Nightlife comes alive in Youngstown, Ohio
http://www.vindy.com/news/2010/mar/07/things-will-be-great-when-youre-downtown/
This is a good sign, but we simply can not sustain nothing but bars and restaurants in downtown Youngstown. The city planners are going to have to look to bringing retail trade downtown ... stores that provide goods that we need.
If every building downtown is a restaurant and there's nothing else how can they sustain themselves ounce the novelty wears off?
Some while back, Jay pointed out this need, and as yet we haven't seen much improvement. We still have to go to the suburbs for 98% of the merchandise we neen.
We have to patronize the existing businesses in downtown Youngstown to make them successful. If they succeed, other businesses will follow.
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The caption on the front page photo could have been "What not to wear while walking through the snow in downtown Youngstown."
Last week I checked out Ron E.'s Pantry store in Poland . I believe that it could work in downtown Y-town. It had organic and gluten free products. A expended product live would help those already liven downtown. All that is needed is and investor.
McAllisters Ice Cream Shoppe should be open in about 2 weeks.
I have to say councilman Swierz is and has always been a public leader who has the interest of Youngstown in his heart. I have known the councilman for many years and although we had our disagreements, he is an upstanding person.
To get down to business, I invited John to "The Village Pantry" to see a business model that has spread like fire throughout underserved communities such as the Amish. This business has and can compete with the big box stores because it has a niche, most everything is repacked, throwback to the old general stores. Bulkfoods.com is at the beginning of spreading into urban areas and John is correct, a store like this in YTown will work. Although it is not a health food store, it is a food store incorporating healthy food into it's inventory just as customers evolve into demanding healthy foods.
I told John, that I will help as much as I can to bring a bulkfood store to downtown, but here is where we need help. Everyone who really wants YTown to prosper, must nudge investors or someone wanting to open their own business. Let's see if the MVOC can bring business in instead of driving them away.
Next up is a Bakery shop! I know of a couple of people that are very interested in opening a store downtown. Wouldn't it be nice to have a good antique store downtown?
Wow, excellent Ideas and even better if it all moves forward. The idea of a antique store is unique and can fit in if done right and doesn't try to mimick the old approach of the whole street being antique dealers. I could see a classy antique store like the Joshua tree or an utilitarian antique store that has Ytown memoribilia.
John, you should be the chief liaison officer for YTown, you seem to be promoting it the right way.
I would like to see some of the "big box" stores try something innovative in the
downtown - perhaps with help and incentives from the city, the county and the
aid of the university's business school: Smaller, "satellite" stores downtown.
Corner grocery stores have to mark up their merchandise considerably just to survive
and make a profit. The vast majority of people who patronize these small neighborhood
stores likely do so for one of two reasons:
a) They don't have convenient transportation to drive to the suburbs and shop at the
"big box" stores - so they walk to the corner store in their neighborhood and pay the
higher prices because they have no viable alternative. Many low-income people fall
into this market segment - they cannot afford to own a car, and fall victim to corner
store prices, thereby wasting a lot of their already-scarce financial resources buying
food items, etc in these stores.
b) They might live in the neighborhood and have transportation, but they don't feel
like driving all the way to the suburbs for just a few items, or because the neighborhood
store is open at a time of day when the big stores in the suburbs are closed, ie: the
"convenience store" model of 7-Eleven and retail chain stores like them who are not
just "ghetto liquor and cigarette" stores.
The big box stores can easily undersell the little, locally owned "corner" stores
because they make their profits by doing a large sales volume - but they must do a
consistently large sales volume to support their huge "mega stores" in order to remain
profitable. This is due to the large overhead expenses involved with running stores
of this size and range of products.
What if a company like WalMart were to open a small, regular grocery store downtown.
A "satellite" store, if you will. Their operating expenses would be significantly lower
because of small retail space, fewer employees, etc. Think about it - a "Mini-WalMart".
WalMart could use its bulk buying power - the very lifeblood of it's cheap prices - to make
the smaller satellite store a sustainable, cost-effective venture without having to do a huge
sales volume to accomplish that goal. The smaller store could specialize in just groceries
and general household items that you would find in any other grocery store, and get its
supplies from the nearest full-size, full service WalMart (Liberty Township in this case)
and perhaps be owned and operated by the same people - and use the larger store's
network of suppliers and transporters to contain costs.
The strength of the WalMart brand, combined with a low overhead and bulk buying power
could be a winning combination for a small store downtown.
Home Depot is another candidate for a mini-store in the downtown. They could open a
small retail space, with a pared down selection of goods - which would be determined by
thorough and careful market research - to find out what types of items that people
within close proximity to the downtown area - and those who would be willing to take a
short commute via public transportation - would want to buy, in sufficient volume to
make a mini store viable.
Like WalMart, Home Depot has the bulk purchasing power to get products for their stores
and offer them at retail prices that few small, locally owned stores could even hope to
match - let alone beat. The mini store could be owned and operated by the nearest full
size, full selection store - ie: Boardman on Rt. 224 - and be stocked by the same suppliers
and freight carriers, etc that supply the larger store in the suburbs.
Close proximity to the University, and the Police station would give customers a better
sense of security, as public opinion generally favors the downtown as one of the "safe
areas" of the city.
I truly believe that enough people within reasonable distance of the downtown would
patronize stores like these, if they were to locate there. Their brand-recognition,
combined with careful market research and incentives, cooperation, etc from the city
and county could make them successful.
New jobs could be created downtown, other "niche market" stores such as Ron E.'s
food store - which does not complete directly with the "big box" stores - could
flourish because of the clientele that would be attracted to the vicinity by the
name-brand stores like WalMart, Home Depot, etc.
If the city could attract enough mini-stores that were owned and operated by the big,
name brands they might even be able to eventually open another mini-mall downtown,
thereby paving the way for small shops such as shoe repair stores, dry cleaning stores,
taylor shops, music stores, school supplies stores, a "Micro" MicroCenter computer store
could receive a large amount of traffic because of the university - here in Maryland, Micro
Center stores are even teaching short term classes for people who aren't even college
students!
The mini mall would not necessarily have to be a single, large building - the same effect
could be accomplished by small, individual retail structures placed in close proximity
to each other - and in close proximity to a centrally located parking facility.
Federal Plaza failed - true enough - but who says that these stores would have to be
located on the same street, or that the street(s) would have to be closed to traffic?
As long as they could be placed within a couple blocks of one another and close enough
to parking spaces to encourage pedestrian traffic, I think the concept of name-brand
mini-stores could work for Youngstown.
Having more residential space in the downtown is another important, contributing factor
to a healthy and vibrant business district. The condos in the Realty building are a good
start - but more is needed to convince would-be vendors that it will be worth their while
to invest in a downtown location.
I seriously hope that Y.S.U. reconsiders the Wick-Pollock Inn as a commercial venture.
This would contribute the "critical mass" that retailers look for when they are considering
possible locations in which to expand their business. Having the Convocation center close
to the Wick-Pollock would contribute towards making IT a viable business.
It all goes hand in hand: Venues like the Covelli Center bring the people downtown,
a hotel like Wick-Pollock could keep them downtown for an extended period of time,
and stores and shops can get some of their money - while they are downtown.
Steve: While I agree with you that the city's planning commission hasn't done a good job historically the fact is that there is one whether you like them or not, and it's up to City council to see to it that they do the job they're paid for, no excuses accepted. Do it or tender their resignation.
By the way, city planners extend beyond the City Planning Commission and extend to City Council and the Mayor.
Everyone can help! The city needs everyone to "Tell the Story" about the comeback of Downtown Y-
town. If the story is told enough times, investors will take the chance and open the necessary stores
Just when I think we have some real traction, we digress into pretending to show Walmart and Home Depot their new inner-city-business plan and how we should of designed retention ponds in suburbia to eliminate flooding.
Downtown redevelopment has no templete, it happens one business at a time, again, what we need is people with balls and contacts to invest. We'd do best if we put our energy towards finding that entrepreneur.
While I agree that there is no template we should be making a list of what we do want, like: a womens
apparel shop, a mini Rulli Bros. (coming home), sports store(tennis shoes,etc), vitamin store, pharmacy
store, Dry cleaner. Remember we have the empty buildings to house the stores.
Steve the building that would b e good for that is on the east end of town. Its a 30,000sq.ft. warehouse that was owned by Mr. Bob Brothers. Theres a sign with a phone number to call. It could be a open space venue like the old french market in Columbus.
No mention of the four hoes on the front page? I am sorry, but what the heck was the Vindicator thinking!?
News and views is mad because all four girls turned down his advances.....
Councilman, Here is some progress on a bulkfood store downtown:
1. The old precinct has space next door and Mike the owner, I'm sure will welcome an occupant.
2. Dutchvalleyfoods.com is ready willing and able to supply a new store downtown.
3. Your wife has experience with whole food operations and can manage a new store.
4. Urban agriculture can supply fresh produce to this store.
5. I will be available to assist in the establishment of a new store.
Well, most of the ingredients to bake the cake is here, all we need is someone with balls and the guts to be an entrepreneur here. I think the problem, is we have been addicted to PORK so long, we forgot how to make it ourselves.
Quote from: Youngstownshrimp on March 07, 2010, 05:35:05 PM
Just when I think we have some real traction, we digress into pretending to show Walmart and Home Depot their new inner-city-business plan and how we should of designed retention ponds in suburbia to eliminate flooding.
Ron,
My post was simply putting forth some ideas I had with regard to getting more stores in the
downtown area.
I was not
pretending to show WalMart and Home Depot a plan on how to carry on
their operations in urban areas - and I do not claim to be either a business planner or a retail
expert -
nor have I ever done so. I was thinking along the lines of an experiment to see
if such a venture could be brought to downtown Youngstown in an effort to revitalize the
retail district here - I only used WalMart and Home Depot as examples because they were two
of the large, nationally franchised outfits that came to mind when I was thinking about the
idea. Franchises who already have a presence in the local area.
If you disagree with the ideas or concepts put forth in my post that's perfectly fine and you
have every right to do so - but why do you come across as though you are attacking people
on a personal level so often? I don't understand. I've never said or done anything to you...
so what's with all of the negative attitude here? You're obviously a
very intelligent and
motivated human being, but when you come across with the attitude of a pitt bull on the
attack - people will basically start to disregard you and anything that you have to say once
you've offended them.
People who otherwise might have become interested in working with you, and putting your
valuable insight and skills to good use. I think your whole foods store is a fantastic idea...
but I'm not going to make snyde [sp?] comments simply because I had an idea or ideas of my
own - whether feasible or not. It would be just plain rude.
If you disagree with the ideas put forth in my post - by all means let us know by putting up
valid arguments as to why you think they would not work, and please supplement your
dialogue with ideas of your own that you feel would be workable solutions.... okay? This
response is not attacking you as a person, it is addressing your behaviour - or lack thereof.
When someone has some ideas that you disagree with - it doesn't necessarily make them bad ones.
Anthony Kobach (?) was the city planning expert who worked on the 2010 neighborhood
modeling stuff, right? I recall that he left Youngstown for better opportunities in another
city - who has been hired to take over for him as city planner?
The Youngstown 2010 website continues to post news articles about the good stuff
happening in the city - but no new neighborhood descriptions, etc. have been added in a
long time. It seems as though the planning aspects of the 2010 Plan have stalled,
more or less, now that he is gone.
Allan, you are right and I am sorry if I offended you. Please note that I did not point out anyone, but used the word "we" , I have been investing in YTown since 1995 and I see so much potential but the mindset is in the way. Again, I do not want to get personal with anyone and try often to include myself in my diatribe. I guess I get it from my father the old green beret, he was always barking rhetoric but he kept most his men alive.
the old armory on ryan ave comes to mind to have weekly open air market in the downtown area.
Quote from: Steve Novotny on March 07, 2010, 09:05:55 PM
Well that was inappropriate
The picture sure was inappropriate, not my post. Everyone I came across yesterday was talking about the "4 hoes" on W. Federal Street. Just look at their damn dresses and names. They are walking like they own the street.
And trust me, I am not the only one that thought of "4 hoes" when I saw the picture. Just go read Vindy.com!
Quote from: Steve Novotny on March 08, 2010, 10:42:54 AM
14 years of Catholic schooling taught me to respect others and to refrain from making harsh and uneducated judgements based on one's appearance.
We each have those 14 years of Catholic schooling in us and I am not making a harsh judgement, I am telling you what the picture clearly shows: four women wearing skimpy clothing in Downtown. Just what we want suburban parents to see.
Quote from: Steve Novotny on March 08, 2010, 10:43:57 AM
I walked through the armory a couple months ago. It needs a LOT of work in order to make it functional again.
it can happen with public and private donations to bring the armory up to code.
Quote from: Steve Novotny on March 08, 2010, 11:08:20 AM
I would love to see the structure preserved. It's currently owned by the Ohio One Corporation, and they don't have any use for it at the moment and are trying to sell it. I looked at it as a possible candidate for a deconstruction facility.
ohio one corp is the major stock owner, rich mills?
Quote from: Steve Novotny on March 08, 2010, 10:53:33 AM
You chose to apply a derogatory term and made harsh judgements about the women's lifestyles based on their appearance and names. Maybe you should head over to club Gossip in the Wedgewood Plaza this Saturday night to learn how women in the suburbs dress.
Care to give me another word to describe those four women? Poll everyone in the Mahoning Valley and I bet the first thought that comes to mind is prostitutes.
So......where do we go from here on the armory building? As of now, the only thing we have is an idea, but if we approach Mr. Mills with this idea, he may propose it to the community, to a potential entrepreneur. What harm can this do and just maybe a spark might ignite. Out of this may be born a push to actually make something of this building instead of only dreaming. I request councilman Swierz lead us into some type of brainstorm session with Mr. Mills, I am sure he would love to study any use of this historic building. I will bring the sushi.
Thank you News and Views for your typical conservative comments on these young ladies.....conservatives and the GOP are the party of hateful comments on people...and the party on passing judgment so randomly...
Quote from: irishbobcat on March 08, 2010, 05:33:49 PM
Thank you News and Views for your typical conservative comments on these young ladies.....conservatives and the GOP are the party of hateful comments on people...and the party on passing judgment so randomly...
I am such a hateful person... not.
i would form a committe to meet with mr. mills leave council and the city out of this matter unless we want to be thrown out on our bum. richard mills does not want any dealings with the city leaders.
I have a good relationship with Mr. Mills. His father created the Mudville Fire Dept. and to this day it gives out and annual scholarship. Rich Mills does alot of things for our community.
When I go to Naples, FL this May, I will take some photos of their downtown. It isn't big, but it is the "place to be" each night down in SW Florida. Tons of restaurants, speciality shops, and entertainment that attract thousands to downtown Naples each night. If I can get some photos I will.
Youngstown should take note of their lighting and outdoor scenery.
Sounds like we have the beginning of a committee, when do we meet and we need JRS to lead, I'm in and I will bring the frog legs.
Quote from: john r. swierz on March 09, 2010, 04:28:48 PM
I have a good relationship with Mr. Mills. His father created the Mudville Fire Dept. and to this day it gives out and annual scholarship. Rich Mills does alot of things for our community.
jrs i am glad that have a good working relationship with rm. i would leave out any other city leaders in this endeavor unless rm recommends that we include other city leaders. we must use an olive branch approach with rm.
Wake up! Wake up! Let's get this ball rolling in real time, not cyber laziness!
Met with the senior counciman JRS and he is definitely leading the charge and we need to follow. We think a bulkfood store will work in Ytown, ala miniature Mustard Seed. And the perfect location for it isssssssss, old Cedars!
We are going to approach the Simons and see if they will join the economic development. However, we need help, if you really want to help YTown, we need help, let the councilman know, I am in!
We need a team of concerned citizens to do a physical inventory of the current businesses that are located from Front St to Rayen Ave. Then list them in Categories, Ex. Law firms, Clothiers, Jewelers. With that inventory should be a list of vacant buildings and store fronts. We can then identify needed new businesses, and where they can locate.
Maybe we could organize as the "Friends for a improved downtown" or something other.
JRS, our leader, I just got off the phone with Atty. Chevlen, he is going to get a meeting with Mara, Tommy's daughter.
Did you consider the former Plaza Optical location of West Federal for the bulk food store? The building is between Rosetta Stone and the Lemon Grove. There is probably way more foot traffic on West Federal than on West Commerce.(http://mahoningvalley.info/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7750.0;attach=4192;image)
Thank you for the suggestion, the reason why Cedars maybe the location, is that it is ready and does not need big investment. It even has a kitchen and hopefully, they will partner up. In business, you are more likely to succeed if you cary no debt or very little.
Personally, we are not interested in another project, but we may invest if a stock company is formed. I suggest if anyone here who shouts YTown is really serious about renaissance, they come to the table and contact JRS. A bulkfood store can start with a very affordable inventory. Most successful businesses in downtown were started with cretive partnerships.