The newly expanded Gibson's Book Store is holding its own against chain competition, thanks in part to its inspired pairing with the incomparable Bread and Chocolate. The Capitol Center for the Arts is thriving, and Barry Steelman offers hope that the old Concord movie theater may, again, show real flicks. These folks could use some help from the city. It's nice to have the mall and to have the big box stores that are proliferating out Loudon Road. But malls and massive chain stores could be anywhere - and are, as we learned during our recent jaunt down South, which is overrun with the things.
Downtown is important - and special.
It has character and distinction. Having a real and thriving downtown makes Concord special and gives it an appeal that extends way beyond the city lines. It was a lark, a pleasant pre-holiday interlude when the lights went out downtown back in December. But it is a dismal thought indeed to imagine the lights going out for good. If anyone thinks that's impossible, well, just check out downtown Claremont.