In my story about Market Creek Plaza last week, I focused on the closure of several locally owned businesses in the retail center that was developed by the nonprofit Jacobs Family Foundation.
I thought it was important to report that the plaza, which was established with a goal of promoting locally owned business, has had trouble fulfilling that vision, to the chagrin of many in the community.
In a piece broadcast yesterday, KUSI offered another perspective on Market Creek Plaza, one of a successful development that has transformed a previously blighted corner of southeastern San Diego and provided a much needed grocery store for the area.
You can watch the report here.
No person I have spoken with in the Diamond neighborhoods has said Market Creek Plaza hasn’t improved the physical environment of the Diamond neighborhoods or provided some much needed services there.
Many residents are strong supporters of the work Jacobs is doing in the Diamond neighborhoods.
The concern of many, including the chairman of the Diamond Community Investors, a group of local investors in Market Creek Plaza, has been that the original vision for Market Creek Plaza as a place for locally owned business has not been fulfilled.
Residents are asking why that’s the case, and some plan on meeting Wednesday evening to discuss why small businesses have failed at Market Creek Plaza.
Read my next blog post for more information.
— ADRIAN FLORIDO