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PreSIDeNT’ S meSSageSa
According to the Miriam Webster Dictionary, the word change is defined as“ To make different or alter in some particular fashion; to make radically different or transform; to give a different position, course, or direction to.” Real and permanent change often comes out of a traumatic event or a series of smaller, yet still difficult, challenges which cause one to examine one’ s course. After a strenuous effort by the city and concerned local property owners, the Mack Road Partnership was approved in late 2010 and funded in 2011. As the newest of the 13 Property Based Business Improvement Districts( PBID) in the Sacramento area, the corridor had a healthy helping of issues to address.
The years leading up to the formation and funding of the partnership saw property owners facing a grim reality. Property values and market rents suffered the effects of the real estate market collapse, crime was on the rise, and customers were in short supply as area residents spoke with their wallets by shopping elsewhere. Long-standing tenants also felt the pinch and several area“ institutions” closed their doors. Our plazas began to show the beginnings of blight as empty storefronts multiplied and vacant buildings became more common. With the first round of funding set for calendar year 2011, we were hopeful that the Mack Road Partnership could make a change for the better.
I am pleased to say that, by all accounts, our decision to support the PBID concept with our dollars, and for some our time, is paying dividends! The Partnership has cleaned up the litter, installed trash receptacles at high impact locations, cut down the weeds, painted out the graffiti, added a feeling of safety by installing 24 hour security and defined our current borders with boundary signs. Area residents have noticed, and they are thrilled to see revitalization at work in the area. Many of you will have noticed them, as customers, coming back to shop at your stores. Some of this is most certainly due to a more stable economy, but a large part is due to the efforts of the Partnership. As a direct result of our efforts, property and business owners are finding a renewed sense of pride in the area, and occupancy rates are on the rise.
I have long said that it is my desire for our district to be the gateway to and the hub of the South Sacramento Business Community.
We have so much to offer: reasonable rents; easy freeway access; good public transit routes and a willing group of area residents eager to shop locally.
As we round the corner into 2013, I am pleased to say that we are making progress towards that vision. By working together with our Executive Director, the Board has crafted a path forward which will revitalize the district and renew the enthusiasm of our stakeholders. We are excited about the plans we’ ve made to give a different position, course and direction to the Mack Road corridor, and we are reinvigorated by the positive changes we’ ve seen so far. Stay tuned! We have plenty more in store.
President, Mack Road Partnership
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