Of course, many drivers, knowing Illinois Avenue becomes Route 51 outside of Carbondale, naturally increase their speed. LAST WEEK I asked about the upcoming referenda to be voted on in the upcoming election on April 3. No mail came in on that, most likely due to ongoing technical problems. I ll leave this question open for several more weeks as I make the rounds of politicians and candidates to discover their views. AGO I asked why Carbondale is so unsuccessful at attracting businesses and keeping them in our downtown area.
People are reluctant to park a block or two from their destination.
Seems we always want to park right in front of the store at which we want to shop. I think a downtown store must have something not offered in a mall or a large discount store to attract customers. Combine that with the hope for sufficient traffic to be profitable, and you have a need for some really creative marketing and a ton of optimism. Good points, Bob. I think another factor is that the city council s unwillingness to allot more liquor licenses on the strip leaves too many former businesses in their current grave-like facades.