News of a new county courthouse remaining in downtown Milton is a sign of relief for several area business owners and city officials. Several proprietors recently shared their views on the current economic status of the historic downtown area, along with Milton City Planning Director Randy Jorgenson and Santa Rosa County Commissioner Bob Cole.
One of the new businesses to open in downtown is the ‘Where the Heart Is’ furniture store on Caroline Street. Owner Jessica Williams, who opened earlier this month, said the opportunity to operate in the region fit her business needs.
“The building was too hard to pass up,” she said. “They had the whole, entire building, (nearly) 10,000 square feet, listed at a rental price that I just could not say no to.”
The furniture and mattress store owner credited the building’s owner, James Pann, with assisting in the process of renovating the building.
Williams was also sold on opening a business in the Milton area.
“Being in the area of Milton was very important to me, too, because everybody lives in Pace but works in Milton,” she said. “The fact that I got into the historic district, just being on the other side of Stewart Street, was actually the right thing for me. Being in the historic district and making something old beautiful again is also very important to me.”
Although Williams has sent out mailers and hired a sign holder to promote her furniture store, the first-time business owner said word of mouth is beginning to draw potential clientele.
“I’ve had referrals. I have people coming in saying, ‘My friend was in here the other day and I just want to see what you have,’” she said.
While many are becoming more familiar with her business, Williams has taken issue with the city’s ordinances, which, according to her, have been prohibitive towards further advertising.
“They have really strong ordinances on where signage goes and anything that has to do with putting out balloons, or flags or anything, that says, ‘Hey, I am a business downtown in Milton. Come see me.’”
While Williams plans to voice her concerns at an upcoming council meeting, Jorgenson said the long-standing ordinances keep such advertising tools, like banners, balloons or inflatable dancing figures from lining the sidewalks.
“That isn’t good advertising. That does not convey a message.” Jorgenson said. “Anybody that wants to put a sign on the side of their building which indicates what they do and why they do it, (the city ordinances) provide for it.”
Jorgenson added city staff regularly receive complaints from both business owners and residents complaining about the excessive amount of signage in the downtown area.
“If you’re getting it from both ends… it means you are somewhere in the middle and in the middle is where we actually try to be,” he said.
Williams believes more could be done to promote downtown.
“To be honest, I would like to see more businesses come in, but I think Milton is not really small business friendly,” she said. “I think if they could promote, advertise and showboat their facilities and their structures, I think this place would be amazing.”
In addition to organizing downtown events, such as the Bands on the Blackwater concert series, car shows and festivals, Jorgenson said the city will explore more promotional avenues. He added the city also recently hired a marketing director/public information specialist who will be tasked with spreading the city’s message of promoting downtown events along with other responsibilities.
While Williams would like to see more promotional involvement from the city, fellow business owner Stuart Norris of Very Berry sandwich and yogurt shop on Willing Street, said he would like to see the same from a county standpoint.
“I would like to see them get more involved in advertising the area,” he said.
Very Berry opened last October and should see an increase in business, according to Norris, with warmer weather forthcoming. He said his business benefited from community events along with the crowds attending the weekly concerts at the ImogeneTheatre.
“That foot traffic has helped us tremendously,” he said. “We have actually gained new customers who are returning (to the downtown area).”
Norris said his business has also benefitted from the courthouse, which is slated to remain downtown following a recent vote from the board of county commissioners.
“The courthouse is crucial for downtown,” he said.
Mickey Rij, owner of Santa Rosa Jewelers, agreed. While as a citizen, Rij believes the courthouse should be placed elsewhere in the county, his perspective as a longtime downtown business owner is different.
“I have gotten business off of people having to go to the clerk of courts and happen to see the store,” he said.
Rij, who has owned and operated the business for the past 35 years, said while the downtown area may benefit eateries, the area may not be as accommodating to retailers.
“You have that whole section on Willing Street on the north side of (Highway) 90 with vacated buildings, hair salons, accountants, court reporters, lawyers…they are business offices,” Rij said. “That doesn’t bring people downtown to shop. It is a very difficult environment for retail business.”
Rij said his business has survived due to the amount of time the store has been open at the same location. Prior to buying the jewelry store in 1981, the business was formerly known as Griffin Jewelers.
Jorgenson believes further development of a downtown dining district could open the door for retailers.
“When you create that dining destination, you also create traffic, both foot and vehicular,” Jorgenson said. “What usually will come along with that traffic is retailers.”
Representing District 2, Santa Rosa County Commissioner Bob Cole agrees with Rij on what they believe is the downtown region’s troublesome atmosphere towards retailers. Cole believes the only way downtown will benefit is through dining and further expanding a nightlife atmosphere.
Another issue several business owners believe is hindering further downtown growth are the restrictions on alcohol sales.
“Regardless of what your religious beliefs are, regardless of what your personal beliefs are, if you want downtown to grow… especially with restaurants, they have to (slack) up on the rules and regulations on the liquor,” Rij said.
The controversial issue of allowing Sunday alcohol sales has previously come before the city council. While local restaurant owners are in favor of allowing it, many residents believe leniency would work against the family-friendly atmosphere of downtown.
Jorgenson said the decision could ultimately be decided in November, during the county’s general election. Council has previously directed staff to develop the language for a potential question to be placed on the upcoming ballot regarding altering alcohol sales. However, the council could change direction between now and the time of the election, according to City Manager Brian Watkins.
“The council has indicated that they will listen to the voice of the people,” Watkins said.
Should Sunday alcohol sales be allowed, Jorgenson said rezoning for downtown could be a possibility.
“The underlining zoning does not provide for taverns or bars,” he said. “We may have to revisit whether or not those types of establishments should be permitted, but I won’t know that until after November.”
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Business owners, officials weigh in on economic state of downtown Milton