To the editor:
Like many Islanders, I have been reading with some trepidation the news that we will likely have a new commercial development in our near future at Highway 305 and High School Road and that its anchor store will be a Bartell’s. Woo hoo! I have also read of Domino’s plan to move into the Safeway complex off 305. Sigh.
I think I speak for many when I suggest we don’t need or want another drug store and we don’t need or want another pizza place.
I also shudder at this lack of originality and practicality. Pizza? Seriously? There are at least four spots on the island to get great pizza – maybe more. And a fourth place to get a prescription filled? And browse through more cheap holiday decorations and cans of soup? Really? Did they do any market research at all?
If this development is inevitable, does it have to be another boring, run-of-the-mill, Anytown USA tarted up strip mall? And, hey, what happened to the “no chain law?” Has it been a myth all this time?
So I turned to my Facebook friends and asked them what they thought. (Clearly more research than has been done up to this point.)
What businesses would they like to see on Bainbridge? What’s missing? No list, no boxes to check – just open-ended. Lots of thoughtful, practical, creative, fun answers.
Overwhelmingly, in this unscientific poll, the vast majority said, “more restaurants.” Specifically, affordable family-friendly restaurants. Second place would have to go to affordable basic kids’ clothing (not boutique-y items) and third, an indoor family activity center.
So, Mr./Ms. Bartell’s and Mr./Ms. Dominos – and Bainbridge Island Powers-That-Be – thank you for wanting to invest in our island. It would bode you well, however, to think about what we actually need and want – and maybe even ask us – before breaking ground.
And if anyone out there wants to make a killing, open an affordable, family-friendly sit-down Chinese restaurant with excellent, fresh menu options and a kids’ play area in the North End.
MARIJANE C. MILTON
Bainbridge Island
