Chestertown Mayor Margo Bailey told the Council Monday night that there was no need to panic about recent business closings downtown—because businesses come and go for various reasons.
“There has been a lot of…panic among a lot of citizens who think Chestertown is critically falling apart,” Bailey said. “But those of us who’ve been here awhile…know that businesses change and things happen.”
She said two businesses are for sale because the owners are retiring and another is closing because the owner died. Another business closed because of a lack of local support.
“New things come and go. Don’t panic and don’t worry about this,” Bailey said offering reassurance. “It will work itself out.”
Bailey took the moment to announce the establishment of the Chestertown Renewal Initiative, which will advise the council on local economic development.
She said the group will consist of “key people” to look at waterfront development, downtown retail, tourism, arts, and housing. She also asked Washington College to be part of the initiative.
“We are going to take these key pieces and see what they can do to improve them,” Bailey said. “I look forward to this group. We will work these things out.”
Carl Crowe says
Of course people will be concerned. I’m one of them. For right now, I’d like to not deal with the patronizing “don’t worry about it,” and instead here about the plan that “key people” are putting together. I wish this group best of luck in their work.
gerry maynes says
Hey,Perhaps the old tune Why worry Be Happy should be played in the backround as every one in town does the Happy Dance!
Melinda Bookwalter says
Perhaps I am naive, but I feel age has allowed me the benefit of hindsight; been here before, done that/seen that. High St. at one time was the “active” street and Cross was dead, then there were many empty storefronts and much wringing of hands and talk of chicken little. Aside from being more frugal I never felt uncomfortably personally affected for which I was grateful. But at the time it seemed a metaphor for the forest fire that rages thru, killing much while creating an environment that allowed for new growth. And I hope this is what we’re experiencing: that new growth will emerge. And this is where the group of “key people” can come in to play.
Mike Thielke says
I’m not sure the mayor is being so much pollyannaish, but rather is trying to provided necessary leadership in addressing a concern most have about the future of Chestertown. As someone who lived and still cares about Chestertown, I hope efforts to improve the current trend are successful.
Bob Kramer says
It’s not the closings that are happening now… it’s all the empty shops, stores, offices, etc over the last year… two years… three years… four years… etc. I counted 50 (give or take a couple depending on how you count the office vacancies) empty stores, shops and offices in my tour within the town limits Wed & Thurs. And that doesn’t count some derelict commercial buildings. I don’t think the Chestertownies have to worry about becoming another Middletown… they should be worrying about becoming another Cambridge.
Carla Massoni says
There is a recession – perhaps a double dip recession – contributing to the natural evolution of business in our small town. The closings are part of the ebb and flow of life, death and retirement – but the recession is contributing to the “putting on the brakes” attitude – the “wait and see” that most entrepreneurs instinctively loathe – but are responding to as they determine whether or not to put their life blood on the line. We were the first to feel the pain and will probably be the last to see the gain. Ideas and planning are welcome in times like these – if only to have us at the ready when the economy improves.
gerry maynes says
Hi, Yes much can be blameed on the national economic mess that our President had led us in. But the town does n ot have aplan to bring in new business. Deciding what type of business to bring in would be a good start. But being limited to Art and stores that sell upscale Door Knockers and 90 Dollar trash cans isn!t going to provide the jobs that are needed or serve the every day folks with what they need for every day life. You used to hear people say that Chestertown was a gret place to raise a family and now all you hear is Chestertown the town that is one giant old age home.
Carla Massoni says
Take exception to your first sentence. But agree with you that planning is important. Tourism dollars – add to the economic benefit of all. Those people who buy paintings and door knockers – also eat their meals, fill their gas tanks, service their boats. Businesses come where they can make a profit. As an “old” person, I still pack a significant economic wallop – but maybe not in the traditional economic retail category. Services provide jobs and I think we will see the service sector growing in the future.
C O'Donnell says
And this advisory group the mayor has announced will, I hope, conduct it’s business in public.
matthew weir says
I am not sure how to take your comment. Do you have a lack of trust in the mayor or the committee’s? Would you like to be involved? I am curious what you mean. Could you be more explicit? Thanks.
Carla Massoni says
When people offer “advice” – as advisory groups do – they do not have any “clout” in a governmental sense. If the town has a private meeting about government business, you have a point. But gathering people to share their viewpoints, offer suggestions, and brainstorm about solutions does not require public notice. Many who offer an “out of the ordinary” viewpoint might prefer to have the freedom to do so without it being in the public record.
craig o'd says
Carla,
advisory committees appointed by a mayor or by county commissioners are “public bodies” and must proceed as such.
Don’t trust my say-so; google “Maryland Open Meetings Act training” and take the online course.
— Craig
matthew weir says
Mr. Ruck, Thanks for the reply. No, I do not find public scrutiny offensive at all. However, if there is a distrust of elected officials, the voters ought to do something about the issue!
I find this entire exercise interesting. On one hand, I see a mayor who is actively seeking advice and investment. On the other side, I see people questioning what she is doing. As you may have read from previous posts of mine, I do not live in Chestertown but have investments there. I did not have a good feeling about the business climate in Chestertown and simply called the mayor and asked to meet with her. Within two weeks, she had made time for me, listened to me and asked me to consider investing more money in Chestertown. Further, she has asked me to help her develop a plan for more investment, higher employment and a higher quality of life in the community. I do not know Margo Bailey very well but I have been very impressed by her willingness to reach out to a wide audience and ask for ideas and help.
It sounds, to me, like you and Ms. O’Donnell might feel left out of the discussions and, perhaps, disenfranchised. I would urge you to simply do as I did — call the Mayor. Get involved. Take action. In every interaction I have had with her, the mayor has given me the impression she will listen to any and all ideas. I hope we can work together towards a stronger Chestertown!
craig o'd says
I’m not “Ms. O’Donnell,” I am Craig O’Donnell … and as a journalist I have a particular interest in completely transparent government. Lacking that, I have a particular interest in making sure state ad local gov’t hews to the letter, if they can’t locate the spirit, of the law. That’s one of the roles that “the press” or “the media” traditionally play.
There’s very little that govt (particularly local governments) do that has to be talked over in a closed room.
Nothing more to my comment than what I’ve said. I’m more than happy to talk with anyone at any time concerning the Maryland Open Meetings Act. It exists to empower citizens, not just give reporters a bone to gnaw. People can call me at 778-2011, days.
Steve Payne says
I’d like to see a vacancy rate by use study.
But like Carla says, it’s just the economy. The Government can’t do much about it directly.
Dixon Valve is expanding. The college is expanding. I hear ag is doing well. Even some small companies are expanding.
Carla Massoni says
Excellent point Steve. We do have good news to report. But retail as we know it is in flux. The Walmarts and Costcos have put an end to the “Mom and Pop” operations that small towns relied on in the past to purchase household goods, clothing and groceries. Amazon and the big box bookstores have destroyed the private booksellers that once were found in all college towns. We live within 30-60 minutes of a “tax-free” shopping state; an outlet Mall with cut-rate pricing; as well as large scale auto dealers who have driven out the small town car dealerships. Small boutiques that rely on the taste and style of the individual entrepreneur – think Dockside, Mimi’s, Cornucopia, Twigs & Teacups – bring customers who cannot find the goods they want in the big box stores. These types of stores are valuable assets to our retail community and we need to encourage the next generation of entrepreneurs – but these are tough times for risk taking. Perhaps we should consider bringing more service types of businesses to our ground floor retail zone. I am thrilled that “Flow” is moving front and center on High Street. Small accounting, legal and medical offices; consulting firms that service our older population; creating a venue where “stalls” could be available at affordable rates to cheesemakers, brewers, winemakers, and florists. We have an opportunity to respond to market challenges in creative ways. But not if all we do is complain and see monsters hiding under the bed!
Steve Payne says
I know. Retail has had major changes several times since WW2. First the highway system and then the internet. It was the historic downtown that first attracted me to Chestertown.
Amazon has actually killed the big box booksellers and IMHO the small booksellers have a good opportunity now nationwide.
My crazy idea of the month is an open source restaurant. One operator but the facilities could be used by different chefs from time to time.
I used to to manage an office building in Waldorf, MD and they had many shared offices for services like you mention. Waldorf was a place they wanted to be but there wasn’t enough people there to support them at the time. So they shared space. Most were doctors but a few were the other types you mention. They actually fed business to each other.
matthew weir says
Steve, Dixon is expanding. Indeed, they just expanded to North Carolina! Maryland does not enjoy a competitive position in the business community. The State has a high tax rate and difficult legal barriers. Unfortunately, Mayor Bailey can do little about that.
To Carla’s point, there are businesses that could do well in Chestertown. I believe there are a few big obstacles. One is access to capital, another is well thought through business plans. But, at the end of the day, 6 new retail stores will only employ around 20 people. What is needed are a few big employers, think 50 to 100 people per company. And, if a state is willing to offer tax incentives to attract business (as South Carolina did to get the 787 Dreamliner built there) how will Kent County compete? And, how will the community respond to having a production facility, distribution complex or factory built?
It is a vicious circle. I have heard some say they want a Japanese or Thai restaurant in Chestertown. Why could someone invest in opening one if there may not be enough people in the community to support the business? We may have to realize that, unless we grow larger, we are going to have to make do with less than we want.
Steve Payne says
I was talking about Dixon’s new building in Chestertown.
“I believe there are a few big obstacles. One is access to capital, another is well thought through business plans. But, at the end of the day, 6 new retail stores will only employ around 20 people. What is needed are a few big employers, think 50 to 100 people per company.”
I agree completely. Downtown however is best suited for retail, arts, etc. and it can be great.
I like the 301 corridor for industrial development. Millington is actually a pretty good location.
Tom Martin says
It is regrettable that a number of Chestertown businesses have, or will be, closing in the near future but rather than bemoaning the inevitable, I think we should celebrate the fact that these unique businesses have succeeded for so long. While I agree the economic recovery under the sitting president is less energetic that we would all hope, we should never forget these small businesses did survive an economy under the former president that was shedding jobs at the rate of 800,000 a month, an economy that was racking up debt unseen in recorded history, giving away borrowed money under the guise of tax cuts, running a few wars on the credit cards of our children and granchildren and forced huge swaths of the middle class into poverty and papuperization. Not to be outdone, it was also an administration that decided to charge seniors more for prescription drugs while the cost of oil and gas skyrocketed. Under these circumstances, it is not that businesses were closing but that they stayed open at all. Indeed, it was not how the dog danced but that it danced at all. Anyone who survived eight years of Bush and has continued to survive the rearguard actions of its rump force in Congress trying to slow down economic recovery should be commended for hanging in there and fighting the good fight. As the saying goes, what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger. Within the fog of that economy and this obstinance, Lani Parks survived; survived against insurmountable odds in an industry that is changing as quickly as people can download a new book on the ever-expanding e-reader market and where independent bookstores (and chains) are closing with the same rapidity as Dollar Stores are opening. She sought to serve a small community; she did and now she is retiring. Twigs and Teacups has been around almost 25 years and the owners deserve whatever future they deem to serve their own interests, family paramount among them. In addition, the business is closing in a prosperous condition and is for sale rather than shuttering. Pride and Joy has served the community for decades as well and the owners have every right to retire and sell their business and building. Rather than crocodile tears and gratuitous statements, maybe some of these writers should become “job creators”. Some of these businesses are for sale. Lastly, it is the height of hypocrisy to condemn local government for the conditions in which many businesses find themselves. It is not the official responsibility of the mayor and the city council to fill storefronts of Cross St. and Hight St. and it is not their fault when some businesses close. As consumers, they can choose to purchase local or not but governance is their domain rather than real estate. Give me professional police, fire and public works and real estate will take care of itself. So, the economic development team should focus on the Campbell Soup property; Cross St., no, (High St. maybe). So, open a business or purchase an existing one. Join the fun! Chestertown is rocketing toward 400 years of existence. It has seen worse and will see better. It’s all up to you!
DLaMotte says
Tom, well said..many thanks for your observations. Mayor Bailey is a target for many who disagree with the concept of maintaining the integrity of Chestertown while developing an economic plan that will provide decent jobs. She understands the need to nurture the human scale of our area. This is what will propel sensible growth.
Keith Thompson says
The one thing that seems to be missing from this discussion is that the town recently purchased the Chestertown Marina. The idea behind the purchase (which I supported) was to maintain the public access to the riverfront which would allow for the riverfront to turn into a destination that would serve as an economic hub for the town. I should think that a major part of the town’s investment is to have a clear plan of what they want to accomplish with the marina which is something that should be known before the purchase was made. Instead of talking to all the usual suspects about various ideas for economic renewal, the town has already committed to an economic renewal plan via the marina purchase. This is where the town should move forward.
Ken Noble says
So Keith is right, I hate to admit it, we have now committed to an investment in a marina after being wowed by PPT presentations, but it obviously is not helping the SPIN OFF retail sector. That SPIN OFF retail sector and the tourism sector is not and never will be a high paying base industry…period. Next idea for the GENERATION of wealth…as opposed to expending wealth. Manufacturing at Dixon is pretty stagnant as far I can tell…..they only employ a set number of non-union employees. Washington College’s hiring doesn’t appear to provide much hope for locals, beyond non-union (could be, though) service work.
The only imminent hope I see is employment from the MEDICAL sector that buoys a LOT of the rest of Maryland. Unfortunately our hospital was taking over by a lame adjunct system that sees our unit as a step child on a “regional” frontier and cannot seem to work with the State to set up research and development that the other Maryland medical centers seem to spin off. They haven’t even read their own zoning language on their property. That operator or their competitors should share the wealth and bring some research facilities over here. But why wait for them? I have a perfect place for Anne Arundel Medical Center to house a surgical intake ward, for instance. We get moving in that kind of direction…ie…..competitive not monopolistic and then you might see the retail spaces fill back up downtown. What better place to come and get healthy than Chestertown….really? I mean heck, Rochester, Minnesota is in the middle of nowhere, too.
Oh, quit calling it a “soup factory”..that’s what it WAS, not what it could be. Anybody ever been to Fremont, Seattle, Washington? Think adaptive reuse and internet start ups. That neighborhood was a ghetto twenty years ago. Sure, it’s next to Seattle, but it ain’t between Philly and DC and virtually ON U.S. 301. I think that highly touted fiber optic line runs by that ahhhhh “big building on a muddy creek in a critical area” (need to find a better descriptive than “soup factory” Great high tech. venture campus with excellent fishing, kayaking, equestrian trails, biking and the possibility of residential AND retail. Was there an auction yet….did Bill Gates’ win it? Zuckerhamburger? Did anyone bother to tell them??!!