The Way I See It!

What Makes Packard Ave Special?

Posted by Randy Hollenbeck on Jan. 22, 2010

Cudahy, Development, Money, Taxes

If you didn’t see the story here it is:

Cudahy considers incentives to boost Packard Ave. commerce

By Tom Kertscher of the Journal Sentinel

The Common Council tonight will consider creating that would provide up to $57,300 in cash and loans to each of five small businesses that open on Packard Ave.  Among the incentives that would be offered to retail businesses: Loans of up to $25,000 at 2% interest.  Matching grants of up to $25,000 to build or improve a storefront façade.  Up to $10,000 in cash to buy out an existing business' current lease.

Perhaps I'm a bit slow in the head... but how exactly is it helpful to the rest of Cudahy’s businesses?

I am all for helping Cudahy businesses, but what makes these five small businesses that open on Packard Ave special? 

What about businesses on Layton Ave?  Pennsylvania Ave? 

Why isn’t this an opportunity for all small and economically disadvantaged businesses in Cudahy to help level the economic playing field of our community and encourage businesses to come to Cudahy or simply grow existing ones?

It would appear that only Packard Ave is important in Cudahy!  I think the city and all of the city officials elected, appointed, and hired didn’t think this one through.

Bizarre as it may sound to some, Cudahy is more than just Packard Avenue, remember how the Iceport and Layton Avenue when Wal-Mart was coming in was all the rage and importance?

This reminds me of a glossy marketing pamphlet; all fluff and no substance.  New math, or old math, the math just doesn't work.  I guess fuzzy-math is still in.

Does this sound right and fair to you?

Does this sound like a true pro-business city?

Is this just a campaign ploy to try to score a quick win for Mayor McCue?

We need more information on it, you know details!

Details, schmetails.  It's the details that always complicate life.

It seems like a half baked, shoot from the hip idea.  Cudahy needs to offer adequate programs and services to assist all of the businesses in our area whether it is starting and/or growing a business.

There's a strong argument to be made that we need a shot of energy to help the city.  I have to give them some credit for trying, and maybe they can take a makeup test.

And the best part of this test, is that there are plenty of opportunities to retake the exam.