Something New

So, I did something new tonight.  You may not find it interesting, or even care, but I thought it was interesting, and fun, and different for me, and a stretch out of my box.

I went to a community zoning/planning meeting.  As a participant.  As a “business person”.  A big girl.

The area of town where I work has been newly named “The Market District” and the City/County Planning Commission hosted a meeting, inviting the local business people to come and brain-storm about “Placemaking”.

I love the idea.  I have loved what the private sector has done for “Midtown”.  I have lived here all my life, and have, up until this point, resisted loving my little city becoming a big city.  But, alas, it has begun to happen.  So, if it’s going to happen, I want it to happen well.

*political side note here:  I think it is fantastic that the Private Sector developed, and has made thrive, Midtown.  I am sure the Private had help from the local government, but for the most part, Midtown was developed by local business owners and private developers.  Now, if the government will just keep their paws a suitable distance from what the locals want to turn The Market District into, we’ll thrive.  Case in point: the Gaines Street Corridor.  The City has been trying for YEARS to develop the Gaines Street area.  They stink at it.  Are spending way too many of MY tax dollars just to do studies, much less develop the place.  uuurrrrr.  The government needs to stay out of it and let the private business sector develop good things for our city.  We are capable.  Really. *side note over*

So, besides the fact that I was going into a building where I had never been, didn’t know a soul there,  had never been to a meeting like this, and NO ONE hosting the meeting greeted me and welcomed me in, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and met some really nice, neat people who all want the best for our area.  We were shown a presentation about how these planning meetings go, what to expect, and then split into 3 groups to brain-storm.  We had a good time, threw around a bunch of ideas and I left very encouraged.

It was cool to be in on “the know”, and to share ideas and meet people and be “part of the process”.  I hope I get to go to the next meetings. 

It’s been fun sharing with our clients that we are now in The Market District.  Our clients have been very supportive of and like the idea of The Market District.  I think Tallahassee needs more Placemaking.  Giving people the opportunity to take ownership in their city, area, their “place”.  The Market District.  Come see us.