Random Notes

by Rhonda Westfall

On vacations, superstores, and Central School

Boy. A person takes some time off for vacation and look what happens - more historic buildings are set to topple down, people are up in arms about changes in their neighborhood, and everyone's talking about superstores arriving and current businesses leaving.

And they say nothing ever happens in our little corner of the world.

Here's a tip - get used to it.

Actually, I'm quite surprised with the current reaction of folks to the pending advent of Meijer and Wal-Mart's possible expansion. From the moment the first shovel of dirt was turned for construction of the US-27 bypass, it was obvious that the new roadway would bring with it change - and growth.

Where was everyone when the county hosted meeting after meeting during that same time period to update its zoning structure and adopt a master plan? That was when questions should have been asked and voices raised. It's a little late now to be wringing hands and gnashing teeth.

In reality, the decisions that were made at that time on planning for the future growth were correct. Major new businesses, like the proposed Meijer development, should be located in close proximity to existing municipalities - that's exactly where the growth should occur.

Jean Martin's column hits the mark exactly. This isn't the first time businesses have shifted sites to meet changes in the marketplace, and it certainly won't be the last. As long as there are companies who produce goods and services and people with money to buy them, marketing trends will shift and evolve.

Who knows? Maybe if I live long enough business will change enough so that the D&C Store makes a comeback to downtown. I'd give just about anything to have that candy counter back in business.

Jean is also correct in her assessment of what's driving these major retailers to locate and expand here - money. Our money. They've got a pretty good idea that if they build it, we will come.

If the people who are crying crocodile tears about the demise of our lovely little community really want to send a message, all they have to do is keep on shopping where they're shopping now. Wouldn't that be something?

* * * * * * * *

The loss of Central School is inter-connected in some respects to the changes our entire community has undergone in recent years. Looking back, it seems inevitable now that Mark Barber's effort to save Central School from the wrecking ball was pretty much a lost cause.

Both his initial idea to renovate the historic building into condominiums and a follow-up plan to transform the structure into a convention/banquet facility had tremendous potential and merit. The timing simply wasn't right.

Thankfully, Mark's previous restoration projects were successful. The community owes him a debt of gratitude for the work he's done all around St. Johns - saving the Kuntz House from the ravages of fire and turning it into Oakland Place; helping make the Spring Street building into comfortable offices; creating unique apartment units at the Lansing Street building.

Central School would have been the crown jewel in Mark's renovation legacy. We're sorry it could not happen.

* * * * * * * * * *

Finally, to all those people who have asked me if I had a good vacation the answer is a resounding Yes. Too good, in fact. It's been a little difficult this week getting back into the rhythm of the working world as everyone at the Reminder will attest to.

Although, I must say, both Scott and Lee claim to not have even noticed that I was gone - I'm always on vacation according to them.

It was a very enjoyable two-week period, though. I managed to spend quite a bit of time with my beautiful granddaughter, Gwendolyn - who at eight months is crawling all over the place and growing like a weed. Time spent watching the waves breaking on Lake Michigan was also on the vacation agenda - wish I was back there now, actually.

With our annual 4-H Fair and Mint Festival sections looming and assorted other projects on tap, July will be an awfully busy month.

Guess I'll just have to have my Lake Michigan photo blown up to poster size, throw some sand on the floor, and use my imagination.

I'm pretty good at that.