Casting Views

Today’s headlines read: ‘New arts center a possibility’ .

This statement is enough to send us all packing and off to where realistic goals actual happen. Downtown Englewood is desperately in need of a fresh new face and the local shop owners are putting everything they have into steering traffic to them. However, when enough effort and financial support follows a monumental mission as relocating and rebuilding a state-of-the-art performing arts center, the gates should open wide and stay open. This does not seem to be the case. A very carefully stated “maybe” is what the Lemon Bay Playhouse left with yesterday at a meeting with Sarasota County Commissioners. I realize that the Commissioners are burdoned with many difficult decisions with regard to public or private sector work. However, there are many of us that strongly feel the Lemon Bay Playhouse is crucial to the future of Downtown Dearborn. Honestly, ask yourself ‘why would I venture on Dearborn Street?’ Is it for the unique antique shops? The handful of restuarants? Or maybe you are just passing through on your way to the funeral parlor at the end. None of these are invitations enough for extended social outing in my mind. I envision Dearborn Street as the go to place for entertainment. A nice play, musical performance, or even a showcase of small budget films. While you are waiting for the event to start, you can casually stroll up and down the street stopping in for a bite to eat, picking up a momento for a loved one, or just browse the shops for future returns. Exposure is the key word. Without exposure, the retail market here is struggling. Which just results in closed doors, move outs and back to drawing the board. I believe in economic sustainability and it all starts at home. In a place which I call home. Englewood!The bottom line is, support your community in everyway you can. Write to your commissioners and tell them how much the Arts mean to you. Let them know that Downtown Dearborn needs the Lemon Bay Playhouse.

Or how about this headline: ‘Englewood projects move ahead’. Read the whole story and you will realize, the stormwater removal, utilities, and parking is just another ’step forward’ and the scheduled public hearing not until October 23. Then it goes on to state that there is a referendum in January 2008 which could affect the funding of these projects, which ultimately means we are still out at least another year! I am one of the many that fully supports the Dearborn revival but I there is a little voice telling me to stay realistic in order to get through the struggle. Needless to stay, the October meeting will surely be a next step. If the support and approval is given then, how much money will be available before the potential cut off in January? Is there a developer out there that is willing to put up the fees to get something going on? I can only hope and hang in there.