Comments on izenmania: Walkable Tacoma: Business District Walkability

Yeah, the out of town ownership is a major issue. ...

2008-05-09T17:56:00.000-07:00

Yeah, the out of town ownership is a major issue. They are not invested in boosting the community, as all they need is someone in the space.

Like I said, I have hopes for the North side of UWT's Pacific border. Theoretically once they stop using it as as staging ground for their current construction project they will start converting that into retail space. I just hope they can commit to leaving it as retail, and avoid booting out businesses later on if they need to expand classroom space. They, at least, have a vested interest in making that space interesting. Surrounding community can play a big part in drawing Freshmen, especially as they slowly move toward having on-campus residence.

one of the greatest bummers about small business i...

2008-05-09T14:32:00.000-07:00

one of the greatest bummers about small business in downtown T Town, is that landlords think they are in NewYorkcity....like Steve used to say....This is Tacoma not La Jolla......I've been shopping for bigger space and 20 bucks a square foot is insane.....Therefore the bldgs will remain empty (what do they care?) and the only ones who can come in are those with big $$$$ in they pockets.....I've been in T Town for 25+ years, and it's bad bad...No the future isn't here and the longer the landlords act like The Landed Gentry.....what has this got to do with walkability.....Yes ! Folks won't walk an extra block of scary empty blds to get to the other side of the street, or down the street, like you said. If Tacoma wants to fill up its gaping holes, someone has to clue in the landlords or the city needs to start an Affirmative Action program for small business...to locate downtown. Why is South Tacoma Way, or International district...Full? Cheap Rent. It all begins right there.....that's the answer to the chicken and egg.....cheap rent attracts business....blocks fill up ...people walk...and spend...I like the LINK but it's assbackwards as far as urban planning...but that's Tacoma for ya.

I don't like overuse of any word, especially in my...

2008-05-09T10:10:00.000-07:00

I don't like overuse of any word, especially in my own writing. But there aren't a lot of synonyms for "walkability" other than phrases like "ability to be walked".

Walkability Walkability Walkability Walkability Wa...

2008-05-09T09:58:00.000-07:00

Walkability Walkability Walkability Walkability Walkability Walkability Walkability Walkability Walkability Walkability Walkability Walkability Walkability Walkability Walkability Walkability Walkability Walkability.

It's less irritating to type it when you copy and paste. But, boy, it sure gets irritating to read. You probably noticed that.

Seriously though, good points made. People need to know what's there, see what's there, be attracted to what's there, before they'll make the effort to walk there.