Macomb is growing

By:

Posted: 11/19/08

Macomb is, as we are all aware, not a large community; some would even call it small. With a population of 20,000 people, it is far from the count of Chicago, or even Springfield.

However, for its low census, the economic development coordinators of Macomb have not been doing a bad job at attempting to incorporate new businesses into this town. Last year, we acquired a Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant, and soon we will have a Jimmy John's, Club Detox and the OC apartment complex coming to this town.

We already have more than 10 pizzerias, more than 10 bars, a skating rink, a bowling alley, a putt-putt golf course, a handful of coffee shops; the list goes on and on.

It's true that there is no mall; in fact, the closest mall is roughly 45 minutes away. There is no Olive Garden or Chili's. No Applebee's, no video arcade; department store shopping is limited.

But Macomb does what it can and funds what it can support - 20,000 is a comparatively small number when stacked against bigger places like Chicago.

The options are definitely limited. However, when looking close, one can find options here that are unavailable in other places. The Square has a new bookstore (Copperfield's), a used book store (the Book Post), two Hallmarks, two clothing stores, a thrift store or two, and more. And these merchants offer something big-city or corporate merchants cannot: interpersonal relationships with their customers.

You may be annoyed with the limited access this town has to different stores. You may be frustrated at the concept of every store closing by 5 p.m.

The fact remains that Macomb is not a big city. It isn't even a big town. And for the number of people dwelling here, there are actually quite a few options as far as dining, entertainment and shopping are concerned. Economic developers, coordinators, and other city officials should be applauded, rather than ridiculed. As far as options go, we are not deprived.

And at any rate, you're not stuck here - if you don't like the economic developmental standing of Macomb, then leave. You have every right to do so.