Hi Desert Real Estate Forum

I have just returned from the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) Global Retail Real Estate conference held this week in Las Vegas.  This is a gathering of an estimated 70,000 retail real estate professionals from around the globe.  My goal at this conference was to attempt to persuade a big box retailer and family sit down resturaunt to at least entertain the idea of coming to 29 Palms. 

Armed with my list of available commerical properties, my Buxton study, and the CB Richard Ellis report on the revitilization of downtown along with traffic studies, demographics, and base information I set out.  Although everyone I spoke with was friendly and seemed interested (I think they were being polite), one hurdle continued to stand in my way.  Almost to a company, the minimum population within a given driving radius (usually 2-5 miles) was 50,000 people. 

The population of 29 Palms according to the city's website as of 1 Jan 06 was 27,498 (over half way there). 

What are our city leaders, armed with this knowledge, doing to entice retail and restuarants?  The city council is currently working on a revision/review of the general plan.  Are they looking for ways to increase general commercial zoning in areas where large retail make sense?  Are they looking for ways to use the monies in the Redevelopment Agencies coffers to entice retail?  No, they are attempting to reduce the buildout population of 29 Palms.  Some would even have the maximum population buildout less than the magic 50,000 population. 

 29 Palms is at a crossroads, we can either try to attract and welcome retail or we can continue to shop in Yucca Valley and points beyond.