Sherry, there is a little hole in your story. You write about these stores barely holding on in a recession and then write about people driving down to Roseville to spend their money. If they didn't have the money to spend in Auburn because of the recession, how do they have the money to drive to Roseville to spend it?

Part of the taxes being paid is for revitalization. Is there ever a good time for that? When sewer and water systems become stretched beyond capacity? Some things just don't take care of themselves.

rolandmc, I guess I wasn't the only one to see the hole. I'm not as inconvenienced by the construction as I am sick of people criticizing it. Wait until it's done and then pass judgement.

We drive by there at least once a week and yes there is a little bit of inconvenience but it will get better once it's done. BTW, the reason we go by there is to spend some money eating at a couple of favorite eateries, it hasn't stopped us. Of course judging by some past letters decrying the lack of fine dining places in Auburn you could say we are a couple of uncultured hicks that are easily satisfied eating at sub par establishments.

Y'all have a great day

I was in downtown Auburn last night between 6:30 and 8:00. I was surprised at the number of people there. It was also the first time I saw the street scape project. I think street scape will have a real benefit and will be money well spent.

"If they didn't have the money to spend in Auburn because of the recession, how do they have the money to drive to Roseville to spend it?"

That means it's all the more critical to spend available money to the best advantage. I shop where prices and selection are the most appealing. That almost always means shopping 'down the hill'. I believe this community is large enough to be attractive to the businesses that could be very competitive here but, in order for that to happen, city government needs to be accommodating and reasonable. Large increases in sales tax revenue will follow.

I’m with you guys regarding this. I don’t understand all the complaining. It think it’s going to look real nice when it’s done. I wasn’t inconvenienced at all. I don’t get it.

Jon, please allow us that think the concept is flawed the insight that you have on how this project will generate additional revenue. I have always felt that the redevelopment part of the project that was worthwhile was the upgrade of all underground infrastructure including power lines being included, well paved streets, parking, well thought out sidewalks that include appealing planters and effective lighting. What we are getting is a bottleneck in traffic flow, lost parking and a lot of unnecessary "open space", corrupted with a fire pit and phony endurance capital of the world concept. My problem is the cost that myself and all the other residence of Auburn that pay property taxes have to endure compared to what the cost would have been without the "add-ons". The City redevelopment plan - Streetscape is in the process of spending over $20,000,000.00 during a huge downturn in our economy. Is this really healthy?

It is providing jobs and when completed it might encourage more people to shop and eat downtown Auburn. I also think that a free shuttle service paid for by old town and downtown merchants should be put in place to move people between the two locations. Residential property taxes do not raise enough revenue to run a city. Cities need sales tax revenues to survive. Davis almost went bankrupt because of their anti-business attitude. They finally wised up.

Here are the reasons this Penryn resident goes to Auburn. Sierra Moon, Bootleggers, Club Car, Monkey Cat. The street scape project coupled with Auburn business being open later at night would encourage people to make more visits.

I just went to Wildflower which is in the midst of all the construction.

I admit it was a little frustrating ,I parked in the Bio O tire lot and made

my way to Wildflower. What we should remeber is that this is an

inconvenience that will be over soon. I would much rather manuever

through the construction than go to Roseville.

Looks like the naysayers don't get out much and I doubt they spend much money in shops where they stroll down the street rather than out of their cars and in the end of a mall or large superstore. Anyone who has frequented areas where renovation has been done, the more "village inspired" type, will tell you that things pick up because people like this type of environment. If I was a merchant on these streets, I would be tickled pink at what the city is doing. These merchants are already where the focus is going to be in the near future. Out to dinner and then strolling along pleasing streets, where the smart shop owners will extend their hours, is going to change the mood in downtown Auburn. I look forward to seeing community events that bring people together in an atmosphere of good-will. It's about time, unless the powers-to-be mess it up :-)

...if I have any money to spend at Christmas, I promise to spend some in downtown Auburn :-)

Sherry, it appears that you have brought out the optimism in Auburnites regarding the Streetscape project; and optimism is a good thing. I manage to park at Big O Tires and navigate to the thrift shop on Lewis, Tango Yogurt and up Lincoln Way by treading nimbly because my comfort zone is Auburn and what I need I find in Town and out in North Auburn. While it is true the merchants are having a very difficult time, if, indeed, the project is successful, the end may justify the means; and we can hope that by the continued spending we Aubrnites contribute that we may in a small way build towards a successful outcome for all parties. How does that saying go: "Out of chaos comes order"?

Sherry,

So melodramatic......"..our little lovely Auburn, otherwise may Auburn RIP". Nice! What a pessimistic view you have.

This is a good time to perform these upgrades. For one, the money is available now. For another, this is a great time to be spending that money because the construction industry desperately needs it. As fourgen points out, the underground infrastructure is also being upgraded at the same time as the aesthetics. Lastly, this construction project can't be hurting the downtown merchants nearly as much as the lousy economy. If the city tore up the streets during an economic boom they would have been roundly criticized just the same.

The "Endurance Capitol" theme aside, these renovations have the potential to make this downtown area a joy to use for citizens of all ages.

Sorry everyone, but this time I have to agree with Sherry. The last time I drove through the mess, just a week ago, a couple of guys were walking around looking like they didn't know where they were. 'When it's done'??????????????? And just when will that be?????? My shopping will be going to Roseville where the stores are open. If downtown Auburn ever 'get's it' they will figure out that it doesn't have anything to do with the streets being ripped up-----------you could build an enclosed mall with all the glitter to bring the people, but if there is nothing to bring them to but closed stores, you have still have nothing!

Sara11, enjoy your trip down the hill. Keep an eye out for the CHP, they are going after speeders. Then please write a letter about the high cost of gasoline. We will continue to put up with the inconvenience in Auburn.

Loomisresident....Stopping speeders between Auburn and Roseville is way too much trouble. It's much easier east of Auburn where cars are more spread out. By the way, how do you get from Loomis to Auburn? Do you walk?