What Would You Improve in Sewickley in 2013?
If you could make a New Year's resolution for the Sewickley Valley, what would it be?
More than 45 percent of Americans make a resolution every year, according to statisticbrain.com. Some people vow to live a healthier lifestyle, others promise to spend more time with family, and many say they will try to save money.
As millions of Americans make resolutions to improve their lives, what could we do right here in Sewickley to make it an even better place to live?
What is on your Sewickley Valley wish list? What is one thing you would improve in 2013?
Tell us in the comment section below or start a blog about why you love living here!
Outraged Citizen
10:02 am on Thursday, December 27, 2012
I believe Beaver St. needs a facelift. It certainly has the potential to be a scene out of Currier & Ives that all residents want, but is honestly lacking. Right now, it’s dilapidated and overpriced.
We also need to get over this phobia of chain stores or “outside business interests” entering the “Sewickley bubble.” How great work it be for the community if we could get stores like Ralph Lauren, Vineyard Vines and Trader Joes? How many more would come to Sewickley to shop? How many of these people would also visit our local shops?
I applaud the efforts of the folks at Village Green Partners, but, frankly, their efforts are just a Band-Aid until we get serious about strengthening our community.
bnhasak
12:32 pm on Thursday, December 27, 2012
While I love TJ's, I personally wouldn't want the traffic that a Trader Joe's would bring to our community. I think Ambridge could use the traffic and income that a Trader Joe's would bring, but not here. I also value Safran's, and wouldn't want a big box store to come in and shut them down. We do have Talbots, Starbucks, Brueggers, etc...so it isn't as if chains aren't a presence here already. Maybe a newer, fresher addition would pick things up all around, but it has to be thoughtfully done, with respect to the existing local businesses. One thing that sells Sewickley is the community itself. That we still have a main street business district, that we have churches, and the Y, and schools in walking distance. I think we should do more community activities. We do Light Up night so well, and the whole Christmas season with activities at Wolcott Park, I'd love to see more activities like that. Maybe a family friendly New Years Eve, or a community Easter Egg hunt, 4th of July celebration at Riverfront Park, I don't know, but just more activities that bring people together and increase business by default.
Outraged Citizen
1:42 pm on Thursday, December 27, 2012
Thank you for making my point. I really couldn't have done it any better. It is exactly this “Sewickley bubble” thinking that will make it impossible for rejuvenation to occur. Light Up Night, an Easter egg hunt, Fourth of July at the river or a family friendly New Year's Eve will not revive "Main Street." You cannot rely on “business by default.” What about the other 360+ days throughout the year?
Regarding Safran’s, the presence of a Trader Joe’s will not put them out of business anymore than the upgrades at Giant Eagle. They’ll attract a different kind of customer – many from outside the community. Traffic concerns could be eliminated or eased, especially if it were located with access from 65.
Also, a Trader Joe's in Ambridge, really? Will it close at 5:00pm? Will there be bars on the windows? Didn't our police just assist with a home invasion there involving a shooting? I'm sure Ambridge is exactly the type of neighborhood they're looking for. Nothing drives business like a headline that reads, “Armed robbery turns violent at Ambridge Trader Joe’s.” Yikes!