Stephanie Pedersen: What would you like to see developed in Phenix City?

Over the last few years, working in downtown Columbus has spoiled me. I rarely get in my vehicle to go to lunch, and most of the time I can handle my errands before work.

The only real issue is when I’m sick and can’t find medicine nearby.

That’s why most people who live downtown wish a grocery store or pharmacy would be one of the big moves into this area.

I suppose we all wish we had something more convenient within reach. Can’t have everything, right?

Last week I wrote about several businesses in Phenix City that closed their doors many years ago. Most of them were not chains, just fond memories of places to go in my hometown.

Instead of complaining about or reminiscing on old places, let’s think of what we’d like to see move into our area. But let’s be realistic. A Cheesecake Factory isn’t moving into Phenix City.

Sorry if I just ruined your dreams.

Here’s my wish list, first as a resident, next as a mom:

▪  I’d like a few more restaurant options. I think most people will agree with this wish. We already have barbecue. In fact, most of the reporters in our newsroom will swear to you we have the best barbecue in the Chattahoochee Valley. We need other options besides that and Mexican. My hopes are that an investor will take advantage of some riverfront property and build a nicer Italian-style restaurant. Or maybe seafood? We love our catfish in this area.

▪  A go-cart track or a mini-golf studio might do well. I know two kids who would enjoy something similar, or maybe even an arcade. We need to create some activities for our youth to spend time and money in our local economy. This could be the place.

▪  A small movie theater would be ideal. I’ve heard from a few people who wouldn’t mind bringing back the $1.50 or $2 ticket that shows movies just days away from DVD. We had something similar to this on Highway 280 decades ago. I remember seeing at least dozens of movies there.

▪  We need a shopping center that doesn’t include a Dollar General. I’m not knocking the dollar stores. I visited one this week to buy hangers, but we should have a few more mid-level stores that offer clothing, goods, knickknacks, jewelry or other options. I know a lot of you want a Bass Outlet, but, again, let’s be realistic with our wish list.

▪  Finally, I’d like at least one more public pool. The Fifth Street Sports Complex is a great new place that probably has served thousands of people in our city. But I think we’re large enough now to support two of these.

So, that’s my quick wish list of public and private places I’d like to see developed in Phenix City. I know the movie theater and shopping center aren’t businesses we’re likely to get anytime soon.

But the conversation needs to start somewhere.

How about here? What would you like to see in Phenix City? And how do we get there?

This story was originally published March 9, 2016 at 6:48 PM with the headline "Stephanie Pedersen: What would you like to see developed in Phenix City?."