The Observation Deck

Hi all,

Sad news for those of us with daughters who liked to walk around looking at "fancy clothes" (and jeans) that we could actually afford.

Dots Lakewood is closing, according to the manager I spoke with today, because "this store doesn't do that well." Though she said that it was a shame because so many shoppers were walkers and many mentioned how convenient the store was. She said that the Kamm's Corners one was staying open, so if you're in need of a Dots fix, you can still go there.

I was among the walkers who liked to stop in for a break from Drug Mart shopping with the kids.

I'm not sure whether Quaker Steak and Lube has made the real estate in the Drug Mart plaza more expensive, or whether that has anything to do with it. I think one of the artist's drawings included Dots, but it also included Sakura, so I figure they were just place holders.

Blockbuster is starting to liquidate today also (they are in bankruptcy) so is Dots. I'm really hoping Radio Shack is safe.

Betsy Voinovich




Our last purchase at Dots. (The hat.)

This would be a good time to discuss the economic environment in Lakewood, if anyone was interested but they are not.

The original plans for Drug Mart Plaza that included attractive frontage, outdoor patio and enhanced design have been replaced with plans for the same frontage with a larger bar and larger Drug Mart. What does that say about the economic future of Lakewood business? How many bars do we need?

The better question would be: What affect will Cleveland Clinics plans to close its Crocker Road facility and triple the size of its Westlake facility on Columbia road have on Lakewood Hospital?

I don't suppose anyone's interested in that either. The good news is that there is enough money in the City and School budget to give everyone a raise.

Bill Call wrote:
The original plans for Drug Mart Plaza that included attractive frontage, outdoor patio and enhanced design have been replaced with plans for the same frontage with a larger bar and larger Drug Mart. What does that say about the economic future of Lakewood business? How many bars do we need?

Hi Bill,

I didn't realize that the original plan had changed. You're right, the attractive frontage took some of the sting out of the weirdness of having a Quaker Steak and Lube right there, all set to "take advantage of the traffic from the Library." Still haven't figured that out.

So that's not the plan anymore? It's going to look just like it does now, in terms of parking and sidewalk? Does the new plan require that other tenants move out? Now I really am worried about the Radio Shack. (Which I realize is quite corporate and quite welcome, from my point of view.)

When did this change happen, and where can I see the new plans? What happened to the original plans?

Betsy Voinovich

Bill Call wrote:The original plans for Drug Mart Plaza that included attractive frontage, outdoor patio and enhanced design have been replaced with plans for the same frontage with a larger bar and larger Drug Mart. What does that say about the economic future of Lakewood business? How many bars do we need?

True, if the plan has changed, it would look nicer with some space and greenery in front. Although I welcome most improvements and it's not like they are taking away space or trees (which don't exist today).

As far as "what does it say?"....that's in the eye of the beholder. I personally think it says that we can still attract businesses in tough economic times and those businesses will be a force behind updating or building new structures in the city.

How many bars do we need? I don't know, but it is just another question that can only be based on people's opinions:

How many senior housing projects do we need?
How many antique stores do we need?
How many churches do we need?
How many schools do we need?

...so on ...and so on.....