60's". An all night diner in downtown would be just the ticket for Bloomington. I'll bet that we could make some great menu suggestions. I'll also bet that no one amongst our local 'live to eat' crowd has ever tried Tulsa's famous green hamburger omelet. Oh, I'm so excited. Please let me know what you think. "

Urban Legend wrote on Aug 20, 2007 8:52 AM:

" Peggy Flynn, DBA, etc are part of the problem...they spend and waste money on studies, they dream, they fantasize and they say whatever they can to keep the illusion of downtown positive so that their own economic well being is covered. Face it, its NOT the college students or the bars that are the problem, its the nasty old bums and street freaks that bring the area down. If the Police Dept. would sweep and clear these bums out, and keep 'em out, Downtown just might be a place people would want to go. "

whodunnit wrote on Aug 20, 2007 6:56 AM:

" Well since this town now has people that tell us how we are going refurbish the outside of our homes(main street corridor and old home society in Normal) whether we want to kill ourselves through bad behavior (no smoking) and that we need a colesium , arts center, and other quality of life things(golf courses, zoo, parks, and fitness trails) .....then let us make Bloomington like Lecledes landing or other downtown areas that have been revamped.....no traffic(pave mainstreet, washington, and jefferson and around the courthouse), build parking garages...encourage fine dining and even yes sports bars...major companies for retail and little shops... enforce codes and laws with many new police and security and tax the people with a new food and entertainment taxes..spend a little money for garbage cans downtown and cigarette ashtrays the industrial kind..have the merchants, all of them hire someone to clean the streets at 3 AM each night...now its solved but everyone wants their own thing don't think about the good of the community...sorry for being such a negative, but this town needs to go back to the days of the Red Lion, Someplace Else, and the Metropool "

Wanted to move to Bloomington wrote on Aug 20, 2007 6:09 AM:

" I tried renting shop space in Downtown Bloomington. The owners wanted far too much money for the space (on a block with 3 other empty storefronts, without parking, without employee parking, without dumpster space, and it was 33% more a month than the previous tenant). I offered a little less but also offered to sign a longer lease. They have already lost far more money having it empty than they ever would have lost renting to me for 10 years. Maybe some common sense would help Bloomington building owners. "

Growing pains wrote on Aug 20, 2007 5:15 AM:

" Apparently Peggy Flynn doesn't have a very good grasp on the whole issue concerning downtown Bloomington. The downtown is not growing, it is evolving. It is land locked and cannot grow. The problem is the people directing the effort to revitalize the downtown area just haven't been able to create a solid vision. So, now we have these "adults" playing these stupid games because they are too cowardly to simply speak to eachother as adults should be expected to. "

Gee~~ wrote on Aug 20, 2007 5:00 AM:

" I tried to express my opinion on this topic and it wasn't vulgar or rude or bad language, but the pantagraph deleted it. I don't know what they want, but when someone gives input they don't agree with they delete it. This paper really has it over on john Q public, they print what THEY see fit, not the public opinion. So I won't give my opinion and they can go to He***! Now delete this, it should give you great pleasure. "

william wrote on Aug 19, 2007 11:21 PM:

" symptoms of a "Growing Downtown". Put a positive spin on everything because thats obviously your job to do just that. Plus $850,000 can make life just beautiful. "

Duh wrote on Aug 19, 2007 9:56 PM:

" Give the people what they want. They're all shopping at name brand retailers on the east side, so bring in the Gap's, Crate & Barrel and all those other stores. What is the problem here??? And yes, I work in downtown and the alley by my building has a new surprise in it every morning whether garbage, human waste or drunken homeless men- I never know what I'm going to run across. Not really an incentive to Shop, Dine or Work in DTB. "

FYI wrote on Aug 19, 2007 8:01 PM:

" Same problems as always, but just with much much higher rent. I used to rent and entire floor for $200/month as recently as 1996 and it was over 3000 sq ft. Exact same floor is now 3 apartments going for 500 each. That's nuts. "

Should be... wrote on Aug 19, 2007 7:44 PM:

" Grow up "

Parking Garage wrote on Aug 19, 2007 7:39 PM:

" I work downtown (during the day fortunately) so I don't see a lot of the nonsense going on. My main complaint is the Market Street garage where I have to park. The stairwells smell like a urinal and it seems like in the 10 years years I have worked downtown, recently there are more and more idiots asking for someone to let them out of the garage when the gates are closed. I guess it's a good thing that they didn't drive home after drinking, but that's not my idea of good way to start my day. "

This guy has a lot of free time... wrote on Aug 19, 2007 7:35 PM:

" Those video's are a joke. I agree with the previous poster who says there is better candy companies in this town. Go to Boyland's. "

hire wrote on Aug 19, 2007 1:30 PM:

" a few thousand more city workers & give them all new vehicles to tool around in "

Vet from the 60's wrote on Aug 19, 2007 10:44 AM:

" Tulsa was having growing pains for 40 years. I think its the citizens that are having the pains. "

ES wrote on Aug 19, 2007 8:50 AM:

" I went to the nixgovt site and I had to laugh. The Chocolaiter owner, Shank, films someone on June 9 who has a beer bottle in his hand outside the bar and the Fat Jacks employee almost imeediately catches it and takes the bottle away. This is a complaint? Hardly, Fat Jacks does their jobs. They did exactly what they are supposed to do and this guy still whines. People like Shank are the paranoid types who cannot be decent to his neighbors. There is better candy in town anyway, so I would suggest people should shop elsewhere. "

I've heard the same.... wrote on Aug 19, 2007 6:31 AM:

" tall tale about 'growing pains' in another city. Folks, when major brawls break out, people are beaten to death, people are shot, etc. in a downtown area that is smaller than Bloomington and filled with taverns and clubs - that ain't 'growing pains.' Maybe the things I listed haven't happened in downtown Bloomington YET, but given time, they will. Visit downtown Tulsa, OK sometime and visit it at night. Good luck if you don't see worse than Bloomington and Tulsa has claimed 'it's just growing pains.' "

Harry wrote on Aug 19, 2007 4:55 AM:

" Butch knows where to park his truck. Sounds like his live story tho truck full of garbage. HA! He will grow up to be a big boy some day. "
Add your own comments

Please read the rules before posting comments.

You must be logged in to leave comments.
If you don't have a member ID, please register.

*Member ID:
*Password:
Remember login?
(requires cookies)
  Forgot Your Password?
 
Lee Enterprises Customer Service | 301 W. Washington St., PO Box 2907, Bloomington, IL 61701-2907 | Ph. 309-829-9000 | 800-747-7323
Copyright © 2008, Pantagraph Publishing Co. and Lee Enterprises. All rights reserved. | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy