‘Disgruntled’ residents are resistant to change

Dear Editor,

I would like to respond to some of the opinions expressed in the recent article, “Disgruntled North Park Residents Mobilize” (North Park News, March 2010).
I have been in business in North Park over 40 years, and live within walking distance near Morley Field. North Park is one of the finest and most interesting neighborhoods in San Diego, and I can think of no other place I would rather live and work.
I am a board member of Lyric Opera, the North Park Historical Society, past president of the North Park Main Street BID, and for many years elected member of the North Park Redevelopment PAC. In fact, I was responsible for the creation of the BID and fully support the efforts of local businesses to work together to make North Park a more exciting and diverse environment.
For some reason, the efforts of the owners of True North to open a business on 30th Street has caused a few, vocal residents to create resistance and organize together against what they perceive to be drastic changes in the business district. In fact, the owners of True North have worked very closely with the Main Street BID and other elements of the community to provide immediate resolution to any problem that was related to their business. In addition they have provided over 45 jobs for local residents.
The creation of a large, modern parking structure on 30th Street reflects a major  investment in the future of North Park as a destination for shopping and entertainment. New businesses like Heaven Sent  Deserts, Urban Solace, the Linkery, True North, and many, many other quality establishments were attracted to this area as a direct result of the completion of this structure, in addition to the reputation of the North Park Main Street efforts to improve the area.
Most residents who are fortunate enough to live within walking distance of the North Park business district appreciate the renaissance in eating, drinking, shopping and entertainment choices which have opened during the past decade. The opinions expressed in your article represent a minority of residents who are resistant to change, and I believe that a more balanced and researched approach would have included both sides of the situation.
Personally, I would not like to return to the North Park of 20 or 30 years ago, which was populated with vacancies, rundown thrift stores and no quality restaurants or entertainment venues.

W. Patrick Edwards
Antique Refinishers Inc.
American School of French
Marquetry North Park