Businesses close or leave Palmer behind

BY TODD L. DISHER
Frontiersman
Published on Saturday, October 3, 2009 7:56 PM AKDT

PALMER — After a summer of discontent and fearing a lonely winter, many downtown retailers find themselves either shuttering their shops or searching for greener pastures.

Speaking before the Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce, Denise Statz reported that five of the six retailers in the Downtown Palmer Plaza have announced they are either closing or moving to locations outside Palmer.

Statz is the owner of Non-Essentials, a high-end food shop, and is a partner in Cups, Cones and Candy, both of which are locking their doors. While it’s easy to place blame with the national and international economy, that is too simplistic of an explanation, she said.

ROBERT DeBERRY/Frontiersman Five of the six retailers in the Downtown Palmer Plaza including Avenue Seven have announced they are either closing or moving to locations outside Palmer.

“A series of things affected us all,” Statz said. “I would have stayed with my game plan to make it through the fourth quarter had I not seen what was happening all across the board.”

What was happening, she said, was owners of small businesses losing confidence in the business climate of the city.

It started with the plans for the Palmer couplet, Statz said. Speeding cars past stores would kill businesses along the route, she said, including hers. Despite the popular dissent once the plan came to light, businesses had to put up their own money to fight the project with the city council, she said.

Not only did the economy keep shoppers home this summer, Statz said, but the plague of road closures steered them away from downtown. With sometimes five different roads closed, the loss of traffic in front of the stores was tremendous, she said.

Finally, with the announcement of the cancellation of the Colony Christmas Train, Statz had had enough. The train not coming will kill a huge portion of her holiday business, she said. She said while only 300 people ride the train, the family they meet once in Palmer is essential to her yearly bottom line.

The cancellation of the Christmas train was the straw that broke the back of Gladheart Acres, said owner Rick Shields. The honey, soap and sundries business is actually expanding during the economic crunch, but chose to do so by moving to a bigger space in Creekside Plaza in Wasilla.

“We constantly got a feeling from the local air and other small business owners that the city council has zero interest in small businesses,” Shields said.

It’s sad, Shields said, because Palmer is a potential gold mine. Without too much effort, the city could become something like Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia, an attraction that would draw more people to the local shops, he said.

“As it is now, it’s a known fact people will drive from Palmer to Wasilla to shop, but not from Wasilla to Palmer,” Shields said.

The Christmas train was a good example of what should be done, creating a Dickensian atmosphere in Palmer that drew people from Anchorage, Shields said.

In addition to Gladheart Acres, Valley Winery has already opened its new location on the Palmer-Wasilla Highway, and Avenue Seven is packing its stocks for the move to Wasilla.

The Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce is the organization that runs Colony Christmas. Jillyan Webb, the executive director, said the reality of situation is the rail tracks north of the South Palmer station simply are not safe. In the past, the trains had to be walked down the tracks by Alaska Railroad volunteers, she said. The chamber begged and pleaded with the railroad board of directors to continue, she said, but they gave the train the ax at their last meeting.

Initial estimates to upgrade the tracks to a 10-mile-an-hour rating range from $600,000 to $1 million, Webb said. The chamber looked at busing people from the South Palmer station, but paying the charter companies to de-winterizing their buses was simply too expensive.

“We’re looking at losing 175 to 200 people,” Webb said. “With good marketing, we think we can bring that many down here without the train.”

As for the overall business climate in the city, Webb said the chamber’s membership is staying fairly level for the time being. But, she said, dues have already been paid for this year, and she understands the road closures have hit some downtown businesses pretty hard.

The city council is actively addressing road closures with both the chamber and the Downtown Merchants Association, Councilman Michael Chmielewski said. While this undoubtedly hurt some businesses, there are other factors that have to be taken into account, he said.

“How much did the work that was done affect things?” Chmielewski said. “Do we have a lower number of people coming into Palmer because of a overall drop in tourists? Do we have an accurate indication of the change in the level of discretionary income? All those factors together create a pretty severe impact.”

The council has every intention to do what is possible to enhance the business climate, and the commitment is there to provide the infrastructure for businesses, Chmielewski said. However, only when things go wrong do people look at the city, he said.

“You don’t hear about it when the streets are smooth and the sun is shining,” he said.

Contact Todd L. Disher at todd.disher@frontiersman.com or 352-2252.

Copyright © 2010 Frontiersman

Comments

72 comment(s)

    Palmer kid wrote on Oct 14, 2009 8:19 AM:

    " Palmer had a bowling alley, theater, VPA, and a roller-skating rink. All now available in Wasilla. I've seen many businesses come and go. Palmer has a second hand store on main street that is hanging in there- probably doesn't need a huge profit.

    Most involved in Palmer politics grew up there and control it's growth. MEA, MTA, MSBSD, MSB and court system- all in Palmer but support the entire borough. Without these organizations, Palmer would be a ghost town. The hospital knew it needed to relocate. "

    Question wrote on Oct 13, 2009 4:47 PM:

    " I'm new here. To what are you referring when you write "Snob Hill"? "

    Ed Kessler wrote on Oct 13, 2009 4:03 PM:

    " Yes...Palmer has been in "Dgutter" for years. Really?

    Since they stopped "minning" for coal it's gone downhill? I see.

    They still mine at Usibelli off Moose Creek. Still log and conduct gravel pit operations, just more sustainably.

    These things have nothing to do with businesses leaving downtown Palmer. Stop ranting and join the conversation when you have something constructive to say. "

    Snob hill killed Palmer wrote on Oct 12, 2009 6:54 PM:

    " They fought growth in Palmer for years, then the final blow was when the Parks Highway open in 1973 it turned Palmer into a bump in the road. Been in Dgutter for years. Sad that since the railroad washed out near the Matanuska river and they stopped minning coal in Sutton the mine has been on fire for years. Could be reopened and start producing high paying jobs again. As Jonesville burns Palmer suffers. "

    heres why you dont have my business wrote on Oct 12, 2009 12:51 PM:

    " Customer service will make or break a business (I know, I own 3) If I'm in a store and I'm ignored I leave. If the personnel are rude: I leave. I live and shop in Palmer because it's my hometown. If those business owners would stop whining and start being part of the solution, I'd shop there again. I have half a set of very expensive dishes from NE that I would rather not buy over the internet. Turn it around folks...put the blame where it belongs and fix the problem. AttitudeisEVERYTHING~ "

    mary wrote on Oct 12, 2009 11:11 AM:

    " If the city officials planned & promoted Palmer right, developed a ski area and had a snow machine section, promote more bike trails and horse riding, it would be one of the top summer and winter tourist places in alaska. No question.
    The town has a preserved quality and quaintness that cannot be matched.
    It just lacks planning and vision.
    They have done a good job preserving, but they need to make it a destination town.
    It will take money and time & be 100% worth every penny. "

    Mary wrote on Oct 12, 2009 11:04 AM:

    " To create a vacumn,
    I particially agree with you. MANY places have been able to preserve their intregrity and unique quality without complete ruin due to population increase.
    Wasilla is a good example of what NOT to do.
    Palmer has managed this better, yet it has a bad reputation for growth.
    I prefer controlled growth so the quality of why you moved there isnt totally destroyed.
    This is possible.l "

    Ed Kessler wrote on Oct 12, 2009 9:29 AM:

    " Wow, lots of ridiculous comments. I've lived in Palmer for over two years now and love this place. Most businesses leaving or that have left were new. If anyone knows anything about entrepreneurship you'd understand the majority of small businesses don't last two years. It's the way it goes.

    Yes, Palmer has some weird kitschy shops; there's also others & new places doing great:

    Backcounty Bikes
    Turkey Red
    Rose Tac/Leather
    Tzar of Guitars
    VAGABOND??

    Growth is a long term investment. I grew up in a suburban nightmare. No thanks. "

    Littlebird wrote on Oct 12, 2009 8:32 AM:

    " I am MORE THAN HAPPY to drive from Palmer to Wasilla to shop! If I felt it was too far (which is silly!) I would move to Wasilla! But if I can join others in keeping Palmer rural by making the drive to Wasilla for what I need, so be it! No problem! Anything to keep Palmer from joining Wasilla in going from nice little town to jam-packed, filthy little hole! "

    Shopping wrote on Oct 11, 2009 7:50 PM:

    " Shopping is done where a person can get the most done in a short amount of time. Wasilla may be congested, but for someone who only has a few precious hours of time off, it's the place where one goes to get it all done. Palmer hasn't grown and it's out of the way to do any shopping there. It would be nice to maintain those stores and add others of high quality in Palmer, however, the public has voted with their feet and shop where they can get the most benefit. Plain and simple. "

    Power Wagon wrote on Oct 11, 2009 1:24 PM:

    " "It's just a matter of time before Palmer is a ghost town", or it's going to "wither away" or "die."...all because we (apparently) MUST grow (and become a crappy, congested city like Wasilla I guess). Good lord, how ridiculous! Why bother even looking for logic in that? Funny that this type of thinking makes sense to some people. But as far as Palmer "dying" or whatnot...yeah, been said before. "

    Brit wrote on Oct 11, 2009 12:37 AM:

    " Palmer has always had class and because of its rich history and its people who have had to persevere to succeed, it has survived through good times and bad. Palmer folks are passionate and real. They will continue to prevail. No one can take that away from them. Name-calling is chlldish and uncalled-for. "

    To Glass Half Full wrote on Oct 10, 2009 9:11 AM:

    " If you are not moving forward then you are moving backward. There is no "stationary" in business. It's just a matter of time before Palmer is a ghost town. My question is, when Wasilla and areas north create their own borough or municipality what is Palmer going to do? You will shrink up and die because no body will be able to afford the TAXES that will be necessary to support your roads and over paid borough employees. "

    Wimbspm wrote on Oct 9, 2009 10:30 PM:

    " A little bit of everything --- Let me get this straight, stores in Wasilla cause crime? I think you've run the gamut on blogs here, Corrupt Police Force, Best Cheese Jalapeno Rolls, Poor Customer Service, Terrible City Council, Corrupt Chief of Police, The Railroad OWES Palmer, Palmer is dying.
    And lastly comparing us to the lower 48, now that's the show stopper, WE HAVE NOTHING IN COMPARISON. Palmer is a nothing, a speed bump one day. Your beloved Alaska my butt. "

    To WImbpsm wrote on Oct 9, 2009 5:20 PM:

    " I would not in call Wasilla a cesspool. Different than Palmer. I can shop there and leave behind the people.

    Palmer has dirt city roads, so does Wasilla so does Anchorage. (your point?) People living off the road, what does that mean? No business that last, Palmer has many different businesses that have been in existence for decades. Empty Carrs, yep, drop the rent, it might change. The hotel/restaurant was closed by the fire martial. Wasilla and Palmer have one thing in common, low wage jobs. Both had per capita incomes below the State average. "

    Why wrote on Oct 9, 2009 4:29 PM:

    " Why are we bashing each other? Why can't Wasilla be Wasilla and Palmer be Palmer -- both with their own vision of what a community should look and feel like, and both right for themselves? Do I really hear an Alaskan bashing a "dirt road" like that's somehow shameful? Wow. And the Wasilla bashers are no better.

    Palmer is a small town with a small commerical base -- like MOST Alaskan towns -- that's no shame. That Wasilla is more like Anchorage than Palmer is no shame either. Why would it be? "

    to Wimbspm wrote on Oct 9, 2009 11:24 AM:

    " You're joking, right? A quick glance at the local police blotter tells the tale regarding your rosy outlook on Wasilla. But really, don't be so hurt about living in a scumbag-infested hole; many people like that! There are thousands of folks living in such wonderful places as Compton, CA, New York City, Pittsburgh etc etc that would agree with you regarding the magic of congested, crime-ridden places. And when those of us that DON'T like it need products, we happily drive to Wasilla, get what we need, and get the heck out while breathing a sigh of relief! "

    Power Wagon wrote on Oct 9, 2009 10:09 AM:

    " Comparing the poor level of customer service between Palmer and Wasilla is downright goofy! As if the 10 miles makes a difference. Travel to the lower 48 and you'll find out quickly that our beloved Alaska as a whole has a poor customer-service culture. And to the Wimbspm blogger I say "thanks" for Wasilla 'providing' the valley with so much; higher crime, more traffic and such. Oh yes, 'thank you' indeed! "

    heres why you dont have my business wrote on Oct 9, 2009 7:38 AM:

    " I used to frequently shop at these stores. Here, plain and simple is why I stopped. Bad customer service. In "dressed by Celeste" I was told by a rather large woman that I was too small to find anything in the store. By the way, I was shopping for a handbag. My last trip to Non Essentials, I was met by a gaggle of complainers at the coffee counter bad mouthing the City of Palmer. After 5 minutes of being ignored and listening to this drivel, I left. Bad business practices arewhatarekillingU!! "

    Steve wrote on Oct 9, 2009 5:36 AM:

    " One reason our family drives from Palmer to Wasilla to shop is because of the Fred Meyer stores. It would be far more convenient to shop in Palmer, and shopping there would lead us to spend more money at local shops while in town. But after numerous attempts, we've finally concluded that driving 10 miles to the other Fred's in Wasilla is worth the trouble to find friendly customer service. "

    Wimbspm wrote on Oct 9, 2009 5:20 AM:

    " Wasilla is not a cesspool, for all those who shop there, stay hone. Funny how it's always convenient to cut down Wasilla yet Palmer has dirt city roads, people living off the road, no business that last, empty Carrs mall, empty main street shops, hotel/restaurant, closed, Ace hardware, and you're proud of your city? We would love to make you go to Anchorage for all your needs maybe you would appreciate that Wasilla does provide important services to the Valley, like it or not, we are thriving and giving our people a life! "

    Another Indicator wrote on Oct 9, 2009 5:16 AM:

    " About the assertion that people are moving here in big numbers: look at the populations of PJMS and PHS. They're dropping. The "boundary exceptions" pretty much cancel each other out, I've heard, so that can only be due to population drop in the area. AND THAT'S O.K.!

    We have one Wasilla in the Valley, and that's enough. They're very good at being Wasilla. Do we really need another retail center? No. I'm content to drive over if I need something. Remember when EVERYBODY out here had drive "to town" for most anything? "

    to Palmer wrote on Oct 8, 2009 9:21 PM:

    " You are 100% right and hit the nail right on the head,thanks. "

    sharpie wrote on Oct 8, 2009 10:56 AM:

    " Many of us choose to live in Palmer for what it is...not because we hope it turns into another cesspoole like Wasilla or Anchorage. We are happy to drive to those places to get whatever we can't get here if that's what it means to live somewhere more rural, slower and peaceful. And what the heck is the wierdo blathering on about with the 'nature abhors a vacuum' gibberish? How on Earth does that apply here? Did the blogger just find that saying 'deep' and really wanted to use it? Sheesh... "

    Palmer. wrote on Oct 8, 2009 10:00 AM:

    " Yet Palmer wants to annex as much new land as possible? The City of Palmer can't take care of what it already has. Water mains bursting unpaved city roads and not all roads are maintained in the winter. One way couplets a set of useless railroad tracks that divide the City. Those are just a few of the problems. I however don't want to turn into Wasilla, Strip Mall City. Keep working on it City leaders but you really need to focus on what we have and not annexing hundred of acres of undeveloped land. "

    2bornot2b wrote on Oct 8, 2009 6:32 AM:

    " Why is it the cities responsibility to promote any business? On one hand you don't want anyone telling you what to do or have larger stores move in then IF you open a business you expect someone to promote your business and blame the town if you're unsuccessful, Palmer mentality.
    Always has a reason for something but never takes the blame. I think some need to look outside of Palmer to continue to propagate. "

    Palmer Farm wrote on Oct 8, 2009 12:59 AM:

    " "Nature abhoring a vaccum" is a pretty silly analogy to use in this situation. And I sincerely hope you don't honestly think that applies. C'mon, seriously? You're joking right? "

    Create a vacuum..... wrote on Oct 7, 2009 2:53 PM:

    " To Palmer Farmer. To understand this simple law, empty one room in your house. And then see how long it stays that way. You won't be able to stand looking at an empty room. Another law that applies to nice places to live is the fact that when enough people looking for a nice place to live finally move there, the nice place and it's good old days is ruined. The seeds of destruction are built in. It doesn't really matter what I want or whether you understand it. These two laws pretty much rule. "

    Palmer Farm wrote on Oct 7, 2009 1:26 PM:

    " Huh. Is that supposed to make sense? More people are moving to Palmer for the 'wide open spaces' (well, then they won't be 'wide open' for long, will they?) and now you're going to "demand" the businesses that you want? So you want to have your cake and eat it too, then? In some bizarre twist you want to have all those things that Wasilla has but closer so your lazy butt won't have to drive ALL the way to Wasilla(?) but ALSO want your 'wide open spaces'? How exactly does that work? "

    To Palmer Farm wrote on Oct 7, 2009 6:49 AM:

    " Well apparently you have never heard the saying that nature abhors a vacuum. Over time nature will take it's course. Look around you, some of your farmer friends are busy filling their "vacuum" of vacant farm land with more of us idiots who want to live in wide open spaces. And us idiots will eventually demand that the vacuum of empty buildings in Palmer be filled with businesses that sell what we need and want. More will come because the vacuum if pretty much filled in Anchorage. "

    Juliet delaney wrote on Oct 7, 2009 1:28 AM:

    " Why don't you bus people out to palmer? And the chamber needs to do something to keep these businesses in palmer or you are going to be in big trouble "

    offsoapstone wrote on Oct 6, 2009 5:21 PM:

    " For all you folks slamming Palmer just don't bother to come here. i'd rather have Palmer the way it is than to live in a strip mall that is wasilla. I remeber wasilla before the parks hwy was run though it talk about a dying town well there really wasn't a town just teelands and bars. Palmer city council has always been bad but at least palmers leaders don't quit when the going gets hard or they don't get their way. Wasillawins on that point. "

    Palmer Farm wrote on Oct 6, 2009 2:24 PM:

    " Valley Kid:
    Exactly! I'm tired of the drone logic that "progress" means growing and developing, or that growth is ALWAYS good! Many need to wake up and realized that there are those of us that live here for a reason, instead of Wasilla, Eagle River or Anchorage. And to those that move to Palmer and then complain that they don't have the same services that those cities do I say "Idiots! Then why did you move here?!" I will gladly drive to Wasilla to get services rather than have the traffic, lights, crowds and riff raff come here! "

    Valley Kid wrote on Oct 6, 2009 11:53 AM:

    " I believe most residents of Palmer are happy with things the way they are now, which is to say they were also happy with how Palmer was a decade ago, and will be happy with how it will be a decade from now.
    Thanks, but No Thanks for the new ideas and development plans. Please STOP trying to improve my town. If this upsets you, please take note that I (and most of Palmer) don't care. "

    mary wrote on Oct 6, 2009 8:00 AM:

    " Palmer needs incentives for small businesses. They need to lease or sell that eye sore - the old school district building that is smack in the middle of town. Sell it to the best idea and with a contract. How about a small quality department store? Another blunder was the corner building, the old selleck plaze being leased to some office vs a retail shop. Prime commercial to build downtown retail should be leased to retail or restaurants, not auto parts and law firms. "

    Wasilla is smarter stronger wrote on Oct 6, 2009 7:48 AM:

    " Palmer has been against growth for many years...unless of course you are Fred Meyers or Taco Bell. I don't know anyone who actually likes Palmer other than to maybe live/sleep there. They shop, play and work in Anchorage or Wasilla. The cramped downtown area is a mess and it can take 20 minutes to travel 2 blocks during peak hours. As for stopping to enjoy the overabundance of independent gift/T-shirt shop type retail businesses...that could take all day, just to find a parking spot. These risky types of business are struggling all over the country right now. "

    MOP wrote on Oct 6, 2009 6:54 AM:

    " The mall non-essentials was in had no major store that drew in lots of people, to support a business like non-essentials that thrives off of foot traffic.
    The smaller store on the main street they owned worked better because they had more people happen to walk by.
    The city officials really need to promote and improve this for Palmer, this town has so much potential, get someone in there who can run it like other successful historial recreational towns. Promote Hatcher, Crevass, 4 wheeling on the river bed, horseriding... "

    Park City wrote on Oct 6, 2009 6:48 AM:

    " Exactly ! I lived in Park City when it was a dirt street and a few bars and one grocery store. Palmer has the same potential, which is why I invested in real estate.
    The Palmer downtown is great, they just need businesses promoted and city officials need to help. The bad reputation is just that, however they need some fresh blood and talent, preferably from someone who lived in a resrt town of that size and knows what its capable of. "

    Greg Gusse wrote on Oct 5, 2009 10:58 PM:

    " Most everybody is right here. Both sides. The City Council is extremely short sighted seeing a conflict between preservation and development. Mr. Allen's vision is in conflict with the people leading to secrecy and deceit. Both the City Council and Allen look to expediency rather than wisdom in decisions. And both forget about the local merchants. A gem of a village could be created a place where tour busses wouldn’t be paid to stop to pee but would come because folks want to come. But it takes vision something Mike and the Mayor sadly lost yearsago. "

    Brit wrote on Oct 5, 2009 10:02 PM:

    " The City needs to pull out all the stops to retain their current downtown merchants. The Alaska Railroad owes Palmer big time. They're making all their money off of the Palmer gravel trains but don't seem to have the funds to make the rails safe to get tourists for Christmas and other occasions into downtown to the depot? The Palmer Chamber and Downtown Merchants have been losing time and money fighting the City for survival. While the water pipe problems were understood by all, I was aghast at how little the City did to direct traffic to businesses. "

    DennisJ wrote on Oct 5, 2009 12:59 PM:

    " Ace Hardware closed at about the first of the year. I've never heard what happened. Anybody know? "

    Wendy wrote on Oct 5, 2009 9:31 AM:

    " I am so sorry to hear this. Non-essentials is one of our family's favorite shops ever. And the refurbished building is totally awesome. We will miss you.... "

    Lisnup wrote on Oct 5, 2009 9:09 AM:

    " You drive to Wasilla but have the attitude NOT IN MY BACKYARD. So you cut down Wasilla for their growth and big box stores then patronize them. Pretty selfish and hypocritical. Palmer isn't pristine it's a wannabe, a struggling dying town that has no vision. You got a Valley Hotel Truck Stop Cafe, hotel and bars, bars, bars. Tourist can purchase mudware, native gifts, trinkets in the grocery store. Listen to the young people they are your future Palmers past is the barn, dairy and what the railroad tracks? A big nothing "

    Jim in Sutton wrote on Oct 5, 2009 5:56 AM:

    " To Old Palmer: ....and they could name it "DeGutter". "

    cottonwood49 wrote on Oct 5, 2009 4:54 AM:

    " Start thinking Adult Entertainment, that old bowling alley would be perfect as a topless bar and restuarant. "

    Glass Half-full wrote on Oct 4, 2009 10:26 PM:

    " I don't get why the prevailing sentiment is that development is somehow necessarily good. Palmer residents look at Wasilla with horror. They would never want to become that. If it works for folks over there, that's fine. Just don't think that small=bad. I think it's a choice to keep Palmer as a stop on the way to somewhere else. That's o.k. Why wouldn't it be? Let Wasilla be the shopping center. Palmer can be a place to live. "

    South of Palmer Resident wrote on Oct 4, 2009 9:20 PM:

    " Mike Chmielewski's attitude is representative of the problem that is the Palmer city council. it may be true that we are in tough economic times but that hardly excuses poor managment of the city. The city should be helping its merchants and its citizens. I hope that Kevin, Brad and Richard can figure this out before its to late. "

    Palmerperson wrote on Oct 4, 2009 8:14 PM:

    " Wow, I just read these comments and am surprised how off the wall some of them are. The fact is, I live in Palmer and love the cute downtown shops. However, many of the local ladies I know in town just don't believe in spending more to support small business, even if they can afford it . It's a shame, but they drive to Wasilla simply because Walmart is there. For now, we need to keep bringing the tourists in. good luck to you all! (Remember we do have Friday Flings and Colony days) "

    fangler wrote on Oct 4, 2009 7:23 PM:

    " I don't get it - if Palmer is "unfriendly to small businesses" then why is Wasilla the home of WalMart, Home Depot, Lowes, Target, and the big Freddies? If anything, its the presence of those stores that draw people from the Palmer side of the Valley (and keep Wasillians there). If people didn't have to go there or Anchorage for socks and shirts, maybe more locals would stay for the "nonessentials." I love that store, but really only shop there a couple times a year. "

    Trouble wrote on Oct 4, 2009 6:57 PM:

    " I am sure the corrupt Police force has something to do with it. With the most corrupt Chief of Police in Alaska leading them,how can the fail to show there true colors ! I would also leave ! But I am sure the truth about them has been there downfall. Watch and see.................. "

    Old Palmer wrote on Oct 4, 2009 5:57 PM:

    " Maybe will all those merchants leaving the same building it could open it up for something bigger...like a bowling alley! "

    Boots wrote on Oct 4, 2009 5:40 PM:

    " Hey Denise Statz...Come on over to the progressive town...Wasilla. I was driving to Palmer for your store, and more ladies to shop here. Palmer has always had the attitude of never changing. I did think it would be a great Colony Town upgrade of course to draw the people and tourist on how the Colonist used to live. But some of them just can't see the future...Pretty soon it will be very small town thank goodness the State of Alaska has building there and the Mat Su Borough.I wonder how many folks work outside Palmer. "

    Rbshno wrote on Oct 4, 2009 1:06 PM:

    " Palmer is a dying town, the pioneer offspring think they own this town and manage to keep any growth out unless it's one of their hairbrain schemes. If the borough breaks up, Palmer will be nothing but a stop to elsewhere. Safeway mall could do a reasonable lease for a year, get that building filled, opportunity in Palmer and help the community. Heard he gets more NOT RENTING as a write-off. The couplet never had a chance so all money fought with was ridiculous anyway. Palmer is dying, give it 10 yrs. "

    To debracadabra wrote on Oct 4, 2009 11:51 AM:

    " Very perceptive, since at least one member of the Palmer city council has Russian Studies listed in his bio. I know that I drink my coffee at the Vagabond Blues hoping the building doesn't tip over, there are so many left leaning people sitting in there sucking up the free internet. The Vagabond should charge them rent. "

    AreYouListening wrote on Oct 4, 2009 11:49 AM:

    " During the presidential election,in Palmer, I saw more Obama shirts and little democrats running around espousing how great ife would be if he were the president......tons of em! Well, you got your wish....now people arent spending money because they dont have jobs or are scared to death to open a business because YOUR president has penalized small business people...by golly...they make a dirty nasty profit!!!
    You made the bed for all of us.....now we all suffer....hope you dems are happy.... "

    Good Idea wrote on Oct 4, 2009 11:14 AM:

    " The biggest drain on the city of Palmer as I see it is the police department with their huge dispatch facility. Totally un needed. Make Palmer an outpost for the Wasilla Police department and have the dispatching go through Wasilla. They are more equipped and staffed. Having a large police department in Palmer is a waste of taxpayers money and a waste of manpower. Wasilla could do the Palmer Wasilla Highway and Palmer easily. "

    subversivephilosopher wrote on Oct 4, 2009 11:03 AM:

    " Debracadabra - don't lump socialist in w/cops, jails & judges!! "

    Agreed wrote on Oct 4, 2009 10:04 AM:

    " Bad cops. I was driving through downtown Palmer on my way to the Noisy Goose. I got pulled over for window tint and it cost me $150 dollars. Yes I know window tint is illegal but I bought the car with it on already. I like the look of it and I see thousands of cars every day with darker tint than mine. Well I never go to Palmer anymore to spend my money on anything just because of the small town cops. I'm afraid I will get a ticket for my car being to dirty. "

    Debracadabra wrote on Oct 4, 2009 9:30 AM:

    " The buzz from Wasilla has always been...who would want to go to Palmer? Thats where are the cops, jails, judges and socialists hang out! Red Square 0, retailers 0. "

    Quilting maniac wrote on Oct 4, 2009 9:10 AM:

    " Would someone please open a Joanne's Fabric store in Palmer. That way my wife can quit wasting gas driving all the way to Wasilla. You have no idea how much business that place generates, just from my wife. Just be sure to put a nice Burger and Brew sports pub joint next door for the poor husband who has to wait while his wife shops. "

    whatashame wrote on Oct 4, 2009 8:34 AM:

    " Independently owned home-grown shops and stores are no longer an interest for Palmer City Council and its current administration. Big Box Stores and Strip Malls to create revenue is its new focus. Palmer will become like Wasilla that has become like Anchorage that has become like "Anywhere" USA. No more unique or quaint charm that has been Palmer. Just read the City of Palmer's Board of Economic Develepment minutes and packets to see what their main focus/targets are and how to attract them to Palmer: BIG BOX STORES AND STRIP MALLS. Thanks alot council. "

    Too little too Late wrote on Oct 4, 2009 8:27 AM:

    " How sad, this is why the CIty has to annex to force tax on others, fore they are not moving into the future, watch the Fair be the next one on the dun and then how does that hurt all the businesses and those that pay tax? You betcha that the tax collected from the fair Vendors is quite substantial and no one here even appreciates it, what a shame for the small businesses and whining taxpayers that want NO development or increase in business, you are the ones that will pay more on your tax as the result "

    E Skiles wrote on Oct 4, 2009 8:15 AM:

    " Do you really want business in palmer? It seems while Wasilla has embraced expansion Palmer has shunned it. You can't have it both ways. If you want people to come to Palmer open the fairground year round to multi purpose. Offer discounts to business that encourages tourism. We want people here but do we want them to reside here? "

    Try this.... wrote on Oct 4, 2009 7:31 AM:

    " Sell gasoline for $1.50 per gallon on weekends and see if you don't increase business traffic in Palmer. Have businesses advertise at the local service stations to make up the difference for the service station owner. Every body should win. Become known for the cheapest gasoline in the state on weekends and they will come. Then build a nice free parking area close to downtown with clean public bathrooms for all the travelers who just pass through now. Compete for business! "

    Park City Utah wrote on Oct 4, 2009 7:14 AM:

    " Park City Utah was nothing but a ghost town before they embraced the ski industry in the winter, and golf in the summer. Palmer is every bit a scenic as Park City Utah and Jackson Hole Wyoming. Palmer better find something to embrace to get people to patronize the town. The post office gets more business than most of downtown, and they are so slow it might be a good idea to open a coffee shop there. Study the success of Park City Utah, and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. You might find the answer to your problem. "

    Barbara Wanke wrote on Oct 4, 2009 2:21 AM:

    " You are absolutely right,Ms.Stanz. The Palmer
    City Council is showing a Disregard for small
    Buisness-and has for Years! But wait-we
    got Bars,one Hotel and a monstreous
    Beautyshop all on the Mainstrip-impressive. "

    palmer resident wrote on Oct 3, 2009 10:53 PM:

    " I think the problem was the "mall" Richard Striken developed and the business selection, that mall needed a major draw to accompany things like soap and non-essential food items.
    As for Palmer, I think it is the perfect gem for the right kind of retail and services.
    The person who said they should emulate Virginia is absolutly correct.
    The leaders of Palmer need to get on the ball and do it right and be more than reasonable to draw the right businesses. Its has awesome potential and an ok start. "

    what wrote on Oct 3, 2009 9:09 PM:

    " Council member Chmielewski - city council and administration has heard about the problems since earlier this spring when the roads were smooth and the sun was shining. What did city council or its administration who works for council do at that time or since? Administration was asked for some directional parking signs during construction. Never happened. "

    South Palmer Resident wrote on Oct 3, 2009 8:17 PM:

    " Businesses are leaving Palmer. How many more will leave if the new MSB sales tax passes and every purchase carries a 6% tax? Will Palmer begin to live within its means or just try to annex more area and people to pay their bills? My guess is they will try to annex those in the outlying areas WITHOUT a vote of the people like they tried and failed to do in 2007. If the City of Palmer goes this route it will be a big political battle in 2010. That's a promise. "

    TTOSBT wrote on Oct 3, 2009 8:10 PM:

    " This article makes me very sad. The entire summer has been a sad situation for downtown Palmer businesses. Even those of us who frequent downtown were never sure what to expect with closures for water line repairs and road construction closures. I can only imagine how tourist visiting the town felt. While all of us love low taxes, we are penny wise but pound foolish when it comes to the replacing worn out infrastructure and saving important landmarks in the community. We are getting paid back now. "

    LJ wrote on Oct 3, 2009 6:49 PM:

    " I am very sad and disapointed to see these wonderful businesses leave downtown Palmer.I frequent these businesses often,especially Ave 7 ,and the other shops in there.
    Downtown Palmer will be a ghost town soon,and cancelling Colony Christmas is another very sad disapointment. Shame on the city council ,you motives are clear that the heart of Palmer is not your priority. I wish the best to all of the businesses in our beautiful town,and I will continue to support you. "

    Rick Shields wrote on Oct 3, 2009 6:21 PM:

    " Hey, the streets are smooth and painted nice! Thank you. Just thought I would add that here, publicly. 8-)

    The sun shining has nothing to do with the council however! "

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