The brainiacs just allow new construction versus filling space that's boarded up.
Hang on, let me put on my libertarian hat for a moment...
What right does the county government have to prevent a land owner from opening a site up for commercial development in a properly-zoned area, just because there's a vacant storefront somewhere nearby? That's a great way to completely shut down all commercial development in an area, forever.
And what right does the county government have to force a business to reuse vacant commercial space? If the business truly believes it can make more money and attract more customers by building a new facility at great cost, let it try. After all, that's how we FINALLY have a decent movie theater.
If Millison can't manage their property better, it's their loss; sooner or later they'll run out of money and be forced to sell to someone who can do it better. It ain't fast, but that's capitalism.
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Now let me put on my skeptic's hat for a moment...
The commissioners probably see that great new development across from Wildewood as a huge tax boon to the county... this just adds another commercial taxpayer to the rolls. A few vacant buildings are easily tolerated, and someone still has to pay property tax on the vacant buildings, so it's a win for the budget.
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All said, I'd rather let the market figure these things out, than try to create some imaginary and impossible utopia.