City of Anacortes Retail Market Study

So I’ve read the City of Anacortes Retail Market Study published April 22 2008 and am basically disappointed with the return on the this $20,000 investment. This new study reveals little more than the old study did. Seriously, a day on the computer, and a $200 bar tab sitting with those listed on the back page with a stenographer taking notes would have gotten Anacortes the same information and saved us quite a bit of dough. Alright, taking a second look at those names lets up the tab to $400 and a couple taxi rides. All the same, this study reveals little that we didn’t already know. One thing it doesn’t do, and should have, is give solid recommendations.  I’m particularly disappointed in the lack of a Highway 20 recommendation as this is something that has bugged me for a while; that aside, there are no other solid directions given for Anacortes to take into consideration on any other topic.

And as you might guess, given a study with no “thou shalt’s” the City of course set’s a course of wait-and-see rather than a proactive approach to solving our upcoming revenue pinch.  I guess I think leaders ought to lead, and sometimes that means taking chances and going directions that though unpopular by some, are good for the many. Right now the City won’t open Hwy 20 to retail/commercial development because it may impact existing businesses in town, and that’s true; it probably will. I’ve been told by City leaders that no use will be approved that competes with existing businesses  in the CBD and I can only wonder why they didn’t take this stance 6 years ago with all existing businesses, CBD and uptown, because mine would be doing quite well without a few new competitors in town.

However, this is America and the ability to compete is every person’s right. It also, by the way, makes each business either better – or obsolete; both are good for the consumer. My business has improved because of competition, and so will others – it’s what you do when faced with it.

Your thoughts on the study and in particular Hwy 20 zoning?????

-Nate