The business district in The City of Washington is truly a conundrum. It does not fit the profile of a dying steel town and yet more storefronts are boarded up than ever. The factors in place for a thriving area of commerce are almost too good to be true. A vibrant college on its border, situated at the intersection of two interstates, historical and architecturally significant buildings, a growing upper middle class population to draw from and a large group of mid-day employees who work at the court house and county facilities. Other business communities only dream of such possibilities.
We know a lot more can be done with a lot less. Take a stroll down Allegheny River Boulevard in Oakmont. Spend an afternoon in the quaint village of Sewickley. Visit historic Morristown, New Jersey. Take a trip to Niagara on the Lake in Ontario. People come and they window shop and they spend money and they tell their friends and more people come…..
One could argue that these examples have become destination locations because of an excellent bakery, battlefield, specialty shops or regional theater. This is beside the point. There is no reason that Washington cannot attract bookstores, cafes and even niche national retailers to fill its spaces. All it takes is good planning, optimistic municipal officials and patience. Parking fees and garages should be at the end of the debate. A master plan that takes advantage of Washington’s many virtues must come first.
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