We need new blood, the old blood is rancid
Last night we had a lively conversation over at Facebook regarding the BID and other Grove issues. I like to think that most of the people on Facebook are young and fresh and not the same old guard who have run Coconut Grove into the ground these oh so many years.
People are concerned. While Brickell, South Miami, South Beach and Coral Gables thrive, Coconut Grove is going down hill fast.
Check out the comments that people left at Facebook. I think you do need to be a Facebook member to read them and you have to "like" the page. People are disgusted and something needs to be done to help our village which seems to be on life support these days.
Brian Breslin, prominent Grove businessman, brought up these questions:
1. Does the BID have a website or anywhere we can find out more information about them?
2. What is the chambers role in this?
3. What is the village council's role in this?
The BID's website is www.coconutgrove.com, they paid a lot for it, ironically nobody knows about it though. If a tree falls in the woods and nobody is there, does it make a sound?
As for question 2, anyone, anyone? Lili? Andres? Sandy?
As for question 3, Michelle?
People are concerned. While Brickell, South Miami, South Beach and Coral Gables thrive, Coconut Grove is going down hill fast.
Check out the comments that people left at Facebook. I think you do need to be a Facebook member to read them and you have to "like" the page. People are disgusted and something needs to be done to help our village which seems to be on life support these days.
Brian Breslin, prominent Grove businessman, brought up these questions:
1. Does the BID have a website or anywhere we can find out more information about them?
2. What is the chambers role in this?
3. What is the village council's role in this?
The BID's website is www.coconutgrove.com, they paid a lot for it, ironically nobody knows about it though. If a tree falls in the woods and nobody is there, does it make a sound?
As for question 2, anyone, anyone? Lili? Andres? Sandy?
As for question 3, Michelle?
posted by Tom Falco at 8:08 AM
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3 Comments:
It is my personal believe that in order to get the Grove being successful again, and buzzing with live - the following needs to be done;
- ALL BID MEMBERS OUT - NEW ONES IN
- Determine what the Grove wants to be - Tourist place, local hangout, party town for teens, whatever.
- Make a 5 year action plan to get to where you want to be
- Sell the Idea to the community
- Report on the progress in an open and honest format for all - each Quarter - what has been done this Q, what should have been done this Q, and what will be done next Q.
- After 3 Quarters - evaluate progress, if good - go on, if wrong make adjustments...
Whatever it is that is being done now - "IT IS NOT WORKING"... simple... oh and leave the trees alone...
My 2 cents.
How much does a part-time gig pay at our infamous BID? If they can afford 40K for their useless website, or playing with the sidewalk bricks for grotesque and rather obscure contracts, I might actually consider it.
As far as real, down-to-earth steps to take in order to revitalize the Grove in a hurry, I could list a dozen concrete measures to implement right now, which would jump-start the revival like you have no idea.
CI
The Village Council has tried to make a difference by encouraging the City to repeal the 3 a.m. closing law, by getting involved in the discussion about tree removals and streetscapes, by providing some of its scarce funding for key Grove events. Problem is, we don't have any legislative power, staff, or the budget to do more. Our members are volunteers elected to identify and learn about issues and to make the position of the Grove known to local government.
My personal opinion? Bringing the Grove back requires three equally important factors: 1) the landlords need to put on their reality goggles and recognize that their property is no longer the hottest commercial draw in town, and price it to attact occupants who can establish businesses and stay in business; 2) the BID needs to put the commercial success of the Grove as a whole above the interests of a small handful of board members' business needs or the hiring of well connected but ineffectual contractors, identify a sustainable business mix that is attractive to residents and visitors and effectively market it; and 3) the residents of the Grove need to patronize our local businesses and bring our friends and family here also.
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