" Downtown won't come back until there are more decent paying jobs to create customers in the area. "

" Why don't you purchase a building downtown and rent it out yourself? "

" I truly agree with the kids sentiment. There isn't much here for them at all but I will say there are more stores than before. It would be nice to see a used book store for kids or even a chuckie cheese type business. I mean many of us parents take our money out of Auburn every weekend on field trips. It would be nice to keep the money right here! I know it's wishful thinking. "

" Brew I disagree that low rens bring low class, their are many that would like to start somethng great for downtown but dont have the means to do it.
HOWever, I totally agree on the issue of downtown coming back to life with craft fairs and all you mentioned!
Even if downtown started slow with 2ce a week activities for kids and adults would be amazing-especially thru the summer with parents looking for inexpensive things to do with kids!
3 yrs ago we were in the Saratoga area-and they had a huge downtown fair happening all weekend with a large turnout. The same in Paducah Kentucky when we were there 2 yrs ago. We came to Auburn after that and nothing! Not even a clown in site!???
Hello city officials--are you listening? "

" Low rents bring a low class of tenants. Auburn does not need a downtown of pawn shops, tattoo parlors and used junk stores. It needs to bring in quality stores. It has started the process with improvements to downtown. Grants should be sought for improvements to storefronts of existing retailers. Tax breaks should be offered for residential developments in the downtown area. Then when all the ducks are in a row you will get quality tenants for downtown, not by lowering the standards. Also the chamber of commerce needs to plan events in the downtown such as craft fairs, art shows, street vendors, street performers, lunchtime concerts to draw people to the merchants. Also the local stores should be urged to open at night during the summer and holidays. Some brave retaurant owner should try a sidewalk cafe. All over the country downtowns are making a comeback. And residential development is key. If the chamber of commerce is too weak then a downtown business association should pick up the ball. I have seen the begining of this plan but it is a long process and won't be done tommorrow. "