Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Light Rail Journey - Construction to Completion

With more than a year remaining before Light Rail cars begin their daily journey's here in town, business owner's are slowly gaining more confidence in their future. The effect on some small business owners has been tough but many have thought similar to Denise Bismore, owner of Silver Spoon Express and the Daily Grind. "I see a tremendous potential coming up the road with the condos, light rail and the revitalization of downtown Phoenix."
The papers have been reporting on how bad rail has been to business along the line but the amount of current optimism and actual development is not to be ignored. Phoenix has "tried" to help with their un-impressive and un-inclusive "Shop the Line" site. I'm not sure why they don't have a list of all businesses along the entire route. Time and completion of construction is what the current owner's need.
Today's AZ Republic has some interesting quotes from well known local business owners. Keith Earnest, of CityScape mentioned that "The light rail was one of the factors that influenced our decision to buy that block." ... Dale Jensen (part owner of Suns/Diamondbacks) says "The most valuable land in Phoenix is one to two blocks from light rail."
It is becoming easier to drive along many parts of the rail line but there is obviously still a ton of work to be done. It might seem like an eternity to some of the "little guys" along the route but soon, they will be able to say.. "remember when.."
Check out our Light Rail site for more info!

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