What is the most underutilized property in Coronado?

A week ago you may have said the Village Theatre. You can’t anymore because that project is finally moving forward. Maybe the empty lot next to Il Fornaio? Both are topics I wrote about recently.

Well, what do you think is the most underutilized property in town?

I think it’s the Coronado Ferry Landing. Those folks are sitting on an untapped gold mine. Okay, wait. It’s very likely already a gold mine. But, couldn’t it be better? Better for us?

I don’t know many locals who head down there regularly to shop or eat. Perhaps a bit more after Candelas and the pizza joint spruced things up? Still, not that often.

Alright, so hear me out. This is what I’m thinking. Please let me know if you are with me or think I’m nuts. Yes, I want a merry-go-round on the water, as I’ve mentioned. People keep writing to me or stopping me on Orange to tell me they would love to see something like that go forward. Frankly, I was surprised by the support for it.

This concept has moved some people to think even bigger.

A friend stopped me in front of 1134 on my way to Graham Memorial, and said “When are you going to put in the merry-go-round?” I laughed and she said “No. Seriously. It would be great.”

She elaborated on the idea: “What’s up with the Farmer’s Market down there? They need to spice it up. It’s so dull and small.” She is right. Most Farmer’s Markets have face painting for kids, kettle corn, and more adventurous food options.

I know if the Farmer’s Market resembled the one down in Imperial Beach or even a bit like the Hillcrest one I’d head down to the Landing much more often. Wouldn’t you?

We just need some more incentive to pull us in. Burger King and Lifeguard On Duty shops won’t cut it. A few are fine, but not every shop. What would you like to see down there?

Arguably, Coronado’s most precious and public shoreline is dedicated to tourism. Now, don’t get me wrong. Coronado needs tourism for our general fund to thrive, but I think the folks at the Landing could strike a stronger balance and entice residents into their stores and restaurants with businesses more geared toward locals.

They are on their way. I dig the moves they’ve made so far. Let’s just hope they nudge themselves a bit more. Let me know what kind of changes you’d like to see down there?

If we show those guys down there we mean business, maybe they’ll change theirs for the better.

You can read more of my blogs and other thoughts here: http://thecoronadochronicle.wordpress.com/?s=

Thanks for listening.