Used Car Salesmen.. unite!

Let's talk for a moment about the lesser understood man - the Used Car Salesman. You think the Big 3 (Ford/Chrysler/GM) are going through some rough times, wait till you see this.

So GM and Chrylser are dumping dealerships left and right. These dealerships (Like Dominion Dodge) have already purchased the very cars you see on their lot. (You thought the Dealer Discount was just a marketing ploy?) Now they are stuck with them, and will have to sell them for whatever they can get basically. Profit or Loss - they need to get rid of those cars.

In the case of GM vehicles, apparently- the Fed is going to back the warranties (no word on recalls or that sort of thing). So what's the risk in buying one? You can get it cheaper than cheap, and you know it will be serviced. Let's look at the dealership across the street. They are not losing their contract - so they are still selling new cars. The same cars that are nearly half price across the street. So now Dealer B (the one no losing it's contract) has to cut it's prices, and compete against a dealership that just wants to get rid of the cars. This is an ugly situation. But it gets worse.

Down the street is a Used Car Dealer. Been there for years, since the time of the Hupmobile. Actually so has the Used Car Salesman. He has always prided himself on selling exactly the car the person needs. And at a great price. Sure, they are not new - but they are good affordable cars. And he is more than happy to send you to his favorite service center who might give you a discount. It's not quite a warranty, but it's close.

Dealership A (loss of contract) has cut it's prices so they are showing a $10 profit on every car on the lot. Some of the cars they are more than willing to take a loss on. They are using every last drop of advertising budget to get the word out - so they can clean up and get out quickly.

Dealership B (with contract) has cut their prices too, but they are still showing a profit - maybe $100 per vehicle. It's going to make things tight, but they can make it back with service plans and optional add-ons that Dealership A can't offer. And it says so right in their ad. They are even offering toasters and gas cards with the purchase of a new vehicle.

Used Car Dealership is sitting there - no one looking at it's cars. Most of the lot averages 5-15 years old, and anywhere between 40-120K miles. It has been days now since anyone has even stopped - except to get directions to A & B. They have nothing more to offer, other than quality used cars. No warranties, no gas cards, no toasters. They don't even have true "vinatage" cars - just some real good lookers.

For each customer they would normally see - 20 rush by to Dealerships A & B. Sure - there's no credit available at A, and B is restricted in it's lending - but at the prices they can afford to charge, what does it matter?

Used Car Dealership closes, and it's cars go to auction, where they bring a pittance.

Extrapolate that. GM is dumping 2,000 dealerships (roughly), and so is Chrysler. 4,000 dealerships + with unsold inventory, and even if each of them only has 50 cars on the lot - thats 200,000 cars (+) that need to go, immediately. That means 200,000 used cars (+) that will not be sold.

God only knows how many used car dealers will go out of business because of this.

This is not going to help the recovery, and what happens to the physical buildings these dalerships occupy? Sell to a competitor who did not lose the contract? Creating more Berglunds - only on a nationwide scale? And what about communities who rely upon car registration taxes for funding?

Nope - this is not a good situation, not at all.

If not now, when?

Some of you might have noticed we had 2 water-main breaks this week in the same day, following the terrible trembler 'NokeQuake 09. One, in the area of 2nd and Franklin - was right down from an area where a good deal of utility work has been ongoing in the past few months. So there's a good chance the pipe has been shaken around prior. The other pipe, well - that's a whole 'nother story.

Remember our old friend - the unspoken blockade to downtown development - the Patrick Henry Hotel?

Well, yes - the pipe bust there. As it was reported, some water did penetrate the PH. Know what that means? More damage to the old lady.

I could post link after link after link to the court documents on this property, it's amazingly un-jailed owners, and how many pension plans were ripped off - intimidated - and outright lied to in regards to this building. It would mean nothing. However, there is hope...

Affirmative Management (aka. Affirmative Equities Company, Patrick Henry Hotel Associates, LP - oh here, read the details in this .pdf) has not paid, well... anything in a few years. Which means, and it has been mentioned in the past - the Patrick Henry Hotel is in arrears when it comes to property taxes. At last check, back in Dec. 2008 - the PH owed the city over 80,000 dollars in past due taxes at the time it's parent company filed for Chapter 11. Well, it's nearing the halfway mark of 2009, and so far - no word has leaked about the City's plans for the building.

Why? Andrew Jubelt has no real intent to develop the property, it's just a pawn for him to use against some pension funds he has tied up in it (see .pdf above). It is crumbling, as has been evidenced in photos taken from the inside recently (roanoke times 10/2/08), and sadly - it's nearing the point of condemnation.

The recent water main bust has surely left some damage, and will only aid in her demise.

How long before the city moves to take the Patrick Henry, and sell it to someone who can make it viable (or at worst case scenario, demolish it carefully - saving what can be saved), and a worthy match for the new Social Security building across the street.

Revitalize Jefferson? Perk up downtown's economy? Rid yourself of a nasty white elephant? Or maybe just extract the name of Roanoke from the business properties of a very dubious charicter.

Will we be lamenting the collapse of the PH in ten years? Or celebrating the smartest decision the city leaders have ever made?

Baby come back.....

Sorry I have been on an unanounced hiatus for a while now, but it's hard to stay angry and topical when you have an 11 month old around the house.  But that Ol' man Venom won't stay quiet forever.

Case in point, today's article in the RT re: Ukrop's not seeing the growth they expected here.

Well, to be honest, no duh. When you have citizens walking around saying that "they would not shop there because they got OUR tax money." Or the ever present "they built it atop the stream, that can't be safe - so I'm not going to shop there."

Well Roanoke, it's your chance on the world stage - many retailers are watching what happens with Ukrop's to see if they would stand a chance at doing decent business here. 

As I recently told a Corporate visitor to Roanoke, never expect that anything that you do elsewhere will work here in Roanoke. Roanoke is it's own world - business wise. Which is not to say that you cannot do business in Roanoke. I explained the difference to him.

Ukrop's offers great deals on Local produce, great meat (which is raised for them alone, along with their chickens which are also sold to another local "fresh" supermarket, who charges you much more for the same product) and excellent product selection. I will tell you quite honestly, I split my shopping between Ukrops (for my produce and baked goods, baby food, chicken and occasional meat), Sam's Club (for things related to the baby, dry goods in bulk, cheapest milk, and other fun things, and Walmart for all the little items (stuff we need to get us from week to week without our monthly trip to Sam's). 

Ukrop's is taking it's time to get it's feet off the ground - but it's going, I am seeing more of my customers shopping over there lately. I feel the real blame lies on Painter Properties for not having an actual development plan, just speculative building. Much like Keagy Village, Ivy Market suffered from a group that knew enough to build in a location, but not enough to know that you have to have interest (in writing, legal yet non-binding and great for showing off who might be looking at your location to prospective parties) before you can build.

But that's typical of Roanoke. Look at the Colonial Green subdivision. Or Towers Mall itself. The stories I could tell you... 

Walgreens will open, the people will come. Ukrop's will gain business because customers only have to walk across a short parking lot to buy beer and wine - since that is one of the many excuses I hear NOT to shop there. 

"I'm not shopping where I can't buy beer."

"The store is too big."

"I cannot find anything."

Close-minded thinking, making excuses NOT to try something new, or even find the good in it. 

13 years to tear down a stadium, you are not going to show growth as quickly as you might think.

Holding my tongue

I've been good. So good. I've been trying so hard to keep my mouth shut and give Bowers a chance, the entire council a chance. It's not been easy.

But now it ends.

First off, I want to thank Mayor Bowers, and the entire Council - including the newly minted Mr. Rosen, for making it impossibly easy to do this. 

A city council who makes headlines for the confusing and dangerous machinations it attempts, and fails at does the people it represents no service.

Bowers, for all his "open office" speeches, his "looking forward - not back" promises, and obvious platitudes to the electorate - has assumed office as if he never left. Including the way council operated - which is at odds with the way it operates now. 

And Mr. Rosen, rather than hang out and observe the workings of the Council, or asking questions  - instantly feels left out and slighted. Have you always been denied the cool table Court?

With one meeting (and I'm not even going into the one before it in which Mr. Rosen asked for a copy of DRI's submission to the RFP - which was a debacle in and of itself) the Council has set the public face of the city back 20 years. After reading this article, I would not blame any business for refusing to relocate here, or expand. 

Do I believe there are backroom deals going on? Yes, but with one caveat: I really don't think they are savvy enough to pull them off properly. 

Remember when Mr. Dowe misspoke about "a boutique hotel property in downtown" a year ago or so? He then felt the full weight of the "backroom" fall upon him as he was booted for "suddenly discovered" double dipping. That hotel was/is to be the former Billy's Ritz building. And now, today's headline: "Patrick Henry site in a tax pinch"

It seems the city could be taking over the PH Hotel downtown at the end of the year, and putting it up for tax sale. Is this the council that should be doing such things, given the extreme dischord shown on simple issues such as a municpal golf course?

Fair enough, the city SHOULD own the PH - but to what end? Renovations and bringing it up to code would run in the millions, just like the Hotel Roanoke. By now most of us know the story on what a disgrace that was, not to mention the ongoing problems with the buildings. But the PH could do some real good; with the right leadership, and the right blend of public/private partnership. Personally, I can't trust the council do the right thing. 

In one version of the Downtown master plan, the Municipal Library was moved to the Heironymous building, the library in the park became a Rec Center (same structure, different purpose), and the PH was a magnet for people coming to downtown for business and pleasure. 

As I have posted before - I've been inside the PH - deep inside. I can tell you what kind of condition that building is in, firsthand. It is more magnificent and dramatic than the Hotel Roanoke, and also holds a deeper meaning for Roanoke. 

Sure, N&W built the Hotel Roanoke - but they met at the PH. And just like the city council once consisted of actual leaders in Roanoke - the PH once held all the leading business functions. The Hotel Roanoke was more personal functions, short of the massive meetings that can now be held there. 

Once again, I ask - is this the right council for the job? I had reservations back during the elections - and carefully chose my votes, knowing that I was voting for the best at that moment, but not the best overall. Where are the leaders?

Well, one of them is right here. And even though I have been holding my tongue lately, and keeping quiet when I could be shouting from the rafters - I have not abandoned my hopes. For a city that shines, a Council that works for the best of the City, and a public image that outstrips the rest. 

I'm still working over here in my small section of town, and change is happening. Slowly, but steadily - it's happening.

It can happen all over the city too, if only we had the leadership to do it. 

Well, that makes sense.

Take a look at what the new CEO of Advance Auto Parts had to say about why he is relocating and re-organizing so many jobs to the Twin Cities (although he does promise not to be abandoning the Roanoke area):

"Still, workers there -- as well as local politicians and newspapers -- aren't blind to the Minnesota expansion. Jackson said one main reason he wants to grow here is to tap into the area's 18 Fortune 500 companies. Advance, which employs about 1,600 people in Roanoke, is that area's only company to crack the Fortune 500.

Having a major airport here is also a plus, as Roanoke's airport recently was named one of the country's 100 most endangered.

"If you add up all the revenues of Target, Best Buy, Supervalu, General Mills and so on, it's about $200 billion," Jackson said. "In Roanoke, it's $2 billion.

"So it's 100-to-1 in terms of our opportunity to look across the Twin Cities to see if there's talent that will help us go even faster and more effectively." (via The Strib)

It doesn't feel right, and it hurts to admit - but the guy is right. Who would want to locate a major national business in a place where there are no other major nationals?

The Roanoke Region continuously attempts to frame itself as a great place for business. But what happens when you cannot get the employees you need?

I can tell you the story of a local employer, who in the 3 years since they opened here - have run through all the decent, hard working employees they could. Now they are left with whatever walks in off the street. Of course, this is due in large part to management issues (poor employee retention policies), but the key is - there are no more skilled workers to do the jobs this employer needs.

And we are not talking about Brain Surgery here folks.

New hires are not willing to do the work required of them without complaint, are instantly jealous of what other employees might have (regardless of how long they have been there), and have a severe distrust and dislike of anyone with any sort of management power. And they lack both the basic common sense which guides a person to do a good job, and the education to meet anything but the minimum requirements of the job. (Speeling optshunul)

This is probably why the new CEO of Advance wants to stay put.

I don't blame the City Schools, or the County ones; I blame the culture that allows people to walk about, shuffling feet and slack-jawed and ignorant of how to spell Saturday.

That's why we cannot and will not compete for any major operation to relocate.

Hard truth, but it has to break eventually.

Who knows? Not us, thats for sure.

Milan Tobacconists, a venerable downtown business since 1912, is moving.

Down the street to 309 S. Jefferson, the old Lee and Edwards Wine Merchants shop.

106 S. Jefferson, the current location, is owned by Blue Marlin LLC - which also owns the Frankie Rowlands/ Subway building.

One can only speculate that with the recent acquisition of the old Southern Pawn, we could be looking at yet another restaurant downtown, and a possible expansion of Frankie Rowland's.

And just a block away - the Ol' Billy's Ritz is heading down a similar road. Filings with the city include many details, one of which being a 5th floor added atop the existing 4. The amount of work required to convert this aged beauty into a boutique hotel and restaurant is.. well, expensive. And word on the street is, no investor would touch it - but the decision was made to go ahead anyway.

And much like the former Woolworth's/CampbellMart, all work has ceased there too.

Would it be too much to ask for the City to put a time limit/fine on permits for work? The Woolworth's has been an eyesore for over 2 years now, and if the owners had only went for the proper permits - they might not have received a stop work order, and we might have a viable retail location.

Milan should do well in it's new location, being 2 stories prepared for wine storage, which is not all THAT different from cigar storage. Hey, maybe it will become a cigar bar?

Anyway - that's my retail roundup. I kept meaning to get to it.

A (3 year early) Christmas Gift

The Blue Ridge Business Journal gives us a gift this year on Page 25 of the Dec. 17th issue.

What could it be? And why would I be writing about it?

It's a infobox titled "Retirement by the numbers in the Blue Ridge Region." It gives us a peek into what the 2010 census will hold for the Roanoke/Lynchburg MSA.

Estimated population between the two? 688,241

Thats nearly 700k (which will probably be more likely by 2010) for an area most companies write off as too small.

Too small? I think not. Those are exactly the kind of numbers that people need to look at. More than that, 289,061 of those near 700k are 65 and older. Whats known as "free money" in the retail industry. Those who most likely do not have mortgages, have money socked away in retirement and savings accounts.. the golden gooses of the world.

The group under that, the overwhelming Baby Boomers? 270,000 of them reside in the area - they are the big wave getting ready to break.

Much like the 2000 Census claims a total of 75 people living in the 24011 zip code, and thats a number we know has grown since then.

I guess we will finally start making some waves after all - especially if we can get the Trans-Dominion Express running, thereby making commuting possible between Roanoke and Lynchburg with ease and comfort.

But, with these numbers comes the realization that only 129,180 people in the combined MSA are under the age of 40. A daunting number when you consider the landslide of retirees just ahead of them.

But it is this small group - 130k strong, that is truly the future of the Roanoke-Lynchburg MSA.

Anyway - I can't wait for the 2010 Census. Might just be a bit of a wake up.

Major businesses, take note.

Lame. Just Lame.

Roanoke City Council to discuss Mill Mountain and Victory Stadium site in private
City land will be discussed -- legally -- behind closed doors.

I get it. Really, I do. What business would want plans openly debated, for the special interests to rip apart?

In the case of the missing Amphitheater, I really don't care what they discuss behind closed doors. The city will use it's secondary official mouthpiece (the Roanoke Times) to release whatever they want you to see. Pretty images, and little else.

But the Mill Mountain issue is far more important to the future of Roanoke than the Amphitheater. It's the difference between meeting behind closed doors because you need to, and because you can. The definition of "public good" is not all that wide, and in a situation like this I think the benefits of having an open process (especially when the process has been viewed as tainted as this one is) far outweigh any illusionary need for secrecy. One proposal, thats all you have. That's a pretty clear indicator that no other business thinks this is a good idea. As a matter of fact, I would not be surprised if no other business was strong enough to bear the ill will it would receive should it build atop Mill Mt.

Disposition of public property is one thing, disposition of public parks? Well, now thats another thing entirely.

Dear Prudence.... teach these mortals what they cannot know. How to be effective governors.

Shall we try this again?

Did ya hear? Parking rates got the ok. Big shock.

So did a 1 million dollar "incentive" for Cambria Suites (which I think was a smart move, for multiple reasons).

They also changed the date for Walgreens, rightly if they expect growth (and while another drug store does not seem like much - at least it's accessible by public transit - more jobs for those who cannot or do not drive).

Countryside Neighborhood Alliance got a WIN with the extension of the Countryside Golf Course management contract, or so it seems. Time will tell on that one.

But a big ol' Thanks! to the Roanoke Times for posting what I could not find while searching the documents for the City Council agenda. The Market Advisory report. (pdf)

The usual things top the list as goals - expanding the market itself and all the accompanying suspects as one would expect. Some of it seems trivial: Replacing offending Ginko trees (sorry, but they drop fruit - thats what Ginko trees do. Of course, this fruit is edible - so anyone with some foresight could potentially harvest this and use it accordingly), cleaning sidewalks daily (normally the responsibility of the business located upon said sidewalk), and loitering (the city made a choice years ago to allow the homeless to remain downtown, out of charity).

What gets me is the innovative ideas that were put forth. Some are great, and some are blatant attempts at further ruination.

GOOD: WiFi credit card terminals, ceiling fans/ radiant heat, extending tables up Market on Saturdays, and lockers for purchased items to save you multiple treks back to the car.

BAD: A certain restaurateurs play for increased sidewalk space - so he can take that over too. Sure - try walking the Market on a Sunday and see if you don't hit this roadblock (non-ADA compliant roadblock at that), preserve awnings (didn't we just replace them?), and repave the street (you know, under that asphalt is a lovely layer of cobblestone - of course, that might require thought though).

And here is where we get to the HINKY:

Expand current management to night time, 24/7. (DRI or the City of Roanoke? Considering the current trend.. I know who I'm looking at.)
Provide a variety of attractive uses during events, or when Market is closed. (vague? a tad.)
Expand evening use: events, move First Fridays, yadda yadda. (A climbing wall in the parking garage? And would these events not require that Market Square be closed more often?)

These things sound great, for the time being. Problem is, we have an egotistical City Council (and administration - D&b) who think they own the forest AND the trees. The type who know the value of everything, but the worth of nothing.

I am going to admit something for the first time ever. I think the building of a new Art Museum downtown is a good thing.

I still think it's a crowbar to the historical nature of Downtown Roanoke, but yes - it says we are desperate enough to throw money at any crowd that has money. And yet, we cannot keep our own crown jewel shining enough without a major to-do about it.

The market has made leaps and bounds over the years in terms of growth. Part of that is the fact that tourists seem to love it. Kind of like going to a Red Socks game in Boston, if you're in the area - thats what you do.

Roanoke is a very unusual place - like Kansas City without the river as a hub, like Albany without the State Capitol as a motivator, but yet Roanoke refuses to die.

That is because there is vast opportunity for those who refuse to see the negatives, the "can-nots" lead to the "will-nots", and they drag everyone down.

There are a few self-stimulating businesspeople around here who believe they are God's Gift to something (no idea what), and everyone should bow and listen when they speak. Apparently some do, so these folks get even more inflated - until they hit a point where they become so ridiculous - they lock the system up. We saw it with Victory Stadium, and with the Star City Diner (how many of you know Spanker sat on the Library board for the City?) - and we see it again with the Amphitheater crew.

SO what? The city gets a concert venue that's outdoors. As I have posted previously, it's a good idea (as a multi-use facility) to locate it across from Carilion's new Bio-park. 8-12 concerts a year though.. there should be that many uses of the space in a month. Concerts, Renaissance Fairs, flea markets, what have you.

It's the limited scope of the brains behind the project that frighten me. These are our "ambassadors" to others looking for places to relocate. The same ones who cannot figure out what to do with a large section of the city prime for redevelopment, because no one ever thought about doing it there before.

Thinking outside the box is a wonderful thing, especially if you realize what a box is - and not worry about the pretty color of it.

Our Mayor, Hizdishonor, just returned from a trip to Sundance where he learned about Global Warming (among other things, like the joys of being a Hollywood star who near-owns a town). Upon his tanned return, he announces a new initiative: the Clean and Green campaign, which he also mentioned at the State of the City address.

Well, aside from Harris lying to get into the Sundance Summit (apparently, he forgot to mention that Mayor around these parts means City Council member who gets to bang the gavel when he feels like it and not much more), this "Clean and Green" campaign suddenly emerges again.

Gwen Mason, please stand up and tell us all how you "invented" the "Clean and Green Campaign."

Now remember, there is no money behind this effort now - but Mason says she hopes to change that. And get rid of icky cigarette butts.

Oh - Im back folks, and just getting started.

Oh - and to the Roanoke Times, lest you think you get a pass this time. Wonderful reporting on the Gay Pride day in Elmwood park. Great to know the entire day had something to do with Senator Larry Craig. You deserve a Pulitzer for that kind of reporting, and a 2x4 to the cranium if you think that was anywhere NEAR informative.

FAIL.

Be back later..

Would you?

Need I even say how much this resembles our own Council?







Would you trust this crew (not one of which is a successful business owner mind you - and that includes FITA, which David has little to do with on any regular basis) to handle the business of a city?

Are you really that surprised that there is so little response to the City's request for proposals on various projects?

Is it any wonder when you have to defend a city against statements like: "There is just no available capitol in Roanoke to spend on growth," and "Roanoke will never garner the kind of investments it needs to be a city."

Anyone out there willing to pony up a scholarship to the Higher Ed Center, we need at least 7 - possibly 10, to send the heads of the city (council, manager, and assistant managers) in for a remedial class in Basic Business Economics. We know they already have degrees in creative writing.

As Daffy Duck says: "Deeeesphickable!"

What a long, strange week it's been.

I know you have been waiting, some with baited breath, for this post. Well - I hope your not too disappointed.



Let's begin with this item, from last Sunday - "Many wary of market changes"



Well, considering that none of Center in the Square's "leaked" changes have anything to do with reality - including the turning of the parking area for the market into a "European-style plaza." If the city council does not see the reason to close Market St. off to traffic on weekends who in their right mind would think that they would allow it to be closed permanently?



And did anyone consult with 202 Market - I mean, if you are going to put a giant stage next to them, I would think they should be asked - considering they too will have musical acts.



Not to mention the complete "bad-will" publicity that would be garnered by shoving multiple vendors off the market. My question is this - if it was a signature building 25 years ago when it opened as Center in the Square, whats wrong with it now?



And the idea of moving the vendors down the center of Market St. was a no-go two years ago, despite the "raves" from 2005.



Mayor McCheese, or Emperor Nelson of the Mayonnaise tribe spouted forth multiple times this week with bland platitudes of little meaning. "My desire would be that the farmers and florists on the market remain in the market area as they provide a certain ambience(sic) that makes the market area unique and attractive."



Well, yes - but what does it mean? It means the mayor does not want the farmers to leave the market area. Area does not equal Farmer's Market. This from the future George Hamilton (if you were at the St. Pat's parade - you'd get that).



Then we had another missive from Valley Forward, who actually had a good run of media attention this week. Pres. John Lugar was not exactly rational when questioned following a meeting of the Mill Mountain Advisory Committee on Thursday . "This wasn't unexpected, and it clearly shows the committee is dominated by one well-intentioned person with a very strong personality."



Oh, well bless his heart. At least he did not come right out and call the entire meeting a sham, the vote rigged by those who do not share his "Valley Forward" ideals, and the city of Roanoke a hell-hole. You know he wanted to. But no, he keeps touting that line about being "well-intentioned". If it will take a high-priced inn on Mill Mountain to attract (and retain) more folks like Mr. Lugar and Associated - oh well. Bless his heart, he's so well-intentioned.



Oh but wait - we were treated to a column in the Times by one Robert Fralin, vice-chairman of Valley Forward on Tuesday. Wait - I've read this before. Correct me if I'm wrong, but this is simply an old press-release with a new paragraph added. Nice of the Times to give them this much press though, they need it - as the other projects the claim to champion have little or no information available. I'm guessing by the time the summer is over, they are going to wish they never even brought it up. Oh, but do not forget - they have the Gallop for the Greenways which would have been a great way to show they care about Roanoke, had it not been overshadowed by the Inn debacle.



Again, I'm not hating the idea of something on Mill Mountain. A restaurant, a cafe - but not another version of the Hotel Roanoke. Rockledge closed as an Inn, what makes Valley Forward think that the New Rockledge would be any more sustainable?





Roanoke City made part of Fishburn Park an "off-leash" heaven for dogs, and from what I understand - the response has been tremendous. Unfortunately, the ForgottenDogs are not bright enough to understand the concept of "come" and "stay" are not likely candidates for such a facility, but I do wholeheartedly support such an idea.



Oh, and one last thing - I do have my own opinions about what to do with Mill Mountain, how to make Roanoke cool, what to do with the Market area, and so forth. And a lot of them have a base in the Roanoke we will be celebrating with the 125th Anniversary - you'd be surprised what the past can show us, to lead us into the future.



You will be hearing more about them in the future. Much more.

A new agenda

The new City Council Agenda is up here.

Notable: Another Amendment to the city code (trying it again) to allow no "possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages within designated park facilities after 12:00am."
So I guess we are going to try this again, slightly revised. Let's see what happens this time.

Whose Valley?

Keep your eyes on Valley Forward folks.. I smell another Art Museum in the making here..



I wonder, once they open membership - if the new members do not like the idea of the Inn, will they drop it? Or is the will of the upwardly mobile South Roanokers more important than the will of the people?



Oh wait, we already have the art museum..



Anyway - I invite anyone associated with Valley Forward to leave me a comment, or send me an e-mail (the address is not exactly hidden lately). Again, I'm not against the idea of something on Mill Mountain - but I'm not convinced a small upscale niche hotel is the way to go. That word 'upscale' has take this valley like wildfire, leaving the working people out in the cold.



And if the city council signs on to this without qualm or question - well, just remember - we are coming into an election year again. I've seen quite a few political suicides already from the city council, and the year has just begun.



Valley Forward? Could be.... if it's everyones valley.

Some interesting numbers

On the topic of the City Market area, and such - the idea of mobile vendors has been brought up a few times. Some numbers for New York City's vendor program, and what it brings in - plus the article that the numbers are derived from:



In City Parks

$5.1 million: Money raised for the city's general fund from food vending licenses in the parks.

$300,000: Cost of bid to operate a hot dog vending cart in Central Park near the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

$600: Minimum bid for a food cart in city parks.

$500: Minimum bid for a food cart 10 years ago.

$2: Parks Department-regulated cost of a hot dog.

$2: Parks Department-regulated cost of a pretzel.

$1.25: Parks Department-regulated cost of a 12-ounce soda.

50 cents: Regulated cost of a bag of potato chips.



Outside City Parks

3,000: Number of annual street vending permits for food issued by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

1,000: Number of summer permits available.

$200: Permit cost for processing food cart.

$74: Cost to license non-cooking food cart.

$50: Cost for food vending operator's license for two years

$1: Average cost of a hot dog outside city parks.

50 cents: Cost of hot dog plus bun and all the fixings to many vendors.



The article can be found here: Hot Dog Stands are Multimillion Dollar Business (via WCBSTV.com CBS2NY)

myretailroanoke part 2

Well, if nothing else - it's a fun way to see where your tastes lie in comparison to those around you.



Currently there are 632 registered users, listing 265 retailers (some conceptual - like pharmacy downtown), and 3943 ballots cast.



I discovered at least 2 companies I forgot about, some I never wanted to see again, and changed one of my 10 votes already.



Does it matter in the long run? Who knows, but it's fun anyway.



MyRetailRoanoke.com - give it a shot.

Valley Forward?

Once I saw this article yesterday, I knew I would have to post something about it.



It seems a group of young professionals has banded together to do something about the "cool quotient" of Roanoke. Apparently it ranks pretty low on the Richter scale.



While I can appreciate the views and motives of the group - I do have to question them. First off, the youngest member is 29, the oldest 42. The chairman of the group is 36, and a successful business owner. The youngest member is a financial adviser. 2 members are women, 1 is black, and most live in South Roanoke.



Under-representation appears to be the norm in Roanoke these days. The groups make-up mirrors Roanoke's own City Council - individuals that are, in some respects, disconnected from the majority of Roanoke.



When you surround yourself with folks who see certain things on a daily basis - your going to reflect that. Like being a cop. Most cops are decent, good people - but realize that a majority of their time is being spent dealing with the low-life criminals, and then ask why they are so jaded and burn out before retirement. While you might not become a reflection of what you surround yourself with, it does have an influence on you.



Valley Forward's emphasis on the "rebirth of cool" in Roanoke is commendable, however some of the focus is not. The claim of "You're not even relevant if you don't have greenways and am amphitheater" made by Mr. Lugar is overstated to say the least.



Most of the most important cities in the country do not have greenways, and some do not even have amphitheaters within spitting distance. Take good ol' Manhattan for example.



What Manhattan has: Madison Square Garden, New York Coliseum, Battery Park, and Central Park (along with many other much smaller neighborhood parks). That's pretty much it. Everything else is off Manhattan island. The Yankees and the Mets - Giants and Jets - all are off-island.



What makes the difference there? Private developers, a city willing to do the legwork to attract the "cool", and a community effort to "be cool."



It took 27 years for Manhattan to reclaim unused elevated railroad tracks and turn them into a greenway. It will be the first new park-space publicly funded on Manhattan Island in quite some years. Private developers have been adding miniature greenways to riverfront developments for roughly 20 years now.



Major difference - Manhattan has no more room to grow, whereas Roanoke does. Manhattan also has a motivated and community-minded population (across all spectrums of society) who want what they want, and far too many of them remember what parts of the island looked like circa late-1970's.



I give Valley Forward time to grow, and develop themselves. However, I do so with this warning. You are off to an auspicious start, and by allowing your focus to be portrayed as "greenways and an amphitheater" - you limit the impact you will have with the population at large.



I have the same problem with NewVaConnects, they - to all outward appearances- seem to be a group with limitations.



Perhaps we all need to take a step back and examine the situation again. The current need in Roanoke for change might just overpower all the smaller issues. Perhaps we just need some effective leadership, well spoken and knowledgeable about current issues. Not a group of middle-aged folk who are confused by the concept of MySpace.



One of the victims of the Roanoke City Council mindset, and perhaps someone they could all learn from, was former New York City Mayor John Lindsay (1966-1973). He inherited a city rife with problems, both budgetary and socio-economic ones. He was the first mayor to deal with public service unions. His first day in office was a 12-day disaster area as the Transit Workers went on strike, all due to his refusal to sit at the negotiating table.



He raised taxes, including the introduction of the commuter tax. And that same year - the sanitation workers went on a week long strike. This was followed by the unrest that came with the escalation of the Vietnam War, and its protesters. Crime soared, people left the city for the safer suburbs, the tax base was nearly wiped out. Lindsay bargained his way into decades and decades of debit for the city, in hopes of keeping the people quelled. Only years later did one of Lindsay's aides reveal the biggest flaw in the adminstration's policies: "We all failed to come to grips with what a neighborhood is. We never
realized that crime is something that happens to, and in, a community."
Assistant Nancy Seifer said "There was a whole world out there that
nobody in City Hall knew anything about... If you didn't live on
Central Park West you were some kind of lesser being."



To this day, New York City is still paying off the debit that Lindsay created. Both monetary and karmic. The Roanoke City Council is playing the same song on a different piano.



60-70-80 years ago the Roanoke City Council was responsive to the community, supported by, and worked with the Chamber of Commerce and other civic groups to effect a secure and smooth-running city. Most of the still-standing buildings downtown are from the days of an actual Mayor-driven City Council, back when the public and private sector worked hand-in-hand for the betterment of the citizens.



With the shallow pool of the current City Council, and the lack of strong leadership and decision-making - I suspect that 15-20 years down the road we will still be playing soccer on the land that used to be the Roanoke Fair Grounds (aka Victory Stadium), unless the public and private sector can start working together again. Valley Forward, NewVaConnects, and the City Council all need to realize that unless they can come together and work together - the celebration of the 125th anniversary is more of a New Orleans Funeral than a party for the re-birth of the phoenix.

It's time to clear the air

This lil' ol' Suthin City has a secret. Not a big secret, but one that is not often spoken about.



Considering it's location, it's reputation, and it's "biblical" activities: Roanoke has been called the "San Francisco of the Blue Ridge."



Roanoke has a sizable gay population, it's no secret - just unspoken (save for the few Pride events).



Well, it was.



Courtesy of Google News Alerts (for Roanoke, go figure):

Roanoke’s gay native son Will Trinkle runs a successful business in rural Virginia, but a new anti-gay law is testing his hometown loyalty

An interesting article to say the least. It makes this town sound idyllic, yet bass-ackwards in mindset. And yes, the last name is Trinkle, and yes it is that Trinkle.

I won't get into a discussion about tolerance, religion and it's laws, and all the rest of the trappings - but some of the most successful folks I know in this town are gay. Take that for what it's worth.

15 years ago. and still waiting

Nearly 15 years ago, Mayor Bowers' Capital Improvement Program recommended bringing Amtrak into the city. This was part and parcel of the Hotel Roanoke renovation, and the Conference Center development, along with recommendations for a railside linear park (the Downtown Railwalk, work in progress), a downtown streetcar plan (I believe this was about the time that trolley-styled motorcoaches were seen around downtown), and enhancing both the Transportation Museum and the area surrounding.



Fast forward to 2007 - The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center stands, and is externally a jewel - internally a rotten prune. The Virginia Museum of Transportation is a true goldmine of history, but not exactly a destination. Still debating the trolley concept - in those rare moments your not laughed at for even thinking of it (not that Providence, RI proves the darn things work!) and still not one sign of Amtrak.



In light of the failure of Roanoke's leaders to secure even ONE train (the impending TDX notwithstanding), I propose something different. We already have some world-class rolling stock at the VMT, why not put it to good use.



Rail Cruise.



Simple concept - think of the Orient Express, launching directly from the O Winston Link Museum - trip includes a 3 night stay at the Historic Hotel Roanoke (2 nights prior - 1 night after), guided tours of downtown Roanoke and the Mill Mountain Star - then a 4 day excursion trip to destination unknown (at this point anyway). And in keeping with the City's focus on being a retirement hotspot, I can assure you - this is something the retirees love to do.



Just one of the many things some forward thinking folks with the money behind them can bring to Roanoke. Granted, it's not the commuter rail we are hoping for, but at least it's a train in a grand old railtown.



Something to think about while we wait at the station....



PS: Support The TransDominion Express, it can only help.

It happened again

In 1941, it has been recorded that Norfolk and Western Railroad reached over 7,000 employees in the Roanoke area.



It took a long time, but finally someone has taken that mantle.



Carilion Clinic now employs over 7,932 persons in the Roanoke area.



They say N made this town, I guess now it's Carilion's turn.



Some more random economic stats from the past, and think for a moment how they match up to modern numbers.



In 1939, there were 105 manufacturing plants within the city and county of Roanoke.



In 1942, there were no less than 170 industries and 11 public utilities located in the immediate Roanoke area.



The Downtown businesses spawned WDBJ radio (in a manner of speaking, they did)



Shenandoah Life spawned WSLS radio.



All before 1945. The intervening years have seen some progress, much promise, and some loss.



How does a City overcome a change from manufacturing and industry to "other" kinds of work? Each worker must realize they are individual industries.



But it's been a long day, the Norfolk South-Western whistle has blown, and there's a meal in the distance. I'll be back tomorrow with oh so much more. These are just some things to consider.

It's a good thing2

Medical school, for those of you born without the inherent ability to diagnose, is a really good thing. Medical schools mean more interesting hospitals, hospitals that are better equipped to deal with any situation. I am a walking, talking billboard for teaching hospitals... (Thanks UVA!) and can attest to the skills and virtues of having such a system available.



Locally, the impact of having a medical school built in Roanoke (combined with the existing Jefferson College of Health Sciences) gives us the edge in the region. And depending on how it can link up with the other schools of medicine, could give us an even greater edge in not only the region, but the entire eastern seaboard.



And properly played, turning the regional network of hospitals and schools into one interlinked system, one massive educational and public service facility, well - it would be a huge win for us here in little ol' Roanoke.



Time to look at some of the local effects of having a med school here will be.

• Increased medical community. Thats a gimmie - as obvious as anything.
• Increased need for support staff for said medical community. DO, CNAs, RNs, and all the rest that Jefferson College churns out.
• More variety in "afterschool activities" - in other words, med students always need to blow off some steam when they can. We have to provide the place to do it.
• A renewed sense of professionalism, when your clients (in any business) are doctors - you have to step up the show a bit. Thats a lot of expendable income floating out there.
• A faster pace in business. Doctors typically do not have much time for lunch, be it at 12pm or 4am. We are going to need more 24-hour establishments, and faster (yet still quality) service.

The immediate area surrounding the school (Franklin Rd./ Jefferson) will need more services, 7-11s, and such than they offer now. The Ivy Market center will be a bonus, but not nearly close enough for those quick "between trauma" runs that doctors need to make.



But wait.. thats not all!



In today's Roanoke Times Op/Ed pages, theres a column from our former mayor David Bowers.



It tackles the city's "weak-kneed" leadership, and the seeming inability they have to notice the fact that NS and several counties here in Virginia are begging them to take on the Intermodal Rail facility. Montgomery County does not want, Elliston does not want. We have perfect location, perfect situation, and yet it appears - we do not want.



This makes me worry. I'll admit, I have not been as attentive as I could have been to this situation, but I figure freight rail will take care of itself, my focus has always been on the passenger side of the tracks.



But considering how absolute the other areas mentioned by NS as possible sites are in their "Do not want!", I say we should gain because they lose. Aside from the simple fact of tax base and revenue and jobs, it's a nice re-investment (as symbolic as it may be) for NS to make with the city, and vice versa.



When NS pulled it's HQ out of Roanoke, the city was heartbroken as would be expected. This is still primarily a rail town, hardly can one travel anywhere in the area and not hear the deep thrum of the engines, or the steam siren at the NS shops. This would be a small return to our roots, and with the level of blue-collar hard workin' folk round here - a few extra rail jobs would be a big blessing for both employee and employer.



In all reality, it's not about how many trucks it removes from I-81 for most people, nor is it about how much "greener" it is to run 100 truck-loads on one massive train engine, than 100 diesel-run truck engines. It's about the simple fact that rail belongs in Roanoke, there are plenty of people here who can do the work, and will do so gladly, and the city should recognize that fact.



So here we have it, 2 Major developments in Roanoke which could/will/are changing the course of the cities history.



And 2 very different ways of doing business. 1 is a private venture, destined to succeed. The other, reliant upon the city to stand up, and waiting for that very thing to happen.



City Council, Mayor McCheese, and Our Human Resources City Manager: You can see how a public-private venture works. The Carilion/VT school is going to do more for this city than most of your own ventures. Many of you on the City Council stand to benefit from it, including our own Vice-Mayor who I'm sure will see a nice spike upwards in business at his restaurant. The trickle-down effect does work, and if you stand up and work with NS to gain the Intermodal Station, the entire Roanoke area gains. And if you can't see that... well then, you better hope the Carilion school also has a class in opthalmology.