Big Box Blog: Thinking outside the big box

My Word by Robert F. Neefus, Jan. 10, 2006

The recent speculation about the possible future uses of the “Balloon Track” parcel that I have seen have shown complete lack of imagination. A two-mile drive from the foot of Broadway south to Pierson's will show you that underutilized commercial and light industrial property already exist.

Eureka does not need more of this type of property zoning. If necessary, there are many other parcels of land that could accommodate and indeed need such redevelopment. Using scenic waterfront property for light industrial zoning, for which there is no demand, is a complete waste of land that could be used to enhance the city's image.

How about a 10,000-seat convention/conference center? And while we are at it, let's put City Hall on top of it and get them out of the ugly block they presently occupy. The 29 acres of the Balloon Track area encompass access to Broadway, the waterfront, the City Marina and Wharfinger building (already a
popular meeting place) and the soon-to-be-developed parcel in front of that.

Eureka does not need more hotel rooms. It needs more hotel guests!

Even cities in the sunshine belts of the world develop convention centers to give organizations an excuse to visit what is otherwise available in many other places. Eureka has a lot of nearby attractions for the visitor and a perfectly charming downtown to entertain and feed them. Without a convention
center, why is anyone going to stop in Eureka? Other places have Victorian towns, trees, ocean, beaches, rain and fog. We have an airport sufficient for the needs of this modest idea and we have sufficient road access and empty hotel rooms. With longer-stay visitors, the downtown area will attract
the human tides it needs to become more than the often-deserted showpiece it currently is. With more life in the city, other visitor groups, like cruise ships, may be more inclined to visit (yes, we need a wharf, not a container facility).

The existing rail line should have a self-propelled trolley system on it, thus linking all our county towns and commercial areas from Rio Dell to Samoa and going right by the Convention Center. Put in a walking/bike trail alongside of it. You could then get around with less auto use, and it augments our bus system.

Let's intelligently develop around what we have and want to see in our future. Big-box stores and “light industrial” are not bringing in a value-added future. Tourism provides a lot of opportunities for other business development later and greater employment opportunities all around.

Successful tourism brings more tourists and more opportunities to serve them. A greater local economy will provide the pressures and needs for further development in other areas at a future time. Think outside the box!

Robert F. Neefus is a former customer service specialist in the yachting industry. He lives in Eureka.

The opinions expressed in this My Word piece do not necessarily reflect the editorial viewpoint of the Times-Standard.

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