The 9 Sept city council meeting raised an issue of great concern to the future of historic downtown Douglas. Without requesting prior public comment, the city presented its plan to convert the old Phelps Dodge building on the NW corner of 10th Street and G Avenue into a recreation center for teenagers. The City of Douglas believes that converting this major chunk of real estate on THE prime corner of our downtown district into a hangout for youth will spur the economy and improve tourism.
I totally disagree with that concept. After a year and a half of study, the University of Arizona public planning students presented a proposal on how to improve the downtown area. They came up with suggestions like encouraging small business such as a coffee shop, book store, Mexican curio shop and sidewalk cafe. These ideas would attract folks of all ages. I do not understand why the city would ask the U of A for assistance and then ignore their suggestions. What a slap in the face for all the long hours those students spent on that project!
A group of pierced and tattooed teenagers on skateboards with blaring music and grafittied bathroom walls will drive me away from downtown, NOT to it.
How about you?