Stimulating small business in Bellaire is the subject of the fifth and last question in InstantnewsBellaire’s Q&A series with Bellaire City Council candidates.
Robert, who has lived in Bellaire for two years, asked the candidates:
What can be done differently to promote local, small business opportunities within Bellaire? (I am thinking something creative like the Keep Austin Weird campaign)
Here are the answers from the four candidates for Place 5 on the council. Scroll to the bottom for information on the procedures of this Q&A.
Tina Blum-Cohen
The great thing about the “Keep Austin Weird” slogan is that it was directly targeted at the large college, music and film community there. A similar approach could be used in Bellaire because it also has a direct market. Bellaire is known as an small, upscale, older, affluent, established community, just perfect for small businesses with a potential of a very loyal customer base. What I love most about living in Bellaire is so much is right here. I am thrilled that there is alot attractive remodeling is going on with the local strip centers and with the abundance of vacant space available, it is just perfect for more business offices, service industries, small retail shops and upscale restaurants. Our local print media, which targets our community, is relatively inexpensive and could easily highlight the “Small Business of the Week” and the success of businesses based here!!
In the meantime, until the economy picks up, we need to support our local established businesses. Their successes, by word of mouth, will be the most effective means of drawing new businesses to Bellaire. I look forward to hearing your reader’s suggestion for that very creative slogan!! Everyone’s imput is important!!!
Andrew Friedberg
Promoting and supporting our local small businesses begins with revitalizing our commercial areas. A new and improved downtown, that both attracts new businesses and gives our existing businesses a nicer home, will draw in a larger clientele and make our commercial district more competitive. Of course, city officials must work with and seek input from local businesses and property owners to ensure the most beneficial growth in a manner consistent with our community character. For example, adding more green space will help downtown become a better focal point for our community.
Downtown Bellaire will benefit greatly from improved accessibility and a more pedestrian orientation. Currently, a potential shopper must drive from one business to another, given the scarcity of shared parking options and dangerous street crossings at high-traffic intersections. We also lack the variety of retail boutiques and restaurants—all walkable—that are found in areas not far outside Bellaire and attract a larger consumer base from the same market. Much of the success of these developments can be attributed to the ease of visiting multiple shops and restaurants all in one trip, without having to get back in the car. Commercial redevelopment will thus make us more competitive and boost our local businesses.
In the course of this campaign I have had the privilege of talking with many of our residents about commercial redevelopment and other important aspects of the Comprehensive Plan. They have overwhelmingly expressed support for our local businesses and a desire to spend more of our money here in Bellaire, while describing the inconveniences that are holding us back. Redeveloping our commercial areas is good for local business, and it’s good for Bellaire.
James Jameson
I think the issue with promoting local, small businesses in Bellaire is directly related to the lack of a centralized, easily recognized, Bellaire business district. Currently, the Bellaire business community is somewhat fragmented, with no real identity to those outside of Bellaire. We have some great business that serve the community, but there is room for improvement and growth in a manner that is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan that is under consideration. I would like to see a business district that is pedestrian friendly and complements the residential community.
In terms of a campaign of promoting business opportunities in Bellaire, the reader’s question calls into issue exactly what type of businesses do we want to promote? What do we want our Bellaire business community to look like in the near future and long term? What , if any, is the city government’s role in such promotion? We cannot legislate the type of business that wants to locate in our community. Bellaire is not Austin, nor should we try to be like any other community. We are first, and foremost a residential community and our businesses should honor the community moniker that Bellaire is a “City of Homes”. We should not ever sacrifice the residential character of our community for increased tax revenue. The city should be an active partner with private business organizations, such as the Bellaire Chamber of Commerce , to work on specific business promotions and agendas.
Johnnie Frazier
Johnnie Frazier did not respond to this question by the deadline.
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In this series, candidates receive questions twice per week and have 24 hours to respond with an answer that is less than 300 words long. The answers publish with no editing.
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