Letter: The future of Wellington's Main Street

Editor:

What comes to mind when you think of Cleveland Avenue, aka Main Street, in Wellington? Do you frequent Main Street businesses? Do you know what businesses even reside on Main Street?

I would guess that most of us here in Wellington have no idea what Main Street has to offer; currently every retail front is occupied. Main Street has one coffee shop, The Chocolate Rose. One frozen yogurt shop, The Swirl Stop. Four restaurants: The Wellington Grill, Camacho’s, the T-Bar and the Pizza palace. Residents can get their time pieces repaired or buy Pandora jewelry at Proper Time.

You can get your taxes done or while Fido gets a bath and trim at the Groomers Choice, you could visit the Vestige Press Historic Center and take in a little local history. The Historic Wellington Hotel offers piano lessons at Sound Accounting, tattoos at Easy Street Tattoo, model train sales and service, and even a Christian counseling center.

Next door, the Game Bandit can serve all your video game needs or venture down the block and visit the Copper Tulip, a wonderful consignment shop full of beautiful clothing and accessories. Why not take the kids into town on a Friday night and visit Smelkers Auction? It’s a great time and free! (Unless you get caught-up in the action.)

My point and the real question is this: What’s missing on Main Street? What would draw you and your family, your neighbors and friends and even travelers to Main Street Wellington?

The Department Of Local Affairs (DOLA) has been working closely with local business owners, elected officials and the Chamber of Commerce to develop a plan and set a goal to create a great local gathering center. Local Architect Chuck Mayhugh has even put together a wonderful rendering of a possible future look for Main Street. All those involved have put a lot of time and effort into a developing a plan, but everyone agrees that what we really need to get this right is you. We need input and participation from the people that matter most, Wellington’s residents.

I am asking each and every resident for ideas and input, help us create a Wellington we are all proud of, tell us your vision for Main Street Wellington. The time has arrived for the leaders and residents to unite and create our identity and future. For information about meeting times or to send your thoughts and ideas, please contact Trustee Ernest Cienfuegos-Baca head of the Main Street Program at [email protected]

Mayor Travis Vieira
[email protected]