Sisyphus in SoHi
Greek mythology speaks of a character named Sisyphus who was punished by the devil with a task of pushing a boulder up the hill only to have it come crashing down each day. Can I relate to Sisyphus? Can we all relate to this greek character? I bet we can. The sisphyean task that is set before us as a community is to improve the large majority of low quality businesses. We work as a community to clean one up and another one moves in! However, let's not get this twisted. This district and community is not and will never be anti-buisness. There are several businesses in the area who cater to very diverse, "thrill seeking" crowds. These businesses have clean, professional signage and well run business operations. Yearly police reports for these business are proof on the quality of their operation. Building maintenance, signage and security are the main symptons of low quality. Have you driven the SOHI District lately? How about the City of Milwaukee? Look at the type of signage in certain areas. Stores are overflowing with tacky, hand painted, WIC, alcohol, and food signs. The truth is, no matter how much we meet, discuss and strategize, store owners for the most part do not listen. They are satisfied because (I think) the majority are maybe not from Milwaukee and do not have a vested interest besides "milking" the community. It could also be that the bottomline is more important than a human life. So the detractors say it can't be done! Look at the Check 'N Go in downtown Milwaukee and compare it to any store in Milwaukee's urban community (see picture to the right). It can be argued that business owners have to get in the "game" before making major investments. I counter that argument with the majority of my convenience stores in the district. Many have been in the neighborhood for a long time, however, getting them to install a new sign, increase lighting or even hire professional security for a limited amount of time (let's just say) is more than challenging. The Main Street Milwaukee program, SOHI District and even the Avenues West BID #10 has money set aside that is similar to a matching grant that businesses can take advantage of, however these tools and resources are overlooked by many. So how can communities get business and property owners to make change? First, we make a stand for our taxes! Why should our police department act as the security firm for businesses who do not have basic quality business practices. Second, we assist these businesses on what are basic quality business standards and practices.
Customer service
Lighting for day and night
Digital video surveillance
Clean stores
Clutter free windows
Professional signage
Well maintained lots and facilities
Local hires when possible
Uniforms
Responsive management
Community involvement
Coordination with the Milwaukee Police Department
Coordination with local alderperson
Coordination with local community groups and social organizations
This is not rocket science! You start a business to make money, you make money by treating your customers right, and you treat your customers right by being a good neighbor.
The last step and tool communities have is meeting these business owners at City Hall where the things sometime "hit the fan" (who actually came up with that saying?).
Businesses want these licenses for alcohol, tobacco, and 24 hour operation however are not willing to make the necessary improvements to their business plan. A potential, honest and responsible business owner could go long way with a document (1 to 100 pages) that addresses his or her operations. Being able to articulate and address the challenges within any industry (wheter Wall Street or Main Street) is important. The Milwaukee daycare industry got plenty of "heat" over 2009 because of shady business practices. Toyota is dealing with an international mess as it relates to their cars and more specifically their response. Why is Milwaukee overlooking the retail environment?
Maybe we as a community are overlooking the retail environment (the convenience stores, gas stations, etc.) and not holding our businesses and property owners accountable. We continue to patronize these places despite risks to our safety and health. Even death has not stopped many from continuing to go to places that place the dollar above a human life.
So, we are left with the sisyphean task of working with a low quality business that will soon be replaced by another.
