Rite-Aid and the planning a waste.
In earlier posts I stated I didn't understand why Butler is putting in a large drug store. I also stated that putting the various businesses out of their buildings is not right.
A couple of years ago I traveled to Dallas, TX. When I got to my downtown hotel room after unpacking I wanted to get something to eat, gather a couple of souvenirs, and just waste some time prior to the next day. Across the street under various high-rise buildings were little, mini, underground malls. Inside it contained a post office, various types of restaurants from fast food to sit down, it had unique shops that drew me in, and of course a shop with local items like Dallas and Texas merchandise.
My thought is, if we are putting up a hotel and convention center why not look into something like what Dallas has, instead of another drug store? This mini-mall would also draw a lot of downtown workers during their lunch breaks and before/after work saving them from traveling up New Castle Rd or up to Clearview. It would give people who are not from this area a place to go that is convenient.
The first stores I would place in these mini-mall would be the displaced stores. Offer them a great deal on a lease so they can continue their dream.
I really hope that this could be looked into further prior to additional plans for Rite-Aid.
