Re: [TCMetro] Lots of little downtowns?

[John M O'Neal]

Ann:   I go downtown to the Hennipen County Government Center for my passport needs, for my bicycle license, to pay my property taxes. Although I could do these things online or by mail, I like meeting the generally pleasant people when I fork over the fees. I have been going downtown to do my banking. However, several banks are now going to charge fees for teller services. I go downtown on Thursdays to the Nicollet Mall Farmers Market. Otherwise, I go downtown to change buses to get to where I really want to go.   Taking a 10 to St Anthony Main and Columbia Heights, I can see many movies. Several hip or historic establishments are in the area. Within walking distance to Central Avenue I can go to Holy Land or Patel Brothers for Hallal meat and groceries. The coop should open soon. I catch the 17 three blocks west by Blackeys Danish Bakery when I want to go to South Nicollet for Chinese markets for foods and spices. We have Burger King, Pizza Hut, and Subway mixed in with Afghani, Columbian, Lebanese, Mexican, Irish, Italian, Peruvian, or Vietnamese restaurants. An Egyptian restaurant may open soon. The German, Magyar and Polish restaurants are down the hill a short bicycle ride to the west. During the week, I can take a 32 to Rosedale for clothing or trinkets. The stores downtown cater to executives or young hip folk. I am neither.   I live on a fixed income. Many of my friends and acquaintances are retired, under employed, or unemployed. Downtowns and minnie downtowns aren't attractive to us.   Thanks. John O'Neal Northeast Minneapolis [EMAIL PROTECTED] ******************************************   I noticed this article last week on the development of downtown Wayzata (http://www.startribune.com/stories/535/3907199.html). The article talks about development across the suburbs while downtown St Paul and Minneapolis building stand with increasing vacancies.   I don’t live in the suburbs but I must admit I don’t go downtown as much as I used to – partially a sign of my age – but also a sign that there are better restaurants in my neighborhood and save concerts and shows – there seems to be very little that downtown has that my own neighborhood doesn’t.   How about people on this list? Are you still heading downtown? Why or why not? Do you find as I do that the luxuries of downtown (such as nice restaurants) are coming to a corner near you? I’m just curious to try to gauge the future of downtown versus the future of the neighborhood (or suburban downtown).   Thanks!   Ann   Ann Treacy St Paul MN