Dear Mr. Glenn Lyons, welcome to Tucson. As the new interim head honcho of the Tucson Downtown Partnership, the quasi-private group that is helping to resurrect our once-bustling center city, you'll have a huge challenge ahead of you - help lead the resurrection of Downtown.
That's heck of a job. A number of government and business folks have been unable to accomplish the task. Now you've stepped forward to pick up where others have faltered.
While our desert weather is better here than in mountainless Calgary, it's still not too late to reconsider your decision.
It's just a thought.
By now you've heard all the dazzling, Emerald City-like plans for Downtown Tucson: a new, large convention hotel and expanded convention center, restaurants, condos, shops, nightclubs, all filled with shoppers and dwellers.
Well. . . .
Now I don't want to be the cynical Sentinel Peak messenger nor the Santa Cruz River naysayer but if you must know the truth: Tucson is not what we claim it to be. Here are two clear examples: "A" Mountain is not a mountain; and there's no water in Santa Cruz River.
What I'm trying to tell you - may I call you Glenn? - is that Tucsonans, myself included, have long been in denial. We claim many charming characteristics and proud accomplishments. But when it comes to creating a vibrant downtown, it's more like wishful thinking.
This is nothing new.
In the 1770s when the Spanish explorers came to this lovely spot along the river, which then had some water, they projected a vibrant, prosperous city.
Putting the native Tucsonans to work, the Spaniards built a small mud-walled presidio. But long after they left, failing to make Tucson their dream town, subsequent Tucsonans let the wall deteriorate or they knocked it down completely.
They figured if Tucson was to be a grand city, colonial remnants like mud walls didn't look grand enough. Funny thing, though, the city recently re-created a portion of the presidio in hopes that tourists from faraway places like Marana and Oro Valley will visit Downtown. Apparently mud walls are cool again.
Attracting visitors is a major goal of Downtown redevelopment, which not long ago we called Rio Nuevo. True to Tucson tradition, we have even discarded the Rio Nuevo moniker.
But before Downtown is buzzing with residents and shoppers, there has to be something there first. This is where you step in. Just be careful where you step.
Your job is to work with business leaders, Downtown merchants and the city. You might want to get them running in the same direction.
Although there have been numerous public claims that everyone involved has been in sync with Rio Nuevo - I still call it Rio Nuevo because I'm stubborn - a Downtown stroll will show you people are going in different directions.
We don't have much to brag about Downtown, despite city voters' 1999 approval of a tax district to raise millions of dollars.
While Tucson was too slow or too inept or both to revitalize Downtown, an economic slowdown will make your job a tad more challenging. But I'm sure you're up to the task.
Despite the pessimism, I hope you take the job. Tucson, despite its denials, is a lovely place. The desert is intoxicating, people are welcoming and you can be successful.
Sincerely.
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