Dear editor,

Progress in delusion?

Opening of a Starbucks is not an indicator of Vicksburg’s economic progress.

Current per capita and opening/closing of businesses are much stronger indicators of a city’s economic health.

In recent times we have seen large numbers of brand stores struggle to survive in both the malls. Except for a spurt in downtown activity, which again is handicapped by parking space, there are no new flourishing examples.

Despite incentives by the economic director, we still have to see Ceres Industrial park spark.

There is a desperate need of rethinking what to do with those huge existing commercial spaces in the malls, which already have excellent services and parking.

There was a talk about a water park at the east end of town, which seems to have been lost in the files.

The new sports complex seems to be creating a challenge for other existing facilities. The only star on the horizon seems to be the port proposal if the city can really make it work.

 

Michel Thakur, Vicksburg