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Bars maintain stranglehold of downtown Bloomington
By Scott Miller
scottmiller@pantagraph.com
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BLOOMINGTON -- Ask 21-year-old Whitney Jackman if she visits downtown Bloomington. "To where all the bars are?" replied Jackman. "Yeah, but not to eat." Or shop. She does that on the east side of town, where she can find brand-name familiarity. | Multimedia & more

The Illinois State University junior spends one or two nights a week in downtown Bloomington, but aside from Mulligan's, Fat Jack's and the other taverns, she has little knowledge of the daytime offerings -- the boutique shops, the sidewalk cafes, the coffee houses.

"I just don't really know what's down there," she said while recently shopping at the Shoppes at College Hills in Normal. "I haven't really looked. I just know (the east side) better."

Educating potential customers like Jackman is a challenge.

Business owners and the Downtown Bloomington Association acknowledge the problem, citing both a lack of awareness about the area and the need to overcome negative perceptions. At the same time, they're also struggling with how to attract and retain more storefronts in an area that's become known for food and drink.

"We are programming our neighborhood for an entertainment hub," said DBA Executive Director Peggy Flynn. "I think (to have) retail in an entertainment district you have to look at impulse buys, gift shops, novelty stores. What we have are destinations."

Still, retail is part of the DBA's slogan, even if it's unbalanced: "Shop. Dine. Work. Play. Live."

"Right now, what's important is getting our vacancies filled," Flynn said. "We lose hundreds of thousands of dollars a year in lost dollars to the city, to profits, to wages."

Affordable space

That downtown vacancy rate is currently just 5 percent, compared to about 8 percent last year, Flynn said.

But, one by one, downtown retailers seem to disappear -- Artezen, Socialite, Villa di Vino, Main Street Jewelry, Call of the Wild, Push, Flying Monkeys, Moberly & Klenner, Enchantment Bridal.

New retailers have filled some of the empty space. The Bead Parlor replaced Moberly & Klenner at 318 N. Main St. But services and professionals replaced others: A law office opened in the old Socialite space on Monroe Street and Show Me's restaurant opened in the former Copy Shop location on Main Street.

For businesses that do choose to locate downtown, the cost of commercial space is a bargain. Rent averages $1 per square foot monthly, according to the DBA. Many vacancies are currently listed for $850 to $1,900 a month.

Hossein Nateghpour, owner of downtown's Pars Rug Gallery, said he paid three times as much for space on Veterans Parkway in the early 1990s -- nearly $6,000 per month.

When he moved his business to Front Street in 1994, Nateghpour lost foot traffic and sales, but the reduction in overhead made the move worthwhile.

Still, retailers seem to struggle downtown, while a growing number of pubs and restaurants reap the benefits of the U.S. Cellular Coliseum and Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts. The downtown district has 22 establishments licensed to sell liquor.

"The number of tavern licenses in downtown has been stable for many, many years," noted Bloomington Mayor Steve Stockton. "Where are better places in Bloomington for bars to be located? Bars in downtown is not something new. Downtown has been a bar district for more than 100 years."

But Nateghpour said a daytime attraction would help, particularly a hotel or major chain retailer to draw visitors who typically don't frequent the area.

Domino effect?

So far, the prime attractions remain the Coliseum and performing arts center, built by the city at a combined cost of more than $54 million, with hopes of spurring interest in the city's center core.

It did. More than 382,000 people have visited the Coliseum to date, and more than 77,000 attended first-season events at the performing arts center.

Are those people patronizing downtown businesses? It depends on who you ask.

"I don't like to say 'no,' but no," said Jeff Skinner, general manager of the Illinois Brewing Company, caddy corner from the Coliseum.

Some stop in for a drink before concerts, he said, but not after. During events, the streets are empty, he added.

Others, though, are more fortunate. On a recent Friday night, a busy Reality Bites turned away customers before a Bloomington Extreme football game. Conventions have meant a brisk business at Kelly's Bakery & Café, and around the corner, La Bamba can see business spike 30 to 40 percent during home football games.

Daytime downtown

But the Coliseum and the performing arts center don't seem to be drawing awareness to the daytime side of downtown Bloomington.

Jackman is a prime example. She likes to shop for clothes but didn't know about Socialite or Push, two clothiers who've recently gone out of business.

Nina Faridfar is married to Nateghpour, but she still has little interest in downtown. She would if it had more festivals and sidewalk cafes. Michael's restaurant, Kelly's Bakery & Café, Rosie's Pub, Elroy's and Reality Bites all have outdoor seating.

"I don't see any attraction," Faridfar recently said while shopping at Eastland Mall on the city's east side.

Others visit downtown, hit their usual destination, jump back in their car and leave, without walking up and down the street to see what's around.

Sisters Michelle Maurer and Barbara Schaad, for example, frequent the Coffee Hound and the Saturday farmers' market.

But two-hour parking limitations often send them packing after they finish sipping their caffeinated drinks.

"Parking is an issue," Schaad said. "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."

Ambiance and awareness

And there are others.

A group of teenagers cursed at a person walking through downtown on a recent Saturday. On a Tuesday morning, a panhandler asked for $5 "for breakfast." Another needed money because his car broke down.

Meanwhile, cigarette butts and empty bottles litter the curb.

"I think people look at that when they come downtown. They like to shop in a clean environment," said Jerry Martin, owner of Hobbyland, the downtown's oldest retail shop. "People don't want to walk through garbage to get to your store."

Trash, panhandlers and late-night drinkers keep people away, he said.

It has Flynn repeating the words "clean, safe, friendly" as she searches for an answer to downtown's struggles. It could be spiffed up by creating a business improvement district that would charge businesses and residents a fee to pay for improvements. Not surprisingly, that idea has few supporters.

In addition, the DBA and business owners want to raise awareness by adding new festivals like the upcoming Hot August Nights that will offer a taste of downtown Bloomington restaurants and retailers.

A bloc of retailers and other business owners on Center Street will launch a new event in September called Champagne on Center. Details are still in the works.

"Sometimes I think it's hard to draw new people because of the unfortunate misconceptions about downtown that have been out there for a long time, but customer-wise, the reason we're still here and thriving (after three years) is because of our customers bringing new people down," said Amy Calhoun, owner of A. Renee wine shop on Center Street.

"We're trying to work together to keep it thriving down here, so people don't forget about all of us."

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

Take a look
People line up outside Rhino's Bar at 602 N. Main St., Bloomington. Bars have taken over the downtown area, and retail is very nearly a thing of the past. (Pantagraph/B Mosher)
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Reader comments on this story - 139 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.

To: live a little wrote on Sep 2, 2007 4:41 PM:

" A little is right. Duffy's is bombing because it is a snoozefest. Despite what they say, people go downtown for the students. The scenery, get it? This is why the bars have a stranglehold. You can't beat the latest fashion trends. Its God's Art museum on display every wednesday through saturday. So, live a little and get downtown. Enjoy a nice cocktail at Fat Jacks then step over to Show Me's for an appetizer and nitecap. Can't beat it. Plus, nobody smokes in these places! You don't have to destroy your clothes once you come home. I think everybody likes this because the bars are more crowded now than ever. Enjoy! "

to live a little wrote on Sep 2, 2007 12:11 PM:

" I'll check it out sometime, thanks! My friends don't understand that I don't object to going to a bar to be social, but I'm past the drinking 'til I vomit or get bed spins stage of my life. If I go out with friends, it's to spend time with my friends, not get trashed or watch other people hanging all over each other and screaming at each other to be heard over the noise around them. "

live a little wrote on Sep 1, 2007 9:51 PM:

" I don't think charging $20.00 a drink would scare off college students. In my experience once the alcohol is flowing money is negligible. I've witnessed poor college students spending their last $100.00 on a round of shots. Rather than charging more in hopes of detouring college students, one should open a respectable bar/club on the outskirts of town. For example, you should check out Duffy Mccalls on Ireland Grove rode. It reminds me of Margaritaville. It's not upscale per say but its nice and may be more to your liking. My point is if you want to get away from the kids you have to "get away" from the kids. "

to live a little wrote on Sep 1, 2007 8:54 PM:

" Been there, done that, have friends in their 30s and 40s that still do that, trying hopelessly to relive their lives before marriage and kids and adultery... No thanks. I wish there were more upscale bars in this area that are too expensive for the students to hang out in...some place you can actually hear what your friends are saying instead of having to scream at each, and getting stuck listening to people puking in the bathroom stall next to you when all you are in there for is to pee. "

live a little wrote on Sep 1, 2007 6:33 AM:

" Instead of complaining about those nasty little college students, why don't you boring cynics give the nightlife a try. I guarantee you're opinion about downtown Bloomington's nightlife would change once you've experienced a little booze mixed with some bump and grind action. "

live a little wrote on Sep 1, 2007 6:33 AM:

" Instead of complaining about those nasty little college students, why don't you boring cynics give the nightlife a try. I guarantee you're opinion about downtown Bloomington's nightlife would change once you've experienced a little booze mixed with some bump and grind "

to Lizzy wrote on Aug 31, 2007 6:35 PM:

" Stop! You're making me homesick for Chicago!!! The shopping in this town is the pits. I don't even need a Vuitton store, I just wish we had something like a Nordie's or Bloomie's. :( Heck, even a nice HomeGoods or Nordstrom's Rack would be an improvement! "

Lizzy wrote on Aug 31, 2007 2:11 PM:

" A downtown wouldn't be a downtown without vomit, cigarettes strewn everywhere and rowdy kids. I like it. I would however, shop there if someone opened a CoCo Chanel Boutique, a Louis Vuitton place, a store that sells Gucci, a Prada palace, a Salvatore Ferragamo boutique and Fendi Shoppe. Now that would make an awesome downtown and I'd gladly pay for parking and walk around. I'm tired of only Coach products. "

dont_panic wrote on Aug 27, 2007 10:32 AM:

" I wouldn't say the bars put a stranglehold. More like old-fashioned business hours. I get off work at 4:30. By the time I go home and change clothes, everything in downtown Bloomington is closed. When am I supposed to shop there if they don't have business hours at times when I am not at work? "

Jon Bradley wrote on Aug 24, 2007 4:54 PM:

" After 50 years of planetary occupation, the majortiy in Bloomington-Normal, it is pretty clear why downtown Bloomington fails. With the exception of the arena and a parking garage, downtown Bloomington looks pretty much like it did 40 years ago. Both Normal and Peoria recognize that you have to build some new infrastructure if you really going to have redevleopment. "

To: LAUGH wrote on Aug 24, 2007 3:14 PM:

" It really seams as though you are crying rather than laughing. "

LAUGH wrote on Aug 24, 2007 10:51 AM:

" Rest assured, I am NOT going to cesspool downtown anymore. I AM staying home, and I am not spending anymore of my money there. I made that choice for myself. Instead of me spending and average of $100 each time I go to the bars downtown (I used to tip 1+ dollar for each beer) I now run to Tucks, get some great beers, save $80 dollars, and I don't have to deal with any smoking Nazi's. Oh yeah, and the extra money that I have already saved not going to cesspool, is going into MY basement for upgrades to MY home theater system. That way next time we watch "Pick of Destiny" it will be that much better. "

To: Laugh wrote on Aug 23, 2007 8:46 PM:

" Good idea. Stay home. It sounds like the downtown economy has really missed you so far. Good luck having friends over, though. Your buddies, like JD and the like rarely leave mom's basement save for the occasional yu-gi-oh show or the newest Jack Black release. "

dt wrote on Aug 23, 2007 7:04 PM:

" Just a couple of random comments based on previous comments. The farmers market should stay open later. Some people like being out and about at 6 am, I am not one of them. The bars need to provide a place for people to throw the cigarette butts, until this happens they will be littering the streets of downtown bloomington. The parking police down there are keeping people away. I too received a ticket for my wheels being over the white line! I find that absurd. I had to parallel park and that was the space I could get. When the other cars left there I was wheels over the line and a ticket! If someone is parked illegally or in a handcap space or something ticket them, if not, leave them alone!! One last comment; the postoffice downtown sucks!! I go there on my lunch break and often times it takes the entire lunch break!! It just shouldn't take that long to mail a freaking letter! "

response to LAUGH to: to Thomas wrote on Aug 23, 2007 6:42 PM:

" Good deal: that means one less ignorant person in downtown Bloomington, dumping their trash everywhere. Please, continue to stay home, you're your fellow citizens a favor. :-) "

Time2FlyBMI wrote on Aug 23, 2007 2:57 PM:

" Not enough daytime retail? Of course, who wants to buy a retail space in those dilapidated buildings! The only people who can afford to renovate and make it a decent place to attract business are pub/restaruant owners. They should find a real estate developer to renovate spaces like they did to Ensenbergers. Also, a gimic is needed (i.e. water feature coming to uptown), downtown needs something else that people want to come to see or walk around during the day. Maybe commission an artist to do a massive thing, or have a series of waterfalls coming down the hill... "

LAUGH to: to Thomas wrote on Aug 22, 2007 6:02 PM: wrote on Aug 23, 2007 1:57 PM:

" Because the bars no longer offer the services\facilities\activities that I want when I go out drinking, I no longer go to that downtown cesspool. Therefore, just as non-smokers said "because they don't go to the bars and they could care what happens to them"... I am saying that I don't care about your downtown because I no longer go there. The only way you could really tolerate downtown was to stay inside and get drunk, now that I would have to go outside and smell that vile sewer of a downtown every 30 minutes, I stay home and have my friends over! "

new to town... wrote on Aug 23, 2007 12:49 PM:

" so let me see if I understand, in this town you don't want smoking, drinkin, or this stadium....What is it that Bloomington would like for it's residents to do? "

TO: What?? wrote on Aug 23, 2007 11:30 AM:

" Name some bars that have opened since the ban. Bars that did not already plan to open prior to the ban? I will ANXIOUSLY await your response. "

TO: What???? wrote on Aug 22, 2007 6:25 PM: wrote on Aug 23, 2007 9:54 AM:

" Give it some time. "

What???? wrote on Aug 22, 2007 6:25 PM:

" The Bars? A Stranglehold???? I thought they would all be closed down and barren and deserted by now due to the smoking ban... Where are all of these closings? More bars have opened since the ban than in the years before.... Hmmm strange. "

to Thomas wrote on Aug 22, 2007 6:02 PM:

" Proud of yourself, are you? Your actions are ridiculous and petty. If people seriously are hesitating about coming downtown because of litter on the sidewalks, then you are helping harm the business of the very bar owners you so vigorously tried to defend before the ban took effect. Think about that. I'm sure the bar owners and other business owners in downtown appreciate the mindset of people like you that, when things don't go your way, you throw a hissy fit and throw litter around for THEM to pick up. I hope the bar owners start getting fined or charged a fee to pick up the litter that people like you dump on the sidewalk. :) "

I LOVE THE COLLEGE KIDS wrote on Aug 22, 2007 4:44 PM:

" I live in normal right by the athletic center, I drive down Willow street alot, I occationally even connect with an enthusuatic young student. I am not young, but I have a great memory. The kids only do what they can get away with, I blame the town council and the cops. The kids didn't make downtown Bloomington what it is, but they sure know how to use it to the fullest. "

Boy... wrote on Aug 22, 2007 2:30 PM:

" downtown was much cleaner before the smoking ban. "

Thomas wrote on Aug 22, 2007 2:12 PM:

" College Kids are not getting worse. You are getting older and forgetting what it was like to be young, free, and wild. Lay off these kids. Most of them are pretty nice people. And as for the cig butts out side bars. Tough! I am with the guy who now throws them in the street. Let me have a beer and a smoke inside or deal with the consequences. For every action there is an opposite and equal reaction. Enjoy. "

re: RE: TO Laugh 2 wrote on Aug 22, 2007 1:42 PM:

" Oh, and do you honestly think it's only people that supported the smoking ban that are being disgusted by you and your cronies throwing cigarette butts everywhere but in the trash? I didn't support the smoking ban (my family smokes but when we go out to eat they refrained for my sake, and always smoked outside of their own volition, not because I asked them to, so I didn't have any problem with them smoking other than concern for their own health), but you lump everyone into the same group because the smoking ban passed and you are angry. Get over it! The world doesn't revolve around you, and it doesn't revolve around people who supported the smoking ban either. Everyone has to live in this town together and it's a shame you see fit to "punish" everyone by littering because you didn't get your way. "

re: RE: TO Laugh wrote on Aug 22, 2007 1:37 PM:

" Well, you just go ahead and make sure you keep littering in order to get your point across then! *shaking head in amusement at your childish petulance* "

TRUTH wrote on Aug 22, 2007 1:11 PM:

" I never said anything about sf'er being "rich", I am saying they are the ones that have the money. Let's pretend for one second that you did not make up that $50,000 number and its true. That $50,000 is a whole bunch more then the rest of the people that do NOT work at SF make. Again, that is a different topic. Notice to downtown business owners: if you would like to have a successful business, please cater to the SF people! Also, I would stay away from food service, most of the people in this town are so overweight they can't walk far, and the entrance to your establishment will be used as a bathroom! "

Typical fat, lazy americans. wrote on Aug 22, 2007 10:19 AM:

" All I hear in these posts (other than a few SF'ers fluffinf their egos) is people complaining about parking. Like 1 poster stated "get some excercise." You people are jokes. When I was in Dublin, the parking was HORRID! So you'de take public transit and would walk on average 5 miles aday. You didn't think about it, you just did it. When I was in Chicago, you WALKED. I know most of you would die w/out your cars, but look down. You see those things sticking out of your abdomen, they are called legs. They not only support your weight, but can make you mobile! Try using them sometime. "

RE: TO Laugh wrote on Aug 22, 2007 9:59 AM:

" I am a smoker and prior to this unconstitutional fascist ban I too disposed of my butts in a proper manner (If outside, I would knock of the "cherry" and put the butt in my pocket to dispose of later.) HOWEVER since you "non smokers" want everything your way, I have since taken to throwing them into the street or sidewalk. Just another example of your lack of foresight prior to enforcing your will upon everyone else. Long live Fascism! "

Badges? We don't need no.... wrote on Aug 22, 2007 9:43 AM:

" Average 50G? Starting out maybe..... "

NO HOPE wrote on Aug 22, 2007 6:41 AM:

" there is no hope for downtown Bloomington, I have watched the police late at night helping the college kids that just spent alot of money in our town. Get out of the parking garage safely, only to drive home drunk. Not fighting anyone, even though this is much against the law and us locals would go to jail for assault. Without the police and the city government, it will never change, so go there at your own risk cause it ain't gonna change. "

to: I don't shop downtown wrote on Aug 21, 2007 11:34 PM:

" if you really had to park a mile away to shop downtown you would be parked at Gailey eyeclinic. You may have to park a block or two at the most- get some exercise!!!! "

to Tired of drunk college kids wrote on Aug 21, 2007 6:24 PM:

" I was tired of them by Saturday, but then again, I choose to live in B-N so I can't complain too much. I just try to stay away from places they will be! "

To,to truth wrote on Aug 21, 2007 6:10 PM:

" I agree with them. SF comments make me laugh, its the truth though. As you can tell by the SF'r that said "they" make the money to buy the products in this city and deserve to be catered towards! ha ha, no other city operates like this let alone a downtown district! go back to you small town living, I doubt you even live in B/N. Look at the stats for SF, the MAJORITY make under 50,000, I hardly call that "rich" or "having money!" "

Cigarette Butts wrote on Aug 21, 2007 4:52 PM:

" If you are so upset with the cigarette butts, then maybe you should not have pushed the city council so hard to force the bar owners to ban smoking from their establishments. Garbage is much easier to maintain within in a confined area when it's not impacted by weather, etc.... Did anyone think about that? No. The smart people knew the litter would be an issue, but that was obviously overlooked. Hmmm...poor planning? Becareful what you wish for. The pro-smoking ban clan got their way. These are the same people that said they would frequent more bars if there was "no smoking," but have not! Now, you want the streets clean, so your answer is to tax the bar owners. How about if we tax the pro-smoking ban clan since they helped create the problem and have the funds because they aren't in the bars? "

Truth wrote on Aug 21, 2007 1:11 PM:

" The truth as to why they take their badges off is they know if they encounter someone that does not work at SF, they will be treated rudely (proof in some of the comments). But that is a whole different topic. Truth is SF people have the money. SF people can purchase knick knacks at their company store. Your town in nothing w/o SF. So instead of trying to fool yourself into believing that your town is "big" 130,000??? or "special", why don't you start to cater to the SF people that have the money. Otherwise, Bartown will always be just that. A very dirty public restroom! "

Tired of drunk college kids wrote on Aug 21, 2007 11:21 AM:

" Is anyone else getting sick of them? Or at least the vomit? "

re: to, to Truth wrote on Aug 21, 2007 10:15 AM:

" It's always possible those people were on their lunch break at 9pm, if they work in one of the call centers. Those people work nights, weekends and holidays, just like people in retail. And let's not make this story about people who work at State Farm, eh? The topic is the Downtown Bloomington area and how/if it can be improved. "

to, to Truth Aug 20, 2007 4:55 PM: wrote on Aug 20, 2007 11:20 PM:

" I agree with to truth, I see way too many SF's wear badges out past work hours, yes I know what their badges look like. I am not confused with any other company either. It is funny though, thinking their 35,000 salary deserves something. I even saw one wear their badge getting ready to fly out on a Sunday! Please, you look like idiots! One of the best was a couple who both had the "badges" on at dinner, 9pm, never the less! "

Parallel Parking Challenged wrote on Aug 20, 2007 6:02 PM:

" To many people wishing to shop downtown Bloomington, the number one problem is parking. Most, if not every space, is occupied by downtown workers and or business owners. If you really want your business to succeed, BUY YOUR EMPLOYEES A PARKING PASS FOR ONE OF THE MANY PARKING DECKS. State Farm employees don't park on the street... their employer has spaces for them to use free of charge. Can't afford to spend the money on parking? Just think of it as one more cost of doing business. I used to work in DT Bloom and we all played car shuffle every two hours because the employer was too cheap to buy us spots. That business is now closed. "

To chicago style wrote on Aug 20, 2007 5:53 PM:

" Chicago Style wrote on Aug 20, 2007 8:04 AM: " Ever notice that Judy Stearns who is one of the two Alderpersons for the Downtown area is never avaliable for comment. Judy Stearns lives in Cook County. " Reality is that she is the only alderperson for downtown, you don't have a clue in re. to her residency, and you can't spell. What is Chicago style about you? "

To Happy consumer wrote on Aug 20, 2007 5:40 PM:

" Wow, I have an idea for those who drink...get a life. How is it fun to drink until drunk, then act like a fool? Is that a good way to be known? It's certainly not cute or attractive. Listening to those explain what the streets look like after. I feel bad for these people. They really need to dry something else! "

to Truth wrote on Aug 20, 2007 5:35 PM:

" I would have to agree with you on the "SF" portion. I once worked at SF downtown, and I would say that is the only time I have ever shopped at any of the stores. It is so close and conveient. "

To I Remember wrote on Aug 20, 2007 5:19 PM:

" Everything has been completely destroyed. Those were the days, and our children will never know what "real" life and living was. It's really sad how GREEDY this world has become, for example...Big Business! "

To "it never ends" wrote on Aug 20, 2007 5:16 PM:

" I agree with you. And you are right about the lofts that are overpriced. I feel bad for those who bought them, because eventually downtown Bloomington will be a Ghost town, except for working in the daytime! "

Visit wrote on Aug 20, 2007 5:11 PM:

" Those working on downtown Bloomington need to visit others states and cities and see what they have done! Funnnnnnnnnnnnnnn! There is nothing here in downtown Bloomington that I have seen in other "old" downtown! "

Sad wrote on Aug 20, 2007 5:09 PM:

" That's really sad that so many associate downtown Bloomington with taverns and drinking. "

to Chip wrote on Aug 20, 2007 5:01 PM:

" I don't think your idea of diagonal parking vs parallel parking is a bad one, but some of the streets downtown are quite narrow - there is not room to make diagonal parking on them. Jefferson & Washington Streets are already a little narrow with the parallel parking. "

Response to LAUGH wrote on Aug 20, 2007 4:58 PM:

" Gosh, look at that - yet another mature comment by someone against the smoking ban! Quote from your post: "I hope the 'outside' smokers become a huge burden on the city, police, residents and patrons, then everyone can thanks the pro banners!" That's always smart: hope that someone/something fails because it goes against your own beliefs. Nice one!!! "

to to truth wrote on Aug 20, 2007 4:55 PM:

" You are selectively not noticing that SFers aren't the only ones who wear a badge to work and wear it when they are on lunch or coming home. I've seen people wearing Country badges, OSF & BroMenn badges, and any number of name badges for stores that people work at. I also see people wearing scrubs outside of work. I presume those people work at one of the hospitals since they are usually also wearing a badge. I happen to be an SFer that either tucks my badge into a shirt or takes it off when I go out at lunch or leave work, but that is because I'm tired of people like you thinking that if I don't take my badge off the millisecond I walk out the door, I must be a bad person trying to "show off" that I work at SF. Try looking a little closer at those badges you see around you and you'll probably be surprised to find they aren't all worn by people from SF. Not that you'd ever come out here and ADMIT you were wrong, but you'll know you were wrong. :) "

Family person wrote on Aug 20, 2007 4:41 PM:

" In response to "To Family Person": As a matter of fact, we have gone to the Farmers Market a few times this summer and they enjoy it. However, the Farmers Market isn't what I believe most would call an entertainment event. There isn't much else happening to lure us to hang out in downtown. How many of the shops are open on Saturday and how many are kid-friendly? "

knightcrawler wrote on Aug 20, 2007 4:34 PM:

" The Transit company (PUBLIC BUS SYSTEM) still provides the drunk bus from downtown Bloomington to Up Town Normal every Fri to Sunday until 2AM dont they? But only when ISU is in session...Students go.. guess what... the bus does not run...check the Nite Ride or Bus Sked. BARS RULE BLOOMINGTON NOT BLOOMINGTON RULES BARS. No late Nite bus to Eastland Mall, How bout Church on Sunday? Airport? But lets get the kids from Downtown to Watterson tower...on Fri. and Sat AM. Thanks guys ...Great messege....Gary "

Chip wrote on Aug 20, 2007 4:30 PM:

" Downtown Bloomington is almost completely fixed. Ten years ago, the downtown office workers left the downtown each night. After 6 pm, the downtown sidewalks and streets were void of life. It was a real ghost town. Now, people are walking on the downtown sidewalks every night, because of dining, pubs and entertainment destinations. All of the huge vacant downtown buildings are being converted into upscale condos and apartments. Downtown has 50 retailers, including CVS Pharmacy and a hardware store. Most of the downtown retailers, in business for a least five years, are doing fine. More than 8,000 people are working downtown. The downtown restaurants are always busy at lunch. The only problem with downtown Bloomington is the lack of street parking. Every block of parallel street parking, that is converted into diagonal street parking, can nearly double the available parking in front of the stores. The diagonal street parking is more shopper friendly, like the mall parking. Hundreds of spaces can be added this way, without building expensive parking garages. National retailers can be attracted to downtown Bloomington, but more parking will be needed. "

to truth wrote on Aug 20, 2007 4:27 PM:

" wow I wonder where u work at. Lets see dedection would have to say you work at state farm. This city should cater to SF? what dream world do you live in? I'm sure you are one of the many SF workers who "forget" to take off your badge when you leave work. Funny because I am neighbors to some great executives there and they never seem to "forget" to take their badges off prior to coming home. It seems the one's that give SF a bad name are the same ones that have nominal jobs there. Funny alot of kids that grow up here know nothing about farming, yes there are farms outside of BN but it hardly means those that live here know anything about them. In case you not know your stats, I would hardly call 130,000 plus "small town" maybe big little city! "

Pat wrote on Aug 20, 2007 3:33 PM:

" Maybe ask bar owners to place ashtrays outside their businesses. I would hope that smokers would use them rather than throw their butts on the ground. And if you feel like you are going to vomit after a night of drinking hold it in until you get to your car or apartment! Don't subject all of us to your inability to hold your liquor! "

Dan wrote on Aug 20, 2007 3:16 PM:

" Just some thoughts: 1. Comparisons of Bloomington and Normal's downtown/uptown areas are not helpful. Normal has the advantages of almost 8,000 residence hall students within walking distance of uptown, the Amtrak station which draws lots of people - both townies and visitors, and the Children's Museum which draws families on a regular, year round basis. These are advantages Bloomington probably will never see. 2. The old courthouse square does attract many homeless people. There doesn't seem to be homeless people hanging around uptown Normal. The problem of homelessness needs to be addressed but it will take more than a city council to find a solution. 3. I don't have a problem with the bars but I strongly feel that they need to pay a special fee that would cover the expense of street cleanup. This area needs special attention especially on the weekends. 4. I believe in preservation whenever possible but the fact is that some buildings are not architecturally significant or economically feasible for a business to operate out of, especially a chain that has certain requirements for its stores in terms of space, storage, etc. "

sic & tired of being sic & tired wrote on Aug 20, 2007 3:00 PM:

" Without the bars and thier taxes what would snobington do?With the big money pits built downtown why should we have faith in our government?Well we will have to just get over it because they dont listen to us. "

LAUGH wrote on Aug 20, 2007 2:53 PM:

" No, not proud, I just think that its hilarious that you people believe that your downtown should be some glorious\trendy\hip\cool shopping center, when in fact, people are using the shop entrances as bathrooms. Its absolutely disgusting! To think that people actually go into those places to eat! As for the smokers outside... I thought the whole reason non-smokers were against smokers was due to SHS? You want maturity from smokers??? Tell you what, why don't you let smokers and non-smokers make some mature decisions on what type of establishment they want to frequent. I hope the 'outside' smokers become a huge burden on the city, police, residents and patrons, then everyone can thanks the pro banners! "

bettycat wrote on Aug 20, 2007 2:47 PM:

" It's been years since I've been in Bloomington at all, but I do read your online news everyday. I live near and frequent Downtown Champaign and wonder how Bloomington and Champaign can be so different in the public's response to downtown offerings. Our downtown struggled for many years but the recent developments are first-rate, and businesses, both bar and retail, are thriving. It's always packed. I'm sorry to hear your downtown is struggling, and I encourage Bloomington residents to find out what's there! Maybe you just need to park and walk around for two hours and see what you might find! "

Truth wrote on Aug 20, 2007 2:33 PM:

" What people in Bloomington/Normal must come to realize is that they essentially live in a farming community. (sorry your town is nothing like Chicago, nor will it ever) The second part you must come to realize that if it were not for SF, downtown would be nonexistent. You people need to start to accept that if you do not cater to SF employees, downtown will NEVER succeed. As of right now, your town provides nothing more then what SF people are get while they are at work. All you have left w/o the SF people is just your nasty farming community like every other small town. "

Loosing battle wrote on Aug 20, 2007 2:08 PM:

" Downtown Bloomington used to be great, but it has outlived its usefulness. Let it go. Why waste more money on it. We can use that wasted money for better purposes. "

Farmers Market wrote on Aug 20, 2007 2:03 PM:

" The downtown farmers market is nice, but it's only on Saturday mornings from 6am to 11am. I think many people here are lobbying for stores and places such as the Coffee Hound to stay open past 5-6pm during the week. Not saying the farmers market isn't a worthwhile event, just that the hours on that are pretty limited too! "

to LAUGH wrote on Aug 20, 2007 2:02 PM:

" You seem proud of yourself for imparting the information that store entries are used as toilets at night... Interesting. And for all you "smokers": I'm not a smoker but I have immediate family members who are. Even before the smoking ban, they disposed of their cigarette butts properly without littering. I'm not against smokers (if I were I would have to be against my family!) but there is such a thing as consideration for others and respect for your environment. I see very little maturity in the comments the pro-smokers have posted out here on the Pantagraph blogs, which is a shame. Perhaps if more of you would take care not to litter, people would not be so against smokers. "

Idea wrote on Aug 20, 2007 1:57 PM:

" Maybe so many businesses go out of business here because the rent is so cheap (which is not a bad thing) but it enables more individuals to start a business who may not have a clue about running a business. I am a business owner (3 companies) and the #1 rule is advertise advertise advertise. Don't complain that the citizens do not support you in your venture if you are not willing to sell your company to the public. Are the sidewalks often lined with litter? Sure they are but that is what you get when you set up shop next to a bar! Hose it off in the morning. After all you wanted cheap rent, you get what you pay for. And as far as parking the answer is REALLY EASY. Have the downtown association lease a trolley (small bus) that travels to all the parking decks and up and down all the streets every few minutes. Charge ALL businesses and association fee per mo. say $50 and customers $.50 "

Devil's Advocate wrote on Aug 20, 2007 1:54 PM:

" What kind of headline is this? Bars Maintain Stranglehold. What is maintaining a stranglehold on the downtown area is government buildings and bums. You can't get rid of the government but you can get rid of the bums. Give em a one way ticket back to Chicago... that's how most of them got here. I guess the Pantagraph doesn't want taxpaying business downtown... just more taxpayer funded white elephants ... Colliseum and BCPA... that need to buy advertising (taxpayer funded again) to draw people. "

Wait wrote on Aug 20, 2007 1:53 PM:

" Let me get this straight. The shops haven't noticed and increase that they thought they would. Think People Think. I do attend events at the Judy haven't yet at the Arts building. I have gone to dinner before a game/show at the arena. Why would I go shopping first? What would I do with my purchases. Shops are closed after game/show can't go shopping them. When you think about this why would anyone believe that this facitilies would increase the shopping in upto(oops) downtown Bloomington? "

to Family Person wrote on Aug 20, 2007 1:40 PM:

" the downtown does host a family event every weekend from May thru October call the Farmers Market. Alcohol Free-just lots of fruits, veggies, plants, art, jewelry, live music, bakery. Should try it sometime- "

Goody wrote on Aug 20, 2007 1:19 PM:

" they should have monkeys on each corner serving toast! Then the people will show up! But... the monkeys will eventually go insane and destroy everything on eat all the people. That might be bad. "

I don't shop downtown wrote on Aug 20, 2007 1:05 PM:

" because there is no parking. And, if I am lucky enough to find a spot, I had better not spend too much time in the shop, because I will have the parking police after me because I either parked 1 mm over a white line. or my car was crooked or I was parked somewhere for 30 min and 1 second. This is a new day and age in which almost everyone has a vehicle. People do not want to park a mile away and walk...esepcially in the heat, rain and extreme cold. "

just a thought wrote on Aug 20, 2007 11:55 AM:

" Just a thought but I'm going to say the main reason IBC isn't seeing more traffic from the coliseum is the fact that they serve very poor quality food and are one of the dirtiest bars downtown. I have seen very large crowds in both Elroy's and McGuire's enjoying meals before hockey games however and can't help but think a packed house at 7pm has to be accredited to the coliseum. "

Tourist wrote on Aug 20, 2007 11:49 AM:

" Bloomington is a bad area for "unique" shops because there is no tourism. The unique shops could do well in a place like Branson or Wisconsin Dells where there's new people coming through every week. The Bloomington shops don't get enough new merchandise to make them interesting to the same people over and over again(shops in tourist areas don't either, but they have shopper turnover). "

Trinkets wrote on Aug 20, 2007 11:45 AM:

" For the most part the retail in DT Bloomington sells trinkets, not things people actually need. Get some stores that sell things people need and they maybe the trinket stores would do better. "

Bottle Imp wrote on Aug 20, 2007 11:43 AM:

" One of the other problems with all those bars is that college kids have little knowledge of or respect for what ancients in the Indian subcontinent refer to as "djinn," or in colloquial English, "genies." When a person drinks a beer and tosses the empty bottle into the gutter, the vessel becomes a potential home for a variety of unclean spirits. Attracted by the dregs of the liquor, these spirits crawl into the bottle and lick the bottom clean. But having crawled in head first, they find it impossible to maneuver their way to freedom again. If one of the vagrants mentioned in the article were to pick up the bottle looking for a quick buzz, and inadvertantly rub it, he could release the spirit. Empowered by the booze, the spirit could be surly and dangerous. Who knows how much damage it could cause? So PLEASE, if you're out drinking downtown, be SURE to smash your empty bottles into as many pieces as possible. The potential physical harm of broken glass is a small price to pay if we're to be spiritually safe and pure. "

why not wrote on Aug 20, 2007 11:40 AM:

" I agree with some of the comments on store hours Downtown. My husband works on Saturdays and Sunday tends to be our day to go out and shop and relax. I am continually disappointed by the stores not being open on Sundays. We go to the Coffee Hound in the morning and that is pretty much all that you can do. All of those "Downtown Bloomington" commercials don't do one bit of good when most people are like us and want to spend a relaxing day doing some shopping, eat out, and relax but no stores/ real restaurants are open. Downtown Normal has almost all of its stores open on Sundays, why not Bloomington? "

I agree wrote on Aug 20, 2007 11:39 AM:

" with I work downtown. You have some great ideas but people have to feel safe when they shop too. My mom lives and works in Peoria. So many of the women she works with brag about going to Bloomington to shop. I don't understand it. There is nothing special here. Bloomington has nothing that Peoria doesn't and if Bloomington does get a store first, it's a smaller, uglier test market version. "

Jimmy the Greek wrote on Aug 20, 2007 10:42 AM:

" Buy out 3 or 4 blocks of property adjacent to the downtown area and open up a theme park. Build 5 or 6 different roller coasters and add a water park. A puppet show or 2 along with a musical review and people will be lining up hours before it opens to go downtown. The eateries will flourish, the shops and stores will be full of customers, the bars are sure to make a few bucks, the cutural center can put on plays, the cellulor center can bring in musical acts, What this town needs is a downtown theme park. "

LAUGH wrote on Aug 20, 2007 9:59 AM:

" I think that its absolutely wonderful that the yuppy non-smokers (that never went into the bars anyhow) now have to deal with all the SMOKERS that are outside! Downtown Bloomington has always been disgusting, but now, its going to get even worse! Just so you know, most of the entrances to the shops are used as restrooms late at night. "

Al Cholic wrote on Aug 20, 2007 9:55 AM:

" Has anyone been to Show Me's??? It's a horrible, blatant 3rd rate rip off of Hooters. The food was 3rd rate, the service was horrible and it wasn't even busy. The girls are even 3rd rate compared to Hooters. "

TO: Anyone complaining about cigarette butts on the ground wrote on Aug 20, 2007 9:45 AM:

" What did you expect when you stopped allowing us to smoke in "your" establishments where the ashtrays are located. You can't have your cake and eat it to. "

Tired of Vomit wrote on Aug 20, 2007 9:23 AM:

" There is throw-up everywhere! Something has to be done about these college "kids". They seem to be getting worse! Saturday night, I had some drive up next to me and start giving me hard looks and saying something that sounded very derogatory. They looked smashed! "

clean-up crew wrote on Aug 20, 2007 9:20 AM:

" All merchants need to hire someone to clean-up after each night, they will be employed by all merchants and will work from 3AM-7AM, cleaning the sidewalks street areas, keeping cig butts and vomit free from the downtown workers...washing the sidewalks and cleaning up garbage seems to be a big problem that the city can't get to...as for parking: make Main stree, Market, Washington, Jefferson....From the Arena to the Fine Arts building a non-traffic area..build more parking garages around the downtown, ones with 4-6 stories "

To To I Work Downtown wrote on Aug 20, 2007 9:12 AM:

" I think you have an anger problem. My comment was not difficult to understand. From many of the other comments, there are more people than just myself who notice the litter and don't want to see it. And I mention the "awful thuggish teenagers cussing at people" (as you called them) because that was what was mentioned in the article. Anyone who comes out here at 5:23am for the sole purpose of typing a venom-spewing post such as yours has a problem. Hope your day improves! :) "

Watch the video wrote on Aug 20, 2007 9:00 AM:

" You have to watch the Midnight on Main Street video in the multimedia section. Hilarious!!! "

to: students wrote on Aug 20, 2007 8:53 AM:

" You mean laying around, being hungover, absorbing mommy and daddys generosity! "

Reality wrote on Aug 20, 2007 8:48 AM:

" It's amazing that neither in either of the articles from yesterday's paper or in this article is it once mentioned that the Normal and Bloomington City Councils along with Bromenn, ISU, IWU, and OSF have hired an outside development group from Chicago with the twin city taxpayer money to advise how to redevelop downtown Bloomington and bring life to all of Main Street. The last time an outside developer was hired was sometime in the 80's and it bombed miserably according to Greg Koos', Bloomington's DBA president and local historian, presentation at the Bloomington City Council meeting about two to three months ago. So that is where a chunk of OUR taxes has gone but the representatives of Bloomington have "failed" to mention it to everybody. I think it could be used for other purposes rather than paying people from Chicago on something that hasn't been done yet for almost over a year!! "

CHILDREN wrote on Aug 20, 2007 8:48 AM:

" HELLO, this is a FAMILY town and a lot of people have YOUNG children. Give me some place down there I can go with my TODDLERS and I will go downtown. OH AND HAVE THINGS BESIDES BARS OPEN PAST 5pm!!!!! The Normal Discovery Museum was a great idea. And an ice cream shop open in the evening. "

The problem is in the article wrote on Aug 20, 2007 8:43 AM:

" Ditzy college students have no class or taste! "Tee hee hee" "is that where the bars are?" "I only shop at brand-name outlets and the mall"" Tee hee hee why should I spend mommy and daddy's money downtown and risk absorbing some culture, tee hee"" don't ask me I just came here to drink, tee hee" " I'm the future of America, Tee hee"...etc... HERE"S AN IDEA FOR BUSINESSES, have a Paris Hilton or Brittany look-a-like contest if you want to attract superficial 18-23 year olds, or just start serving alcohol...Tee hee hee "

students wrote on Aug 20, 2007 8:41 AM:

" hmmmm usually during the daytime college students are in class or working their part time job to pay for their education "

are you wrote on Aug 20, 2007 8:32 AM:

" people that upset at incoming revenue? I'm am always amazed at what people in this community find to complain about "

Happy Consumer wrote on Aug 20, 2007 8:29 AM:

" I have an idea for the small business owners...advertising would surely help get your name and product out there for people to take notice of. Why don't you advertise on local radio and/or this newspaper. The big chain stores advertise weekly so people won't forget them. Why would we come downtown if we don't know what's there? "

Filthy wrote on Aug 20, 2007 8:25 AM:

" I go to Coffe Hound most every morning and love the Farmers Market but I understand why some people don't come downtown. There are some Sat. mornings when the discarded beer cups and trash is horrible. The bar owners and the city must do something to keep the area cleaner! There's some great shops but people are not going to walk through trash to buy a nice bottle of wine at A Rene's. "

Unique does not mean good wrote on Aug 20, 2007 8:22 AM:

" People on here say they want more unique stores, but unique does not mean they are good stores. There is a reason why people shop more at the mall stores than downtown. THEY LIKE THE STORES BETTER. Complain all you want, but until a few brand name stores are in the downtown area to draw people (because they advertise) the unique stores will remain slow. The unique stores will benefit from the foot traffic resulting from the popular stores. I also agree with some of the ideas on green space. There needs to be an activity or attraction that draws people to downtown. Green space is good. Lets get some more good ideas rather than complaining. "

to Here is an idea wrote on Aug 20, 2007 8:17 AM:

" Why, you radical! "

DT Resident wrote on Aug 20, 2007 8:05 AM:

" I live in one of those "pricey lofts" for rent (which aren't THAT much unless you live above Elroys) and see the after effects of the weekend bar patrons. What you don't see is *some* businesses sweeping and hosing down their sidewalks after those nights. Granted, I think more businesses should do this but it is tough to force them momentarily. Also, while I agree parking could be better don't forget there are two parking decks close to both the square for Farmers Market and local stores that are FREE on Sat & Sun! Maybe the DBA should consider parking validation from the local stores if you buy something? Lets be thankful the decks are only .65 cents an hour so don't cry to us that the price is too expensive, it could be worse. Btw, I encourage all to come down and just walk downtown on some Saturday morning and browse the local businesses. The owners are all very nice and friendly. The best part, they DON'T hound you to buy something. Much better than getting accosted by the sales reps at some of those places in the mall. "

Chicago Style wrote on Aug 20, 2007 8:04 AM:

" Ever notice that Judy Stearns who is one of the two Alderpersons for the Downtown area is never avaliable for comment. Judy Stearns lives in Cook County. "

I love Down town Blm-- wrote on Aug 20, 2007 7:56 AM:

" I can shop all day, and party all nite!!! I see it as the best of both worlds! :) "

re:founders grove resident wrote on Aug 20, 2007 7:36 AM:

" I'd bet you're a downtown business owner. Maybe the one that had an article here about the bar owners not to long ago. If you go there every day and spend money you must be loaded. "

Stranglehold? wrote on Aug 20, 2007 7:33 AM:

" That sounds awful negative to me! The bars are what makes downtown cool! I don't want to go down there for some stupid antique shopping or something lame like that! "

Recent experience wrote on Aug 20, 2007 7:21 AM:

" A few weeks ago, my wife and I went to eat at Reality Bites and chose to sit outside (it was a beautiful night). The food was great, very cool place!!!. While we were eating, we were made fun of by bar patrons...one asked me how is your bruchetta (sp) (that made me laugh). We had 4 people come up to us asking us for money for food etc. I gave one of them a piece of bread (what would Jesus do??) Anyway, my point....We have great places downtown, but it was really difficult to have a nice evening outside enjoying the atmoshpere, and this was at 7:00 pm. I think the outdoor eatery idea is just not possible with the entertainment hub that we have established. From now on, I'm getting popped at Elroy's/Killarney's downtown and going to avoid downtown for nice evenings out. "

As a family person ... wrote on Aug 20, 2007 7:18 AM:

" I think downtown Bloomington needs to develop a weekend festival for the entire family. Uptown Normal has the Sugar Creek Arts Festival and the Sweet Corn Festival. We, along with our 2 children went to the Chocolate event last year. Fun, but we didn't get to experience any of the business not participating because they were closed. Seems like the events they do hold, have involve drinking. The Hot August Nights will be centered around bands and probably drinking. Do you want to continue to draw the same crowd or do you want to add a different demographic? "

To umm wrote on Aug 20, 2007 7:14 AM:

" No, the Pantagraph probably wants to submit a story for an industry trade award. They needed something of more substance than the typical stories, thus this series of stories "

Attracting Business wrote on Aug 20, 2007 6:47 AM:

" If they're trying to attract daytime business, why not hold the "Hot August Nights" and "Champagne on Center" in the daytime and rename them appropriately? A Saturday afternoon would be a great time to hold this, so it doesn't attract the drunk crowd. Also, parking needs to be addressed; I realize parking limits on time are supposed to restrict employees downtown from parking there, but why can't they figure out a system to make employees prove they aren't parked on the streets. Require them to rent space, and prove it to their employers, or require them to show their employers a parking stub from one of the city lots. Also, I agree downtown needs a mid-sized retailer to attract customers. I think a Crate and Barrel would go over well. The DBA needs to take a trip to Chicago to see how they have renovated some of the older neighborhoods there, and attracted a lot of good business, and I don't mean downtown Chicago either. I agree that some of the shops here are over-priced for what they are selling. "

um. wrote on Aug 20, 2007 6:36 AM:

" Well, they do all close early and there isn't really anything there I want to go to. If there was the bar crowd might keep me away. Drunk college kids can be annoying, but drunk middle aged losers are just sad. "

JD wrote on Aug 20, 2007 6:32 AM:

" With the advent and popularity of the Internet, why would a consumer deal with the hassles of parking, the overzealous police who will ticket a cat for loitering, and people who are borderline rude if not over the border. It is easier, and usually cheaper, for people to order the good online and have it shipped to their homes. Shopping at a store is more a novelty than a requirement any more. People use Veteran Parkway because it has easy parking, and people can waste time easily. "

Ummm wrote on Aug 20, 2007 6:25 AM:

" What other businesses are downtown? Instead of relying on the Pantagraph to write articles perhaps some more advertising? "

Here is an Idea wrote on Aug 20, 2007 5:50 AM:

" Why not set your store hours when people are downtown or when people have the ability to shop at your stores. That might be an idea!!!!! "

To To Business Owners Know wrote on Aug 20, 2007 5:36 AM:

" I am glad to hear you are doing well but a couple of things disturb me about your post. First of all you say you have an awesome space with plenty of foot traffic. Where do these foot travelers park? Or are they just that on foot? Second you when you are open, which leads to me to believe you are one of those trendy little spots that are open about 20 hours a week because it is a part time gig for you. I own a business and I am open 74 hours a week, 7 days a week. I used to be located downtown and would not go back for anything. It is odd when I was located downtown I was acquainted with many novice business owners who had quaint little shops and cared not if they turned a profit or not. My business is real business and for me turning a profit is not optional. So if you have a little part time shop and you are happy I congratulate you. However for we business owners who are in business to stay and actually make a go of it, downtown does not work well at all. "

Observant wrote on Aug 20, 2007 5:35 AM:

" Downtown is a great night life and entertainment area. That is a perfect fit for our community. We have a demand for this entertainment district and that need is answered. By closing bars is not going to bring in a chain store. They have long abandoned those ideas. Look at Joliet. They add millions every year via the Riverboat money. The downtown is still full of homeless and the businesses still complain that their profits have not been influenced by the Riverboats. Our downtown is walkable and safe. Our Police is everywhere downtown. Let it grow! "

To I Work Downtown wrote on Aug 20, 2007 5:23 AM:

" it must be terrible for you to tolerate cigarette butts, litter, and teenagers. Those elements combined are enough to keep me in my plastic bubble. Get a grip would you? This is Bloomington, not Barrington Hills or Naperville. If you want the soil free streets and the Monk type environment you are seeking, you are in the wrong place. Why would you want outdoor tables when you just said there is so much litter, cigarette butts, and those awful thuggish teenagers cussing at people. Your comment makes little sense to me and if someone else can make sense of this gibberish, please enlighten me. "

OGS Made in China wrote on Aug 20, 2007 1:56 AM:

" Since the bulk of what we consume is made in China and can be bought on the internet, then what is the point to go shopping? Gas is expensive and my time is short. Repeal NAFTA, rise up and speak out against the North American Union, and rejuvenate the United States of America. Take back our jobs, take back our country, and our economy will turn around on all facets. Pay attention to the corrupt shadow government and the world around you before it is too late. "

What BS! wrote on Aug 20, 2007 12:00 AM:

" If Bloomington wants to revitalize downtown they need to be more honest than this. The bar crowd is NOT keeping people away from the retail outlets which all close up shop around 4 pm. The bums are different. This isn't Chicago, people of this community don't expect to be accosted for money walking downtown...which has happened to me every single time I've been there in the last few years. Heck, I love Rosie's pub but I even had a bum walk in, sit down at the bar and ask me if I could buy him a drink the last time I was in there! Tthis is a place with $25 a plate dinners and I've got BUMS asking me for money at the bar!?!? Speaking of outdoor seating, please! I love it but Rosie's has about 3 tables outside in the afternoon, it's the CITY that won't allow them use up any more space along the sidewalk than that. The bars are the only thing that make money because they're the only things that are capable of drawing a crowd. Please don't blame them for the rest of downtown's miserable failures. "

funny about parking wrote on Aug 19, 2007 11:54 PM:

" Parking in downtown Bloomington could be a bit better, but still better than downtown Normal. For a twin city to be over 125,000+ yes there are parking decks in downtown Bloomington, but at the very least the Market Street deck needs to add more decks. Normal has none and the one planned is a crazy distance to any viable stores compared to the current ones in Bloomington, so when you complain about not having enough, all one needs to do is look up North in Normal and realize it could be worse. "

downtown biz owner wrote on Aug 19, 2007 11:45 PM:

" TO FOUNDERS GROVE RESIDENT........thank you for being a good downtownie and shopping local. Glad you've mastered the mystery of parking(parallel parking can be a doozie!) Our store attracts clients from all over central Illinois because we are unique and offer things you can't find on Veterans parkway or pretty much anywhere else in Central Illinois. We have wonderfully fun customers who love personal service(which sometimes is a missing element of chain stores). We love being part of the downtown for the past 6 years. "

So wrote on Aug 19, 2007 11:29 PM:

" How many people can go downtown, eat and do some shopping in 2 hours...Maybe if I had a special city council parking permit and could take longer than 2 hours. "

I remember wrote on Aug 19, 2007 11:20 PM:

" There were lots of good stores - Livingston's, Rolands, Page's, (all GOOD clothing stores), Shield's Jewelers, Jack Lewis Jewelers (this store used to be downtown), Walgreens, Kresges, Woolworth's, Dewenter's - Along with Monkey Wards and the Green Stamp store!! "

founders grove resident wrote on Aug 19, 2007 10:49 PM:

" I go to downtown Bloomington almost daily to visit Coffee Hound (best coffee and scones in town!), get my hair cut at Fox and Hounds, get my glasses at Specs Around Town, exercise at Thrive, go to the post office there, shop at the great specialty stores-Cross roads, A Renee, Blue Thistle, and Common Ground, to name a few. I agree that there needs to be more unusual and speciality shops that you cannot find out at the mall. I usually can find parking close by, but of course I have mastered the lost art of Parallel parking-which does scare quite a few off. The bars don't bother me, but I think the bar owners need to grow up and work together, be responsible for the vandalism that occurs in front of their place and clean up their own messes. I think the city just needs to learn from their past mistakes, invest in small businesses that will stay, make the sidewalks more attractive with benches, lighting and more green throughout the downtown-not in just certain areas. Do more murals, have some history markers. Have Pantagraph do an on-line survey. "

To Business Owners Know wrote on Aug 19, 2007 10:26 PM:

" This business owner thinks that being downtown is great, and I'm NOT a bar or restaurant owner, so don't speak for us when you don't know what you're talking about. We've done extremely well, the rent is reasonable, and we have an awesome space with plenty of foot traffic when we're open. No complaints here, and we plan on staying there until we outgrow the space and then hopefully find another spot downtown. "

Observer wrote on Aug 19, 2007 10:04 PM:

" So much for the smoking ban hurting business. "

It never ends!! wrote on Aug 19, 2007 9:26 PM:

" I would love to shop in downtown Bloomington but, like everyone else says, parking is a joke. I would love to live in downtown Bloomington but all those lofts are completely overpriced. Apparently, any "play"ing I do just annoys the crap out of everyone so where does this end? I think parking and rent prices are something the DBA or whoever can change and do themselves a favor before their little "project" sinks. "

BILLY BOB wrote on Aug 19, 2007 9:15 PM:

" 54 million dollars to revitalize downtown. Lets see at 100,000 dollars per property (and that is way to much for most) you could have bought all the properties surrounding the downtown area and tore them down. Create a green space from Allin street to the west. Market street to the north, Olive street to the south and McLean to the east. Most of these properties are fine but the idea is to create an open green space for a park and plenty of parking area for businesses that would like to locate downtown. "

reader wrote on Aug 19, 2007 9:13 PM:

" All I think of when I think of Bloomington is party and bars,and that is all I think of Bloomington. "

to Observant wrote on Aug 19, 2007 8:55 PM:

" I took my young daughter and son to Lancaster's for the son's birthday, and found it to be a very nice place to eat. However, because of the loud, obnoxious drunks on the sidewalk, I won't do it again. To each their own, but putting up with drunks is not required to get a good meal. Springfield is certainly full of people on the weekends, too, but they're not drunk college kids. Big difference, if you haven't noticed. "

Harber wrote on Aug 19, 2007 8:38 PM:

" If people are going to go downtown to the bars and restaurants then have more bars and restaurants. Just give the people what they want it seems simple enough. So what if it’s all nightlife. There were plenty of bars and clubs in downtown Champaign and somehow new developments were built. I don’t think anyone goes shopping in downtown Champaign and they cannot convert old empty buildings to bars and apartments fast enough. If you think a Crate and Barrel is going to move in downtown Bloomington you live in a dream world. Come over to the dark side and just give in, Do what Champaign did, if a small businessmen is going to invest a lot of money in on rehabbing a building a making a classy bar then he should be given a class A liquor license. It would mean that dumps like the McLean County Bar would have to shape up or ship out "

Long Time Resident wrote on Aug 19, 2007 8:34 PM:

" Of all the stores listed that closed I've only heard of Moberly and Klenner ( I read the paper and list to local radio and TV) could lack of awareness be part of the problem? Judging from just the names though they wouldn't have been anything I'd be interested in. "

What downtown is what it is wrote on Aug 19, 2007 7:48 PM:

" The downtown has numerous individuals enjoying themselves every weekend. I congratulate Bloomington for that. Yes they do not more well know corperate stores. I think some of the negative responses may be from angry Normal town person(s) not happy that THEIR college kids knowing where to spend their money and enjoy themselves! "

ummm... wrote on Aug 19, 2007 7:32 PM:

" ....what downtown doesn't have bars? It's the part of downtown that keeps it together...Of all the people that wish it was like Naperville here....Have you even been to Naperville? It's full of bars...That's what brings in the crowds...Like it or not. "

huh wrote on Aug 19, 2007 4:35 PM:

" Susie's Cafe became Rhinos. Or at least half of Rhinos. "

Observant wrote on Aug 19, 2007 3:59 PM:

" I drive thru downtown often late at night. The streets are FULL of people enjoying the nightlife. That is what downtowns are all about. It is very alive. Go to any city our size, and they are dead. We are doing the right things. I applaud our city. "

huh wrote on Aug 19, 2007 2:19 PM:

" What happened to Susie's Cafe? "

Vomit Cleanup Tax wrote on Aug 19, 2007 2:15 PM:

" I go downtown nearly every Saturday morning to buy the fresh produce of local farmers and also to get a snack at the Coffee Hound. On occasion, I have almost stepped in what was obviously vomit from the prior night. How about the city collect a tax from the bar owners to pay for someone to cleanup vomit in the downtown, so I don't have to see it? "

SO wrote on Aug 19, 2007 1:27 PM:

" who issued all the liquor licenses, hmm? "

I work downtown wrote on Aug 19, 2007 12:22 PM:

" and see the cigarette butts on the ground along with other litter every day. The new light posts that were put in a few years ago, along with the corner flower pots, are really nice, but there needs to be more than that to counter the litter and issues mentioned in this article, such as groups of teenagers cussing at people and hanging around. Make some of the roads a green space and have perimeter parking (and more of it). Have a couple of the shops place tables outside in the green area to have an outdoor cafe on nice days. Really, the downtown area could thrive but it needs people that are proactive instead of reactive, and people willing to think outside the box. The bars have their place downtown, I'm not saying get rid of them. Why doesn't the city do a poll of residents to find out what ideas they have and what would bring them downtown for more than just divorce attorneys and paying taxes? "

Middle Class wrote on Aug 19, 2007 10:16 AM:

" Parking is a problem, as is the price of most of the merchandise of the quirky downtown stores. I think most stores are very cool and unique, but I can't afford much of what they offer. Also, I use a tailor downtown to alter my clothes, and the poor woman keeps her door locked until a customer approaches because she is afraid of the vagrants that beg for cash. She is alone in the store and doesn't want to take chances. That tell