Welcome the new breed: The 'I Want It Closer' sector
It's not something any of us really saw coming.
Oh, we knew this area was growing at breakneck speed. And we knew that the NIMBY, or Not In My Back Yard, sector would be more vocal as time went on.
But is anyone ready to admit that we are heading into a new era around here, one in which people may actually be pleading to have retail goods and services as close to them as possible?
The Daily Herald published a story about the Mill Creek Market grand opening a few weeks ago, and the message was clear that residents in that western Geneva subdivision liked the idea of a few things like groceries, a cleaners and a dentist office being located right in the middle of their own little "community."
As a resident who moved near Randall Road in the late 1980s and have watched it evolve, I must proclaim that a new breed of cat is upon us -- the IWIC, or the "I Want It Closer" sector.
These people may have it figured out. Whereas, some 20 years ago it was fashionable to want to move to wide open spaces and embrace the NIMBY mentality, it is becoming increasingly popular to find yourself wanting a particular type of store close to you.
Why? Two reasons: Traffic and the cost of gasoline.
As it gets harder, and more costly, to get around the Tri-Cities area, having a bunch of stores close by becomes a real positive.
Add a little style
The Island Park footbridge near the Mill Race Inn restaurant in Geneva is in need of some repair, as this concrete structure has some portions that are cracked or crumbling. But it's natural for a concrete walking bridge to eventually succumb to years of weather extremes and some flooding.
Preservationists suggest it be rebuilt in its existing style, but why not put a decorative steel rail atop the concrete, much like on the State Street bridge on the portion closest to the street?
That seems like it would fit in with the "feel" of Island Park, and enhance the outdoor gazebo setting at Mill Race.
Cantina opens it doors
We were keeping an eye on the progress at Sergio's Cantina, at the site of the former Potter's Place restaurant in Geneva, in hopes it would open in time for next weekend's Christmas Walk.
The area's newest entry in Mexican fare is now open for business, bringing to life a key corner in downtown Geneva that had been "dark" for the past year.
When I say we were keeping an eye on how things were progressing at the restaurant, my wife and I were literally peeking in the windows when we would walk by. Three weeks ago, it looked like it might take several more months for the new interior to be finished. We were amazed at the transformation in such a short time.
Lots of holiday visitors
A mile of Christmas decorations? There's a good chance that would draw some gawkers.
So our neighbors down in Aurora, specifically members of the Aurora Noon Rotary Club, had a pretty good idea when they got the city to help sponsor a mile of holiday displays and lights in Phillips Park.
They're amazed at the turnout already, estimating that thousands of people will drive the display route daily through Dec. 31. It's worth the trip for anyone on the hunt for things that get you in the holiday mood. Money raised through sponsors and donations will go toward various charitable organizations.
Those who drive through receive a "goody bag" of coupons from sponsors. It doesn't cost anything to see the display, at 615 S. Smith Boulevard, but Rotarians will accept donations.
Politics of leaves
It makes sense that city leaf-pickup crews would have to adjust their schedules this year, with the extended summer weather we had into October. So you're likely to hear that vacuum sucking sound in your neighborhood again soon.
Two years ago, crews were thrown an opposite curveball when snow covered leaf piles early and stayed that way for a long time.
dheun@sbcglobal.net