Portland, Tennessee Blog

Hi Ron and welcome to the Blog, hope you will continue reading and posting as you feel comfortable. I will take a look at your home town's web site, it's always interesting to know and see what has taken place in other areas like ours.

moved to portland around three years ago from a small town in illinois. picked this area due to work and really like a small town atmosphere but i see the same problems as any small town.
my home town took action in the mid eighties to resolve some of the problems it was having with retail and the downtown areas. this may help if any one takes a look at what they did.
go to Pontiac, Illinois USA  (City of Pontiac, Illinois Official Web Site) and check it out.
pay close attention to link on left side for
P.R.O.U.D. and what it is all about
first time posting but long time reading and hope this helps

I went to Burgers on the Square.....I wasn't all that impressed. My burger was good...but nothing special. I had a coke. I don't think it will last personally. It's just a bar with burgers and a game room.

I'd rather go to Sassie Lassie or the Lunch Box....for just regular lunch.....
otherwise the Brickyard is where you'll find me.

I don't think the pineapple, ocean decor fits with Franklin, KY....seems strange to me.

Rivergate is just a 25 minute drive:
TGI Friday, Red Lobster, Calhouns, Outback, Longhorn, O'Charley's, Logans, Olive Garden, Chili's, Hooters, Wild Bill's, etc.

Take a few extra minutes and drive INTO Nashville and you have FINE DINING choices: My fav, The Watermark, has been hailed as one of AMERICA's TOP 5 Hottest New Restaurants.(they have an extensive wine list)

I am all for growth in Portland and I will support City leaders to that end, but I, personally, will not put life on hold waiting for it to happen. Life is too short.

That's MY choice and everyone else is free to make theirs.

Anyone went to Burgers on The Square in Franklin yet? It's awesome...great burgers, and FULL BAR...Isn't it funny that the local papers list all the bordering towns' restaraunts in their paper's "Where to eat" section?

I don't think anything I suggested would constitute trying to run anyone else's life. And by the way, I was talking about where to eat dinner, not where to obtain "adult beverages".

But since you brought it up . . .when you decided to root yourself in this community, you knew good and well that it had to offer and what it didn't. If you made a mistake, that's your problem. You can scream, stomp, throw yourself a hissy fit or whatever else you want to do, but unless an LBTD referendum passes in the next election, you will have to live with it, drive to enjoy your adult beverage or move. It may not be fair, but that's just the way it is.

consenting adults should be able to make a choice whether or not to have an adult beverage. they sholdn't have to drive way ouuta their way or resort to moving. they should be able to decide for their taxpying selves.why do some of you people insist on running other peoples lives?

"it rankles me when somebody tries to force somebody to do something"----JOHN WAYNE
happy 100th b-day duke.

20-30 minute drive doesn't sound that bad. I've that much and I live just outside D/FW.

Of course we also have the local food stops too. Just some of the nicer ones are more downtown.

Everyone acts like there are no choices. The choices are plentiful, it's up to us to make them.

Example:
1. Drive 20 - 30 minutes to go to a quality restaurant.
2. Eat fast food.
3. Cook dinner yourself and stay home.
4. Move to a place that is more conveniently located.

See, we have choices.

MDL - The Brickyard in Franklin is one of my favorites, too ! If you just want a hot, homecooked type meal with no atmosphere whatsoever...try the Hot Plate, just outside Franklin - it's an alternative to fast food - plus they have breakfast and good desserts !

MDL - The Brickyard in Franklin is one of my favorites, too ! If you just want a hot, homecooked type meal with no atmosphere whatsoever...try the Hot Plate, just outside Franklin - it's an alternative to fast food - plus they have breakfast and good desserts !

We also tend to dine elsewhere, once we rotate China Buffet and El Moro! TRods Steakhouse in Franklin has good food too. Awesome (upscale casual) dining is BrickYard Cafe in downtown Franklin. Wonderful food and atmosphere!!!

TGP- I don't think your question about where to find a good steak raises any eyebrows as to why you are posting anonymously. Welcome to the blog and I hope to hear more from you as your comfort level increases.

Thank you everyone for the replies on where to get great steak (they do have a great steak sandwich @ B's). I really wish that Portland could have more nice restaurants open at night.
Sorry, not giving my name. It took me many months of reading before I could even post anonymously. Love the blog.

Crow -

Welcome to the Blog !

You're right...I had forgotten about the Franklin Steakhouse. They do have a good steak and baked potato....they just don't have any atmosphere. It's not somewhere you go for "dining"....it's just good food if you're hungry and just want something to eat.

Dale - sorry things didn't work out for you and Portland, I would like to wish you the best of luck in your new venture, it sounds like a great opportunity and one you shouldn't think twice about. I would like to also thank you for your informative posts and taking the time to care to do so.

Best of Luck
Judy

Crow - Welcome to the Blog, glad to have your interest & happy posting!

TGP - As far as I'm aware of Portland has no such thing (Steak & Baked Potato Dining), maybe MoMo's in whitehouse, I know they used to serve Prime Rib but not sure they still do, they don't sell LBTD... Yet!

continuing along the lines of good steak without LBTD:

I was actually dining in a Franklin steakhouse tonight (05.09), wishing that Portland had a worthwhile steakhouse...oddly enough, there was a copy of the Portland Progressive on the bar, with election and LBTD debate coverage (where 6 church-oriented groups spoke against LBTD and no one spoke for)...

that whole experience led to me discovering this blog and apparently some like-minded people...

I do apologize for being a recent transplant who wasn't registered and didn't vote for LBTD...I pledge to not make that mistake again; I spent over 10 years in the casual dining industry for a company you all have heard of, and know the positive impact just one quality franchise can bring to a community...

anyway, I'm glad I found you guys and look forward to being a part of this community...

(ps...my prime rib was exquisite! too bad it wasn't cooked in Portland...)

-crow

TGP - I read your posting several days ago with our question of the good steak and baked potato in Bowling Green or Gallatin without LBTD ---I've thought and thought.....I can't think of anywhere.
Hmmm.....Steak and Shake in Bowling Green??? LOL LOL

Dale, I only know of you from this blog and reading your posts, but I am sorry to read that you weren't able to continue/ or get a store here in Portland. Your new contract sounds good and I want to wish you success in it.

Good Luck and hopefully -- good changes will be made in Portland in the near future.

I asked this on the other post about the election with no response, so I'll ask again.
Do you know of any restaurants in Bowling Green or Gallatin that serve a great steak & baked potato (not buffet style like Ryan's or Ponderosa)that are not LBTD? I had never really thought that I was a hypocrite for eating but not drinking at Rafferty's. I was just getting a great steak.

This post is to let those of you who have followed our story know that Studio16a will not be reopening in Portland. This decision is not an easy one, and it comes after months of trying to put our store back in this town. The hurdles are simply too high.

I want to thank so many of you who have supported our store for years, for your patronage and for your encouragement. Many of you tried to help us get through the red tape it takes to put a store in this town. I especially want to thank Jody McDowell for his diligence.

When we were stopped this last time from opening by City Planning, I began to look at other opportunities. Like many of you, I have bills to pay, and I have to do what I can to pay them. Today, an opportunity to work with one of the largest collegiate sporting goods firms in the United States was presented to me, and I am taking it. I will be designing sportswear imprints and embroidery for 49 universities. It is a great opportunity.

I would have passed it up if we could have been allowed to open without continued delay. But, all of the difficulties during the past few months have taken their toll, especially financially.

I wish the city well. I really hope you guys get it together. I will be passing through at least once a month, and I hope to see progress. I hope to see Portland become a 'city on the grow' and get over all the hurdles it has facing it.

Good luck to all of you.

Dale Hensarling
Owner
Studio16a

Daniel, I have to agree with you about the church comment...many times churches are used by people for social standing, networking, to give credibility to themselves to advance their positions in the community and help their businesses thrive, etc. You're right on target with that commnent.

About the liquor issue ... back to those signs that had "be ye holy" on them...those were obviously written by someone who has zero knowledge of the Bible --no where in the Bible does it say that the absence of liquor in a town makes one holy.

I don't know guys, fighting against poverty doesn't seem to get new members in the door. I have a lot of respect for those who dedicate their lives to religion, but a lot of it is very political. What preacher could have stated that the Bible says you should not be given to alcohol(not abstain from it period) and still kept their job? A part of me feels that many people go to church to be seen and be connected, making it into a social organization instead of a religious one. I still feel it's hypocritical to say you're against liquor but shop and eat at places that serve it. Call me crazy, but I don't see the difference, because either way, you're supporting the distribution of liquor.

Digman, I would like to see the religious leaders of our town, turn their attention to this issue. They rallied hard against the "injustice" of LBTD, how about now fighting the issue of poverty in our town and asking for jobs in this town that pay above the poverty level?

well for the next 2 years nothing but sweatshops that pay 7.50hr. will come here.of course to get one of these dead end jobs you will have to apply through one of the corrupt temp services that will sponge 3-4 dollars an hr. from your pay.
why not just pay the employee?
i know, i have worked in several of these sweatshops in town and they try it seems like to make theses places the most thankless dead end places of employment.why doesnt the city look into these dumps and set some requirements in pay and benefits for the workers.all the politicians care about is having their pictures taken at ribbon-cuttings and patting themselves on the back for bringing them here knowing they would never work for such shit pay.but hey, we need more sweatshop factories to set off the plush downtown scenery.

Daniel, The ones you speak of don't see it that way because they don't WANT to see it that way. Plus many of the church folk like to have their drinks in another city so that their fellow church brothren won't see them.

I agreed with your opinion piece in last weeks paper, and thought you were spot-on, however I think that HUGE headline you guys ran about LBTD legalizing Sunday beer sales hurt the cause more than you may realize.

Well, it's done. Much as I would like to see it pass, it didn't. We need to finally give it a rest for a few years and do what we can to make this a good place to have a business. We need to work WITH businesses, not against them, which was the original reason for this posting. The religious right wins. Let's accept it and move on.

Mack-I wrote a column on that subject last week and I also covered it on my radio show that's on WQKR on Friday's from 3-4, personally I think it's hypocritical but many do not see it that way, we just got done with the paper for this week and I have to say I'm very dissapointed with the low turnout in such a critical election.

yep folks, 5 votes! so when someone tells you that their vote wouldn't have made a difference, tell'em about themselves!

Well...if FOX17 is correct, LBTD failed by 5 votes.....so if that is true, see you guys in Franklin, KY!!!!

I agree with JW. If these LBTD opposers were to have read their Bibles throughout, they would have also read that Jesus turned water into wine. Wine was consumed a lot in Biblical times, so please get off your highhorses and let people make their own choices! More often than not, these so called opposers are dining in establishments that serve liquor. Also, are people so dumb that they honestly don't think that beer is alcohol as well. Get a clue people. It's not alcohol itself that causes these problems you 'preach' about, it is people who make poor decisions to over indulge in the alcohol, and then get behind the wheel! You rarely see some 'sloppy drunk' at a nice restaraunt, they prefer bars and we aren't trying to get bars here. Get over it, and move on!!!!

I am also voting for LBTD, in fact I wish I could find one of the "Vote for" signs...but I have been out of town and it is a bit late to get one now.

I have noticed a couple of those signs I have blogged about B4, you know the ones that say "STOP-liquior buy the drink, and then under that it says...."Be ye holy, for I am holy".

Let me just say, as a preachers son, this sign really enrages me.....To those of you who have these signs.....Read the whole Bible....not just sections. It also makes me wonder if these people who put these signs out feel holy when they are sitting at their dinner table gouging themselves on food to the point of obesity....or if they feel holy when they are sitting at Logans in Gallatin (which sells liquior by the drink), or if they feel holy when they are sitting in their church pew judging everyone else around them so to avoid drawing attention to their own UN-holiness.

So to those of you with these signs.....Be YE Holy!

As for the whole drunk driver thing.....you think this isn't happening now? Do you really believe that not selling LBTD will prevent drunk driving.....Come on! I know you are smarter then that. You can go to mapco and get all the beer you want right now....go out to your car, pop one open and drink WHILE you are driving. I've seen it many times.

Okay, Okay....I have said my piece, I have tried to stay away from this blog because I tend to rub people the wrong way with my blunt personality...but I just feel very strongly about this, this combined with this being monday, just lit me up this morning.

I have noticed more than one business either in the past or currently, that have what look like homemade signs....

Regardless of how the LBTD vote goes, I do know one thing, the preachers in our town are going to have to find something else to keep their names in the newspapers.

I think it'd be funny to take a pic of one of these outspoken LBTD opponents when they are dining at a LBTD establishment in another city. Would the Progressive print it?

Remember...according to them "It's not right for Portland"! (...just for other towns I guess)

On the subject of LBTD -- YES, I am voting FOR it.
My reasons for voting for it are these. First, whether Portland likes it or not....it IS located in America where we are supposed to have freedom of choice. I believe we, as Americans, should have that freedom...not have it made for us by local leaders or pastors as to how we will live our lives. I believe the constitution, in the first amendment, says something about no laws being made concerning religion, etc...and to tell me I can or cannot purchase a product or because it's not to be sold on Sunday...well, that is wrong.
Secondly...Portland needs to grow and prosper - and for that it needs tax revenues.
From listening to the arguments against it lately, you would think that alcohol is the cause of every problem -- and having liquor sales in town would practically destroy the town...how absurd....sometimes, I just don't know what to think about Portland.....guess they don't think beer is alcohol.....( beer causes wrecks, makes alcoholics, and wrecks lives )and readily sold all over town. I think it's so hypocritical that the same people who don't want LBTD in Portland enjoy patronizing the restaurants in other neighboring towns who do.......I just roll my eyes and go on........
There was a time when Gallatin had the same mind-set....time took care of that. It was a matter of a few families wanting to run everything....the bottom line, I think, is Control. It's time everyone took control of their own lives and stood up their rights and VOTE and not let those choices be made for us !

I drove by today and the BUY RIGHT furniture store has covered the makeshift sign with a banner. MUCH BETTER! GOOD LUCK IN YOUR VENTURE!

has anybody noticed the new furniture store across from subway? boy now theres a piece
of work! somebody took a paintbrush and wrote buy rite on the building. it looks like a 5 year old did it. where is the codes on that? i dont know if it is a violation, but it should be. i wonder who owns that building?they seem to not care as long as they get their rent.just another unsightly eyesore that helps to keep up our
portland hicktown appearance.

You are so right DeeAnna. This town needs to jump into the 21st century and do everything possible to bring more revenue in. That is why I am voting for LBTD. It might not bring more resturants but there are a couple of eaterys already here that could sell LBTD as long as they can seat 75 people. At least that is what the paper said. Plus some of the tax dollars from LBTD goes to the schools. What's so bad about that???
People complain that LBTD will cause the town to need more police, cause more wrecks, etc, etc.
What is causing the wrecks is people going out of town, drinking, and then trying to drive back home. Keep the money in Portland!!!

I shop in Portland for what I can buy here --I buy food from the local stores and use CVS drug store, I had my computer fixed at the Computer Doctor, and get my car oiled at the Shell Rapid Lube place -- but when I need clothes, shoes, furniture, computer supplies where there is have a good selection...I can't shop in Portland. Portland will just have to grow more and that will take time - if it EVER happens.....in the meantime..nothing should be done to discourage new businesses or keep the town like it was decades ago. The needs are greater now...and everything possible should be done to get more revenue into the city for it's schools and whatever the town's needs are...without raising taxes.

No, Dale...I was not addressing you. So, no need to apologize...! I was instead referring to the post left by the poster "GimmeABreak"

The only time I shop in Franklin is when I need something I can't find in Portland. I do my grocery shopping, drug store, and gas purchases here. I do go to Lowes in Gallatin for most of my home improvement items but will probably go to Franklin when they open the Lowes there.

I, too, will drive to Franklin for most purchases. Compare 9.25% tax to -- NO TAX on groceries. Right there, I have saved $10-15 on a normal grocery bill, without even thinking about what the base prices are. And when I'm in a Portland grocery store and see a "Sale" price, I mentally add 10%, to account for the extra taxes, then most times, I find that it isn't really such a great sale. I don't drive to Franklin for just one or two items, but wait until I have a good sized shopping list. I think it's worth it.

Portland doesn't have the resources to allow me to do all my shopping here. Do I drive 15 minutes to Gallatin and pay tax, or 15 minutes to Franklin, and save 10%? No brainer. Same gasoline usage either way; no, wait, does it burn more gas to drive back up the Ridge? I'm not even talking about safety.

Anyway, it doesn't matter; even with the current price gouging (I mean, "legitimate price increases") that is going on in the oil industry, prices at the gas stations at Exit 2 tend to be 9 - 12 cents a gallon cheaper than in Portland, Gallatin or Hendersonville.

So, where does a family lose out by shopping in Kentucky? And how does the City think it's going to help local businesses by increasing the tax rate? I, for one, don't get it.

Dale - I don't see where you said or singled out anyone, the information you provided below was very informative and helpful to know. You make some good points as well, one inparticular "I think it goes without saying that supporting local is something important to anyone who does so." Very well said! I'de like to think that I "Shop Portland First".. For everything? NO, as it isn't possible with the limited retail available, but I think I do a really good job trying, if that means doing so costs me an extra 20 bucks a month then so be it.

I think our town as it has become today is a victim of many circumstances with the biggest one being the lower taxes & no food tax just up the road. As hard as this is to overcome, it's even harder for people to realize the adverse effects it brings when it becomes a challenge (for lack of better words)to see how much money can be saved by going over the state line to shop. I can and I can't blame those that do, as we have such limited retail here to meet our needs, what do ya do?? who knows if or when it will ever change. Maybe someday we'll see taxes over the state line up around 8%. Personally I think that's what it's gonna take!

Dale...I think Mack was talking to Gimmeabreak.

Let me clarify......I did NOT say I went to Lowes in Bowling Green. I don't...I go to Gallatin but when the Lowes in Franklin opens I will be going there. And NO I do NOT run to Lowes to pick up little things that I might need.

Sorry to make anyone assume..........

I was not responding to specific purchases or individuals. I was listing some things that I have encountered in the past year. I did not know about the tax agreements between Kentucky and Tennessee governing some purchases, and I don't know if many people do. But, taxes have been discussed at length on this blog.

I did not write to pick you out or offend, and I can't see how my comments go there. But, if you feel you have been hurt in some way, I apologize to you.

I am trying to operate a business here in Portland once again. I think it goes without saying that supporting local is something important to anyone who does so.

As for ACE Hardware, I probably shop there once a week. It is a great store with good personnel.

"GimmeABreak...."

Re-read my post... I said BIG TICKET ITEMS. So in regards to your "come on you can't be real!" comment, it obviously doesn't apply to what I said. So I will discard it.

In fact, now that I go back and read DebraP's post she said the same thing. She goes to Ace for a nut and a bolt. As do I. I also go there to buy a quick gallon of paint.

So before you address someone's posts, read them first to make sure you are even making a point!

Big purchases...here are some realities to all the bargain hunters:
1) Buy a car in Kentucky, and you still pay Tennessee tax.
2) Buy appliances in Kentucky, and have them delivered to your Portland address, and it is taxed as a Tennessee purchase.
3) Same thing for furniture (see #2)

No savings there. Same tax rate.

So, on small purchases or purchases picked up in Kentucky, you do get less tax. Some of that is offset by the fact that you have to travel to Kentucky, take extra time, etc. I know no one on this blog gives a monetary value to those things. I have seen the posts. But, as for me, it is part of the cost.

Let me give you a quick list of buildings that are out of code as they current stand on the property. They will be of no use in the future if they change hands through purchase or tenancy. By the term "be of no use", I specifically mean that they will not pass current standards being enforced by the city for parcking, offset, and entry/exit from the property, and dustless surface parking issues:
1) Portland Builders
2) Jody's Cash & Check
3) Most of 109 North
4) The News Examiner
5) Woodward Tire
6) Beach House
7) Buy Right Furniture
8) Most of the historic structures on 109, on the west side, such as the pawn shop, classic cutting edge, portland leader, etc.
9) Pharmacy Express (as it relates to front parking
10) Farmers Bank, north (side parking)
11) Jernigan Insurance
12) Sumner Employment (possibly, although they have some extra property that could be used for parking, I think)
13) O'Reilly Auto Parts (they will be moving upon the widening of 109), all buildings near them all the way down to the new Walt's garage (exempt)
14) Most of the east side of the Extreme Fitness building
15) Some offices along 109 South down to Wilkinson-Wiseman

Hopefully, everyone gets the picture. If the current rules are applied, just on 109, then at ANY change of ownership, use, or tenancy, these properties would have to have site plans for review. Most would be rejected now, and definitely in the future.

Maybe Portland just needs to close down it's retail space flatten the buildings, widen all the roads to other cities for it's residents to travel outside of town to shop. I wonder how the folks in Gallatin, Lebanon, etc survived in the days prior to lowes, strip stores, good restaurants, etc always paying the 9% tax on the goods they bought as they sure wern't a hop skip and a jump to a bordering state with a 6% sales tax. Look at them now, booming with success!! I guess that's what happens when residents jump ship on their town!!

DebraP and Mack - grant it, big purchases where you may save over $25 by shopping ky, I can understand the reasoning, but to save $2.00 on a lawnmower blade or gallon of paint come on you can't be real!

I love Lowes! I have been there many many times without my husband. If I can't find what I am looking for I ask. I always get help. No, big chains usually do not greet you at the door and offer assistance but there is always someone around to ask for help.
How many times have you went to Wal-Mart and the door greeter actually spoke to you. Not many I'm sure.

I am also glad Ace is expanding. I go to them when I need a nut and bolt. And yes they are always nice and offer help, But they can not compete with the big chains on price and selection. I had rather ask for help and pay a lower price.

According to what planning has stated to me, there must now be a 50 ft setoff from the right-of-way, parking may not permit backing out into a road, etc. This means that some of the EXISTING commercial space (actually, alot of it) does not currently qualify for tenancy or use, once vacated (if planning is consistent on its application of its ordinances). Much of the existing commercial property does not have enough setoff from the road, and existing parking forces customers to back into the road. This will all be made worse once the 109 strip is widened. As to the homes on south 109, those are zoned commercial/professional. Retail is not allowed in this zoned area.

Setoff from the road?? All these businesses & homes along 109 (south of Middle School) where the widening will take place, how much setoff from the road must there be, some of them now have next to nothing.

As for going to Lowes in Franklin when it's built, all I can say is this, as a female I can only tell you what a nightmare it is to go into one of these larger lowes/home depot type stores and expect to get any assistance from the many, many staff members that walk right past you over and over and NEVER ask if I need any help. I spend 45 minutes searching, and leave empty handed & aggravated. BUT.... Go back the next day with hubby and you're knocking the help off your shoulders every where you turn, need any help..., find what you're looking for.....

I go to ACE in portland and I am greeted immediately upon entering and offered assistance, if I should turn it down at the door, I know I will be asked again and I will get the assistance I need and will leave there with what I came in for. These are the nicest bunch of people, I am thrilled to hear of the larger store, sure prices maybe a little more than Lowes, but you can't put a price tag on convenience & Great customer service.

It's this concept that businesses need to bring back to life, go back to the basics and sell your business with outstanding customer service, let your customers know they're important and you want them to return and shop again.

Good idea for Ace to utilize the space left vacant by IGA (man, that place never had a chance did it?)

I guess they will have to step it up for when Lowe's comes to Franklin, KY. Now, I drive to BG for Lowe's, especially to save on high dollar items.

And we have city leaders encouraging us to raise OUR sales tax?

Hmmm... 6% sales tax on a big ticket item, or 9.75% on a big ticket item. Which would you rather pay? Keep in mind that this new Lowe's will only be 6 miles away. I'm on a budget that just won't budge sometimes, and I can tell you where I will go in that instance.

With high gas prices, sometimes I opted to go to ACE in Portland because it just didn't make sense to drive all the way to BG. But now that I will have a Lowe's just across the state line, the gas price scenario won't faze me. BUT...the sales tax scenario most definitely will....

I will have to see if the City will allow it for use as retail, now that it is being vacated. I am not sure it has enough setoff from the road, and also I am not sure if it has enough parking (dustless) per square feet. I do know that the inside will have to pass code.

When I saw the post, I called ACE...spoke to the owner. We'll see.

Dale- If Alderman Coker is correct, maybe you could consider the CURRENT Ace Hardware building- what better place to open your business since the proposed skate park would be right in your back yard- hmmmm

Regarding the IGA building, last I heard, ACE Hardware was remodeling it with plans of moving in and becoming the largest ACE Hardware in this area.

Good luck Dale! I'm sorry that you have had such a bad experience. Have you contacted the SBA to see if they are aware of any GRANTS that may be available to you to offset some of these expenses?

Does Anyone know what they are doing to the IGA building has it been sold or what.People are there working almost everyday. I think it would make a good spot for cicis pizza place.

Dale,
So sorry for your disappointment. I hope those who have run you out of town -- twice -- can sleep at night, although I can't imagine how they can live with themselves.

I hope the folks from Walgreens read this blog. Portland doesn't seem to be a good place to try to set up a new business, is it?

Today, we learned from our landlord that we will not be able to operate from the building on College Street, due to requirements by the city plannind department. The site plan, waiting period, slow determination, and so forth are expensive. We have no guarantees, after doing the work and making the changes, that we will get acceptance or clearance.

We will be working from a home office and garage until we can determine what to do now. We will be vacating the premises at College in the coming weeks.

For everyone's information, I have checked on multiple building sites in town. Most are also rendered useless per the city setoffs, and so forth, especially once 109 is widened. Many of the buildings on 109 will have to be knocked down. So, commitments to any of these for purchase are not wise.

Thanks to everyone for their support.

Dale,

I am so sorry to hear of your recent troubles. However, I must say that I am not suprised. There seems to be an awful lot of questionable activity in and around City Hall, regarding the way decisions are made in this place we call home.

I urge the voters of Portland to take a really close look at the candidates in the upcoming elections; find out who their "buddies" are, who their business associates are, and who they may owe favors to. Then decide who you want to vote for to occupy those four empty City Alderman seats. Beware of slick talkers; look for the ones who are truly concerned with what is best for Portland, not primarily the interests of their friends and business associates. It is time to clean up our town, and I'm not talking about the litter in the streets!

BRING ON THE SKATEBOARDS! Charging kids for CARRYING them???? How absolutely STUPID!!!!

Afraid of kids gathering to play games and eat sandwiches??? These people need to stay home and nurse their phobias in private.

At least they were playing XBOX 360's and not the Wii- now THAT'S dangerous.

PA-LEEEEAAASE PEOPLE!

I know you mean to name names (I can't as I'm not from Portland).

But here's this:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_ol'_boy_network

In a nutshell, Good Ole Boy Network is when someone overlooks or outright goes against the rules (and laws) for friends, family and/or business associates, but strictly enforces them for everyone else. Or in other words, a person with power who abuses it.

Not EXACT, but close enough for you to understand.

Yes I do!! Is it real or just something you made up?

Jazzy3,

You honestly need a description of the "Good ole' Boy network"? Come on!

Dale
JW is the one that used the "good ole boy network". Maybe he would like to explain.

Okay. I told my story online. For the record, I did not ever use the phrase 'good ole boy network'. Therefore, I don't have names to name on that issue. Where there has been a need to list a person, I think I have done so. Please read my comments thoroughly.

Something else to know in this discussion... CODES and ZONING/PLANNING do not represent the same thing at city hall. Codes refers to the internal, structural issues related to a building. Examples include wiring, plumbing, ADA compliance, emergency exit notations. Zoning/Planning is a process SEPARATE from codes enforcement, according to the interim City Planner. The Zoning/Planning process requires a site plan composition, as outlined in my previous quotes, and this is then sent before a planning board and defended in deliberation. In most municipalities, this would be required of new construction. The issue, here, is that Portland is requiring it of existing structures and new tenants will be hit with it after committing to a lease/facility, and then also faced with months of deliberation on EXISTING, ALREADY-ZONED COMMERCIAL PROPERTY. This process, however, only initiates when a tenant begins to open a business in a location that is different from the previous tenant, and then also only if the city finds out.

I think I have made it clear that I believe in codes compliance, especially after losing a home to fire in November where renovations had been made without correctly rewiring the structure.

I have an issue with months of deliberation on an existing, commercially-zoned structure, where I am being asked to hire an engineer/surveyor to make a representation of the building on the plat. I don't have months to invest in maybe's. I also feel that the zoning did not change at tenancy, and therefore the use of the building should not be an issue if I am using it for an already-zoned purpose.

Also, other businesses have opened in the last year in town and they have not been asked to produce these documents. These businesses opened in locations that did not house similar businesses before. They were not asked to hire surveyors or engineers.

I am trying to be clear in all this, and I have been specific. I think it is important for readers to know the facts about a process invoked in this city, since many on here spend alot of time talking about retail.

And again, to be clear, I support cleaning up properties. Anyone who knows me will tell you that I am always working on the premises to make it better.

Who or what is the "good ole boy network"?
I think Dale needs to start naming some names so we the voters will know who to watch out for.

While I don't agree with singling out one business, I DO otherwise agree that codes need to be enforced.

But other than enforcing local LAWS and CODES, it is my personal opinion that government should stay out of it. Free enterprise is the American WAY. If there are "too many" of a particular type of business, SO WHAT! The MARKET will take care of it. If a business is not the fanciest in the world, SO WHAT! I mean, as a consumer, do you want the best price for the product you're buying or do you want to pay extra for walking into a fancy place to buy it? Guess what, there are is no wrong answer.

Just an example- we have at least three places in town that serve specialty coffees, then we have convenience stores that sell cappicino, and I'm pretty sure all the restaurants sell plain coffee. Each has it's own appeal and each is catering to different types of customers. (this falls under demographics / market share.) Should the city leaders say: NO MORE COFFEE- WE HAVE ENOUGH - sounds ridiculous and it is and it applies to every type of business.

Just my opinion.