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October 18, 2005
Editorial: Area desires more local businesses
Many students have probably already realized that the Hamline neighborhood and variety of surrounding businesses leave much to be desired. There simply are not many places for Hamline students to patron in general, not to mention within walking distance. We often find ourselves driving to Dinkytown, the Grand/Selby area, or Roseville for recreation such as bars, shops and restaurants.
We are not downplaying any of the current businesses, such as Gingko Coffee House and the Black Sea
Turkish Restaurant. However, those are only two places that students can, and do, frequent. Specialty shops are also lacking in this area, although Hamline students probably don’t need another excuse to spend money.
Hamline’s neighborhood is lacking the traditional ambiance of a college campus. There is little variety within walking distance. This is a sad state compared to many other campuses. The U of M, for example, has its own town-like area with a general store, bars, restaurants, shops, etc. St. Thomas, St. Kate’s, and Macalaster are all near the illustrious Selby/Grand area.
New businesses would do well if they moved into the area. The neighborhood needs more not-quite fast-food restaurants, such as Panera, Noodles, or something along those lines. New independent restaurants would do well, too. We, the Oracle staff, often find ourselves sitting in the Oracle office, hungry, wondering where we can go get some dinner other than Sorin. We have not had any luck finding a place yet.
Many college students need jobs to survive. It would be convenient if there were job opportunities within walking distance as well, since many students do not have cars on campus. Creating more local shops could create jobs for college students. The only place where students work around the area is Gingko,
and they do not have a large staff.
The neighborhood around campus is not student friendly, forcing many of us to commute miles away. Because of this, many students are not involved with the neighborhood, causing a rift between the two communities. The area around Hamline has often complained about the students, the parking, and the noise.
If students were involved with the neighborhood community, through working at and patronage of local shops and businesses, the relationship between students and neighbors could improve. Creating more variety in the Hamline/Midway area would help improve the lives of students as well.
Posted by msveum at October 18, 2005 11:21 AM
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