Fulton Mall: Missed perspective(s)
I attended tonight’s charette ready for battle…well, ready to watch others battle. I expected a clash of perspectives: between those who want to protect the integrity and historical assets of the Fulton Mall, and those that insist a road is necessary; those that want to invest in the area, and those that think it’s time to move on.
The room filled quickly. As renderings were posted, comments started flying. The mayor brought the crowd together, and what followed was incredibly…civil. Actually, the event was geared toward presentation, rather than public discourse (though that came later).
My hat’s off to the City and the planning consultants for the process, the presentations, and the perspective (catch up online if you missed out). The history of the mall was highlighted, balanced with data about consumer trends—those numbers make a good case for change, if the Mall is to become a center of commerce.
What I didn’t see in the numbers, and in comparisons to other communities, is the impact of arts and entertainment.
If we’re talking about shops and retail, a road through the parts of the mall makes sense to me, as it would provide visibililty, security, convenience. But Fresno already has several shopping destinations. Can we bring shops to Fulton that make it more of a destination than River Park, or Fig Garden? Will a road through the mall capture traffic for the 40% of people (can’t remember if that was the exact figure) who shop on their way to and from work?
I think the Fulton Mall has a unique opportunity to become a destination for entertainment: restaurants/bars/nightclubs, cultural events, and more. It could be something different than the shopping centres found further north—a place worth walking to from a not-too-far-away parking garage. Because you’ll want to walk around once you’re there.
Maybe that vision still needs a road through it, but it’s hard to gauge based on the info presented tonight.
Your turn: Thoughts from tonight? Were your thoughts/hopes/expectations represented? Thoughts on the process?
