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April 05, 2006
Welcome, Change
Someone posted an interesting article to our neighborhood listserve recently. It expresses some of the concerns our neighborhood retailers have with Crestview Station, the new mixed-use development that will be created on the northeast edge of our area.
With neighbors who have been there since its beginnings, most of its original homes and an old-fashioned shopping center that is a noticeable fixture in the neighborhood near Lamar Boulevard, Crestview seems to sit in a serene time warp, relatively unaltered for more than half a century.But the close-knit neighborhood is in danger of change. In about three years, after a commuter rail line is built, 73 acres of mixed-use property will be developed, and a younger generation will move in. Crestview's 1950s atmosphere may make its first transition into the new millennium.
Good golly, let's not be melodramatic. Crestview has seen plenty of change since 1951. It faced the deed alterations of the Equal Rights Amendment (and thank goodness it did), it watched double lots sell half and turn them into 60s and 70s homesteads. It watched homeowners die or move away and their houses turn into low-income rentals. It is now experiencing a resurgency of first-time home buyers and young families.
Personally, I'm not worried. I love the Minimax, we can walk to the Little Deli... the acting studio I personally could do without, but that's just me.
I'm not afraid of change. In fact, I welcome it. I have owned a business (two, actually, and once started a non-profit agency), and I understand their risks and rewards. I am a conscientious consumer and I think before I spend. I think the Crestview Shopping Center is going to be just fine.
Don't get me wrong--somebody wants to raze the shopping center and put in a Wal-Mart, and I am going to sit shiva in the parking lot for seven days and then I'm going to raise some hell. I guess I just don't see that happening. I'm optimistic that our neighborhood is going in a very cool direction. I hope Erwin House can be a part of that.
Posted by Christiane at April 5, 2006 01:41 PM
Comments
The older I get the more amazed I am at how most folks really hate change. I don't think I like it, but my husband pointed out to me once that he thinks it's that fear that keeps me constantly changing things, there is definitely something about the anxiety associated with change that I like. Once the anxiety is over and the change has happened, almost everything turns out for the better. It's like cleaning the house. It gets messier before it gets cleaner. But then it's so much better!
Posted by: laurie at April 6, 2006 01:51 AM
I'm going to go out on a very risky limb here and say that I welcome change and I would relish in the idea of possibly ridding this lovely neighborhood of the Minimax. I'm not saying take out the store, just liven it up a little. I choose Sun Harvest anyday but it would be fun to have a better selection at our neighborhood grocery store, so I didn't have to cross Burnet. A little more FreshPlus style. I can do without the Beauty and Barber shop too, and what the hell is up with that drugstore. I am visualizing a restaurant, evening dining. A place to walk to and have a glass of wine and a nice appetizer. Change is gonna come baby, you can resist it or embrace it. We are inside the loop and that center will evolve with the neighborhood. Sorry if I upset anyone, but I don't shop at the Minimax.
Posted by: Joanna Fried at April 7, 2006 06:31 AM
Now that the Minimax carries soy milk and organic veggies, it makes a great pit stop when I am missing an ingredient for dinner or when I feel like walking instead of driving. But it is expensive and out-dated... there are things I would change for sure. They have some catching up to do.
I wish the Little Deli were twice the size because they are always so busy! And I'd love to see the pharmacy turn into a soda fountain/candy store/gelateria. Someplace to go and hang out after a day swimming at the Brentwood pool :) (Which we should do this summer, btw!)
Posted by: Christiane at April 7, 2006 01:42 PM
Oh, the dreams I've had about that town center. Yes, an old fashioned drugstore. How cool. We had one in Tulia, Texas. Real Coca-cola from the fountain. Yes, Brentwood pool this summer sounds so good. I didn't realize the minimax actually had organic and soy. I judge harshly, I must admit I've picked up a few sixers and a bottle of wine there. I just want to grab some yummy cheese and maybe a nice organic lotion, some cool candles, etc. I need local shopping since I rarely leave my hood. Oooooh. How about a funky DIY boutique. Sorry, daydreaming again.
Posted by: Joanna Fried at April 8, 2006 10:43 AM