It’s been a few weeks since I set foot on 25th Street until yesterday morning. Not only was one of my favorite restaurants gone with a lockbox on the door, but that was when I first noticed the signage from one of the few establishments open at that hour stating that for some crazy reason now they want to soon start charging for parking. Why? Take a look at 25th Street, a good long look…what do you see? I see numerous tattoo parlors, numerous nail salons, lots of restaurants that cater to those with deep pockets and really not a whole lot more. Gone are the days when there were thriving retail establishments that gave 25th Street the edge that is missing now…..so I guess this is how one is to spend money there: First drop into one of the many nail salons, and come out with a new manicure. Then how about a tattoo? That sounds like fun! After that how about a $$$ meal at one of the restaurants still there. Then what’s next? After that giant expensive meal, how about trotting down to one of the other tattoo parlors and get another tat! Then after that, jog down to another restaurant for another dinner. After all, burning a lot of calories by frequenting the only establishments left. The next stop…yes, you guessed it, another nail salon so that all that work can be undone and something new is added. So back to the pay parking…think about it, two blocks of tattoo parlors, sketchy looking bars, expensive restaurants and nail salons, will this bring in the ‘tourist’ trade? I highly doubt it.

Cindy Maher

Eden