Blog Williamsburg

A Businessman’s Perspective

I had a conversation in May with a man who owns a number of commercial and residential properties in the City. Here are a few of the things he had to say.

Q: What is your perception of the major issue facing the City?

A: The City does not seem interested in business. It’s not a conscious thing at all, but more a taste or preference thing. Some people like chocolate and some just don’t. The City just doesn’t seem to like business.

Q: What business should the City try to attract?

A: There is not high demand to sign leases on the commercial properties I own. Existing tenants are always looking to move out and there really is not much interest from other business to take their place. Most of these buildings were originally homes and have been converted to businesses. Many have had so many additions done to them that they are no longer suitable for single-family homes. Zoning does not allow multi-family but that is what would be best in these buildings. The business the City should try to attract is multi-family residential. People want to live in the City, but not necessarily to have a business here.

Q: What else are you concerned about?

A: I’m worried that the City will decline as development moves toward Richmond. Many cities have their older center core fall into ruin. Williamsburg is unique in that the very core, the oldest part, will not likely decline because of CW. It is the second layer that I am concerned about. We are already seeing a great deal of decline in these areas. The hospital area. Second Street. These areas are not far away from starting to see businesses boarded up.

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