Guest View: There are ways to prevent downtown closures

I read with interest and sadness the closure of the Elegant
Touch Restaurant. It has served an admirable purpose and provided
an excellent product in what is otherwise a very bland downtown
area.
By Ike Taylor

I read with interest and sadness the closure of the Elegant Touch Restaurant. It has served an admirable purpose and provided an excellent product in what is otherwise a very bland downtown area. Though I am not a long time resident of Hollister, I come from a small town similar in population, ethnic make-up, economic status, and retail issues.

This all is leading to what appears to be a hoe hum attitude of the locals who responded to your article regarding the closure of the Elegant Touch and other businesses. Given the situation on the downtown, having a response of businesses come and go really demeans the overall situation.

What kills a downtown area and its vibrancy are:

1. The splitting of shopping areas and providing better parking along with providing all shopping amenities (area of Target and Safeway Stores);

2. Allowing non sales tax generating businesses in downtown area (churches, nonprofits, service-oriented businesses);

3. Being a very mobile community where many work outside of Hollister, having a major shopping area within a 30-minute drive of town (Gilroy).

You cannot do anything about #1 (now) and #3, but you can control #2, which has not been done. Honestly look at the area of San Benito Street between 3rd and South Street and look at not only empty spaces, but those that fit into #2 above. The other intangible that that needs to be addressed is one of education of the populace about the need to shop local and what happens to a town that follows #1 and #3 above. This education involves more than hanging a sign in the window saying to shop local!

Hollister must develop a uniqueness that will attract people to the area; find a need and fill it. The City of San Luis Obispo, its downtown, is a good example to study. Higuera Street is fantastic and shows what can happen when a downtown association becomes proactive. It takes a combination of dedication, commitment, and education to turn the tide before it is too late.   

Ike Taylor is a Hollister resident.