We moved our grocery to the location on First Avenue, a former food distribution center, for many reasons, among them: the location along the river, adjacent to a neighborhood and the University, across from the regional bike trail, and to be a part in of a unique small business district revitalizing downtown Eau Claire. While I personally oppose the jail plan as proposed, I write today with concern on how the small businesses are being treated. I have spent the past two years trying to figure out how our buildings fit into the jail plan. And as of this week, they still don't know!
As a contrast to this, the Historic Ivey house on Second is shown standing in all scenarios.
An aerial view released March 4 shows no laundromat, no grocery store buildings, but a small
parking lot on corner is the same, about 20 spaces. This, of course, is "just a drawing", but it shows the Eclectica building, theater, and others quite realistically. And it isn't consistent with other drawings that show either the laundromat and grocery existing; no laundromat but with grocery; or just a parking lot. Which is it, County Planners?According to the site plan released Feb 27, the laundromat is gone and the
770-774 buildings are shown standing, but ominously titled "parking 18 current 46 future". Look closely at the drawing and you will see that they are tearing down the laundromat, a long-standing well-appreciated service in town, with customers like the fire department and fire victims, for exactly six parking spaces.The buildings occupied currently by Just Local Food Cooperative equal six parking spots too, Lannigans Heating and Cooling six, as well as an adjacent building with retail and housing, would then count for the remaining 10 parking spaces to be added along the river.
In this aerial view from just a few weeks ago, Feb 14, we see the buildings of
770-774 intact. What changed? The Eclectica and Theatre buildings are still remarkably realistic, but the buildings on First have changed. Will they reappear in April? Also, in that Feb08 County update the map inside again shows the buildings standing and overlaid with parking! Which is it!?!It appears that nothing is clear when it comes to these properties. The county claims the landlord is willing to sell. The owners were willing to sell to the grocery co-op at a fair market price, then the county announced their expansion plans and started buying nearby properties at above market prices. Of course the landlord is willing to wait to make more money, and won't invest in buildings slated for parking spaces in the meantime. The grocery, growing, needs small but serious investments in the buildings to grow through the hot summer season. Without a clear plan from the county, the grocery is forced to close or move at their own expense. Is the County obligated to compensate individuals and businesses directly affected by their expansion plans?
My request is simple:
Will the county be ripping these buildings down for parking?
If so, please tell the businesses located in them to move so they can survive, now.
If not, please officially declare the buildings off the future County campus map and allow whatever businesses choose to locate along the beautiful Eau Claire riverfront to invest in the properties without fear of them being torn down for parking spaces.
Sincerely,
aaron ellringer
