[Winona Online Democracy] To several points made about the Wal-Mart and downtown development issues:
1) Retail is indeed part entertainment. The astute blend of convenience and charm is the most successful. Look at downtown Red Wing, Stillwater, etc. You don't need to sacrifice character just because you have a convenient location, like out on the highway. 2) Bringing residents downtown is a great idea and should be pursued on every available parcel on or near the river. There were a number of comments a while back about the renaissance of residential by the river in downtown Mpls (many 7-10-story condo buildings). However, a few dozen or even a couple hundred units won't support the whole downtown retail environment in Winona. There are several thousand new residential units in downtown Mpls and still no grocery store. A Target store only went up recently there. So the more the merrier for residential in downtown Winona, but don't expect it to save downtown all by itself. 3) Convenient parking is perhaps the single greatest issue separating downtown from outlying development (am I telling everyone something they don't already know?). It should be plentiful (ramps), scattered around, and - ideally - free, in order to compete. 4) Winona's geology supports numerous multi-story buildings - a parking ramp is no different, unless there is something unique about the ground at Second and Center. - Phil Carlson, Mpls _______________________________________________ This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy All messages must be signed by the senders actual name. No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list. To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona Any problems or suggestions can be directed to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org
