Judith Seraphin
St. Augustine
Publication Date: 05/31/09
Editor: I have never understood why the people who run our city can't understand that where artists display their works, and musicians play, people will gather. Thursday's Record headline is "Bed tax dollars down in '09." We need more tourists and their dollars.
We need the "tourist experience" to include more places to encourage spending.
The Plaza and St. George Street are the perfect places to encourage tourists and residents alike to stroll, but the Plaza is a dull, boring place. St. George Street is a dull, boring place. They should be exciting and colorful.
Bring back the artists and musicians to St George street and the Plaza. People are attracted to music. They will linger, view the art and see the other commercial businesses in the area.
Besides the Tourist Development Council's "More Heads in Beds" program, we need a "More Feet on the Street" program to encourage all kinds of downtown business. The City could sell licenses ($30 yearly) only to people who make their products (art). This will keep out the T-shirt and sunglass sellers. Bring back the artists and musicians. Fill the street and the Plaza with people. Give people a reason to come out and walk downtown. More people on the streets means more people will be spending money in commercial businesses.
"More Feet on the Street" equals more sales equals more money. More money equals more taxes paid. More taxes paid equals less debt for the city plus lower taxes for residents. Is there something wrong with this picture? It's time to reinvigorate our downtown for everyone.
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