FeedsSpeak up or forever shut up
Proving the Plymouth Ice Spectacular, Green Street Fair, Art in the Park, Plymouth Fall Festival and other downtown Plymouth events are a positive for the local and regional economy is not the only thing a recent report released by the Plymouth Downtown Development Authority (DDA) proved.
The survey and subsequent report was created at the behest of downtown merchants who wanted to know how the more than 130 events conducted in downtown Plymouth each year impacts their bottom line. It showed another glaring example of business owners and residents not holding up their part of the bargain when government responds to their concerns.
It is often said that people should not be praised for doing what they are supposed to do. In this case, as an agency concerned with downtown development and image, the survey is a normal course of operation for the department. However, residents, business owners and taxpayers also have a responsibility to meet elected officials and their agents halfway when dealing with issues of the public trust. Particularly when the public pays the bill for such activities and services.
It has to be at least somewhat frustrating to the city and DDA officials to spend considerable time and resources putting together a survey and report to have less than 20 percent of the 150 businesses respond.
While believing the results of the survey, which indicate between 60 to 80 percent of business owners in Plymouth see increased sales and foot traffic during events are valid, obviously it would have been nice to know the feelings of at least half of the business and retail property owners surveyed.
Those who responded to the survey also gave a fair assessment of some of the issues caused when tens of thousands of people come to the city. Disruption of normal business routine, lack of accessible parking, and increased noise are all legitimate concerns when dealing with any event. However, the merchants agreed a few minor negatives are outweighed by the positives of the event.
Just as often as the loudest critics of government seemingly are the ones who choose not to vote, perhaps those who would rather downsize or do away with entirely the “Disneyesque” atmosphere of Plymouth decided their opinions would not be taken seriously as the Plymouth events have become tradition for many families in western Wayne County.
As Plymouth prepares for the Fall Fest and rumors circulate of several downtown property owners being concerned once again about the size and scope of the event carnival rides, it is important for the city, businesses and event organizers to be on the same page to represent Plymouth in the best light possible.
Unfortunately, the task will be harder as a significant number of downtown business owners decided to keep city officials in the dark.
