" Spending 4.5 million on a project that includes a mural?! What a huge waste of money! Ms Littleton couldn't have said it better with "offer incentives to major businesses to come here." I'm sure the mural will be spectacular when it is finished, but how ridiculous to think it will have a major impact on drawing in consumers? I realize it might be a highlight for some, but I would think that once people realize (after they are done gazing at the mural) that they are limited on shopping and dining choices they will not return nor recommend to anyone to come to Mattoon for a day. The day we bring in Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Target, Kohl's, etc. then we will see the biggest draw in revenue. People go where they are names they are famaliar with.
'Get in the car kids, were going to Mattoon to look at the mural!' "

" Its like in the movie, If you build it, they will come.


Ahhh, but that's not what he said,

He said, If you build it, HE will come. "

" The CC mall will never be the same without Mike Witwiki..and with people currently living 10yrs behind times, stores have no desire to move here.It's just a matter of time our only option to shop will be that super store across the street,for those fourtunate enough to have jobs. "

" I agree! We went to Effingham this morning and they are always constantly building, adding restaurants, etc. It's amazing that a small town like Effingham feels like a big town like Champaign. They're mall isn't much to speak of, but they definitely have some people on a committee that knows how to attract people from out of town. Kudos to Effingham!!!! "

" If some ball team notices an extra person wandering around out in left field, I think this might be them. "

" your memory DOES fail you, sheila. there are more than 10 vacancies in the mall: where consolidated comm used to be(1), where cellular one used to be(2), the old walgreens(3), Gliks (4) (next to what used to be the sunglasses place which is now where cellular one is), where Good Sports was (5), the old Illinois Eyecare (6), Sam goody(7), the one btwn claires and GNC (8) and the two btwn waldenbooks and radioshack (9 &10). then technically there's room for one on the other side of regis(the empty corner)(11), where Jumbo moved from(12) and one more by the mall offices. Bringing the grand total to 13 empty spaces in the mall.


that being said....they're working on it. they've already started updating the wiring that runs underground (which has to be done before they can start the new parking lot)On the agenda is everything from new facades for Penny's and Sears to landscaping the parking lot to new floors and bathrooms, to a new sign and a fountain.

that all being said, where was the paper when the plans were revealed to the tenants? wouldn't the public like to know what is planned for their mall? it's worth getting excited about. "

" The Mall hasn't been decent since Arlens, K-Mart, and Wal-Greens left. "

" How wonderful it would be to have more choices to shop at stores such as Target, Meijer... places to eat, such as Olive Garden, Home Town Buffet, or Outback to name a few.


AsDana Carvey said, Not Gonna Happen.

Mattoon is too small, we may be bigger than Effingham, but they have 10 times the traffic. "

" Anyone remember the food court plan? After all that remodeling, they couldn't get a single restaurant to move in. All the fancy amenities and murals in the world won't help that place. Not enough traffic in good old Mattoon is the problem. "

" I'd like to eat at Outback.


Without driving a hundred miles. "

" I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news but new stores and restaurants will never come to this area until the public shows the interest in spending their money there. It has nothing to do with whether or not the community leaders want a Target or Outback. The retailers do market studies and research and have found that this market will not support those types of stores. If we had a Target or Meijer and Wal Mart was cheaper, everyone will still shop at Wal-Mart with the average income level we deal with in this area. In this economy, everyone is just trying to make it, I know, but it's not about loyalty it's about the all mighty dollar. This is not the only place the "mall" atmosphere is going by the wayside anyway. It's happening all over the country.....and it's sad. "

" I would drive the 30 miles and eat at Ryan's before eating at anyone of the ones you guys have named. "

" Hey Sheila,

You need a VIBRANT ECONOMY to have such eateries....

That means companies providing jobs to people.

You also need over a million dollars to secure franchise rights for such eateries.

Who around here as that kind of cash, for a franchise, especially since numerous companies have left here over the years.

When was the last time you heard of a company coming to the area?

Get some private sector industry around here and the eateries will soon follow... "

" Neo is right, for perhaps the only time in his existence. Plenty of people have watched their restaurants and businesses fail around here while the local whiners sat on their duffs. Why don't YOU build it and watch them come? If not, put a sock in it. "

" Sheila. Those places aren't here because investors prefer not to blow their wads. "

" Sheila, stick to puppies & kittens, & that is still pushing it. "

" I'd like to shop at Target,





without driving a hundred miles. "

" Sheila - the mural doesn't cost 4.5 million dollars... the mall remodeling will. Why are you complaining? I understand the new plans will be displayed soon, if you want to mosey to the mall and check it out.

I've never understood the obsession with Target. It's the exact same concept as Walmart -generally the same prices, and the same quality and selection of products, the same working conditions, etc, except with better floors, and that's not even the case today. "Mass with Class" is their corporate motto.

You want more restaurants to eat in? Well, there's a new Thai place downtown Mattoon, and another restaurant going in downtown.

There are actually lots of locally-owned places in Coles County that serve good to great food... Joe's, Spanky's, The Castle Inn, The Panther Paw, Roc's, The Alamo, Stadium Grill, Hunan's, Cody's, a bunch of pizza places, Don Sol, Little Mexico, and other Mexican places, Angelo's, Airport Steakhouse, Common Grounds, Our Daily Bread, Lincoln Garden, Lincoln Springs Resort, that Thai place in Charleston, and a couple of Chinese Buffets... Have you tried each of these places at least twice, and if no, then why not???

If you eat out at just one place a week, it's possible to not eat at the same restaurant in a year more than two or three times. And you're complaining about places to eat?? "

" First things first. Lets get some jobs to work at before we can spend the money for this stuff. It seams to me that all of the industry is either going out of business or have already left because of financial reasons. It takes money to eat or shop at these businesses. And nobody seams to have any of it anymore. Only my 2 cents "

" Except Ms. Littleton we are living in a poor time period, half of these eateries close in a year because people are broke, exactly the case with Villa Pizza and many more, honestly if you want a business that makes money around here it best serve alcohol lol, people find money for that no matter how broke they are "

" Just 2 things, the mall went down hill when they stopped letting the teenagers gather there. Those teenagers came w/ money in their pockets. Now it is a place for mall walkers. while i see the reason for this it just did harm. They should have just amped up the security instead of chasing off the kids, now they really have no place to go except the streets.

There is a new diner opening up on Broadway, the downtown diner, owned by locals. So at least we have another option for breakfast, lunch and a Friday,Saturday night get away. "

" Mattoon needs something they haven't had, a Sonnys BBQ, there is not a place to get good BBQ Ribs anywhere. Unless you've had "my" Baby Back ribs......How about a "Popeyes Chicken", or a "Five guys Burgers and fries". Some folks probably, never heard of them...check the web. "Texas Roadhouse"...."Hurricane Grill", great Cheese Steaks & Wings.....Lots...but no way, lets not have anything good. "

" jrussell wrote on Aug 4, 2009 3:24 PM:

"people are broke, exactly the case with Villa Pizza"

when did they go broke and close?
Last I saw they were doing great and had a couple of extra locations.

Did I miss something? "

" I myself would welcome some new choices for shopping, dining, etc. A positive side that hasn't been mentioned is that new restaurants and stores coming to this area would mean new jobs for the area. I know it may never happen but I would love if it did. Then again, I'm from the suburbs and am used to being able to drive 5 miles and get to any store/restaurant I could ever think of. Darn this country living..lol! "

" Country bumpkin,If I'm not mistaken,the Charleston store was closed due to poor management skills.(not keeping the buffet replenished)during rush hour.)We were there a while back and alot of people were walking in and right back out because there was no food.In my opinion the Mattoon Villa has the best freshly made Buffet food around,service not to shabby either. "

" I've never understood the obsession with Target. It's the exact same concept as Walmart.

It's no difference than the people who hate Intel or MicroSoft, they like AMD because they hate Intel, they like Linux because they hate Microsoft. Why do they hate them? Jealousy.

zeldlu

You have 2 cents, WOW. Now I'm jealous. "

" Danny Boy - Try the Castle Inn's ribs. They are hand rubbed with a secret recipe, and they are prepared in house. "

" I have to agree with the letter.

The Mattoon Mall has gone downhill, poor management is where it started. Mr Witwicki seemed to do a good job of keeping the managers seeing the good of staying in the mall. Don't know where the heads are on the people after that.

$4.5! That kind of money should come from the Mall Mangagement Company itself. Nowhere else.

Running the kids out who have nothing but dispensible cash to spend on 'stuff' was a mistake. That used to be a safe place to meet your friends where your parents didn't have to worry about you getting hit, offered drugs or alcohol, picked up by strangers, etc. The kids ARE going to make a bigger dent in the bottom line than the mall walkers who don't spend a dime.

We NEED to draw people to our area by having what they WANT. Notice that some of the interstate signs from Effingham are creeping to the Mattoon Exits? They say ... "why stop here for nothing when you can come to our fine city for what you 'really' want??"

Put something on the east side of 57 that will attract people. One solitary gas station and the theater won't keep people here. Cracker Barrell is booming, get something that is just a step up... Cheddar's, Applebee's etc. Make it something to stop FOR.

Why isn't there are sign near the exit of 57 saying we even HAVE a mall? Maybe that might help people stop. If you didn't know it was there, you wouldn't have any idea. You cannot see it due to the bend in the road, and there isn't any kind of advertising letting out-of-towners know it is there. "

" kamfong wrote on Aug 5, 2009 6:58 AM:

" Country bumpkin,If I'm not mistaken,the Charleston store was closed due to poor management skills.(not keeping the buffet replenished)during rush hour.)We were there a while back and alot of people were walking in and right back out because there was no food.In my opinion the Mattoon Villa has the best freshly made Buffet food around,service not to shabby either. "


Ahh, the difference between workers from Mattoon and college workers from Charleston. "

" This is po-dunk ville Illinois,Dream on that anyone running this city has the best intrests of the community at heart. Cartoon Illinois Lived in this uncaring community for 55yrs now,and everybody has an ajenda, certinally not the publics thoughts or wishes get heard of. You cant speak your piece even on this Forum without getting sencored. it's all about baseball diamonds and socker fields. Obtuse people where ever you go. Yes some new places to eat would be nice, I'm not going to hold my breath for it. "

" the mall went down hill after we kicked the teenagers out? seriously? did either of you actually sit and watch what the teens did while they were at the mall? the only teens booted from the property were the ones causing disturbances and damage to property. the mall welcomes any WELL BEHAVED teens/young adults. the mall is not a daycare center. people can't just drop their kids off with no supervision. i have a business to run, i'm not a baby sitter! "

" Good call, pj!

Personally, I'd rather be around a bunch of mall walkers than a bunch of teens comparing **** sizes. "

" Nobody mentioned the American Legion, they have daily lunch specials and Friday night meals... "

" A good start to the problem would be cleaning up the city. Anyone with two eyes can drive through this town and see that we need some major cleanup. It could start with some strict ordinances against these slum lords. Manufacturing has all but dried up in this city and the rif raf that is moving in sure doesn't entice people to wanna shop here, let alone live and invest here. Wake up Mattoonians and get real. 4.5 million could go along ways towards some standard code enforcements. "

" You cant speak your piece even on this Forum without getting sencored.

They probablt censor it because it was spelled wrong. "

" Collatine mentioned a Thai restaurant downtown. Where is it located? I'd like to drive to Mattoon to try it out. Usually, I have to drive to Champaign or to Terre Haute if I'm craving Thai green curry, pad Thai, etc. I'd go for an Indian restaurant, too. "

" City staff and the Mattoon Chamber of Commerce (a private association of local businesses) have been working to bring in more retail businesses and restaurants. They have contacted most of the suggestions named in this discussion, and many more, to ask them to look at Mattoon. Some companies claim we are too small or the traffic count isn't large enough, some say they are interested when the economy picks up.

If you people would take the time to write nice letters to these companies to ask them to take a look at locating in Mattoon it would do much more good than whining here.

Of course the city wants more new businesses here, that's what brings in jobs and tax revenue. Aren't all the businesses at Mattoon Marketplace (the old Kmart) new to Mattoon??

Restaurants? Cody's, Stadium Grill, Alamo, Buffalo Wild Wings, Thai, Hunan Chinese, Pagliacci's, Steak and Shake, Cracker Barrel, Little Mexico, and plenty of others are good dining right here at home.

Why spend gasoline money and time to drive other places when you can keep your money in Mattoon and pay less sales tax than in Champaign. Save money, shop here!

Neither the city nor the mall owners are spending $4.5 million on a mural for the mall. Do your research!

If you want a nicer mall or more merchants here, then STAY HERE, SHOP HERE, AND SUPPORT THE MERCHANTS HERE!! "

" TEXAS ROADHOUSE!!!!!!!

That would be awesome.

sorry... got a little excited. "

" To follow up. How about a 10 percent levy on all the monies collected for speaking engagements, book deals, movie rights etc for a period of 10 years after a federal elected official leaves office. This could be overseen by the IRS and the Department of Health and Human services. "

" even steven wrote on Aug 6, 2009 3:51 PM:

" Collatine mentioned a Thai restaurant downtown. Where is it located?

In the old Coast to Coast store, if you know where that was, right accross the street form the old Mattoon Theatre, which was next to Sears, which was next to the big car dealership which was at 1401 Broadway and was caddy wompus from Meadow Gold, but, for ease of direction, it is right next to The old Time Theatre. "

" I don't read the printed version of the paper much, but, the Mrs brought to my attention that Murphy's Pizza in Charleston has closed.

Another one bites the dust. "

" Thanks, Medic57! When I get back from my short vacation, I'm driving to Mattoon to try it out. "

" Medic57 Wrote:In the old Coast to Coast store, if you know where that was, right accross the street form the old Mattoon Theatre, which was next to Sears, which was next to the big car dealership which was at 1401 Broadway and was caddy wompus from Meadow Gold, but, for ease of direction, it is right next to The old Time Theatre. "
---------------------------------------

We must be the same age because I remember all those "Former" Biz places. Mattoon Is nothing but Bars, and Banks.
Bars for the poor, banks for the rich... "

" I seldom shop CC Mall because the clothes cost too much money. The stores are more for others than me.
I like shopping online on clearances.
I buy dresses for $5 and $7 and look better than what SEE at the Mall or Walmart. That is how afford other things.
I like four of the local restanrants.
But I like mexican, chinese food most of all. Would love to see Mattoon have some of the buffets like Effingham.
I like to go Red Lobster and Applebees.
Since GAS higher, seldom go, and Im not getting any younger either to drive in the traffic.
I like Sheila. She has done some good works helping others, animals, and just an all around good gal. "

" Medic57 wrote "right accross the street from the old Mattoon Theatre, which was next to Sears, which was next to the big car dealership which was at 1401 Broadway"

Medic57 you left out Webers Sporting Goods, the Darby Restaurant (my aunt worked there for years) and the Office Bar between the Mattoon Theatre and Sears. There was a indoor rifle range above Webers Sporting Goods where many of us youngsters learned to shoot a .22 target rifle. I believe the auto dealership was Miller's Dodge.

Maybe I am showing may age remembering those places if I am correct and I could have left out one or two.

Please correct me if I am wrong. "

" The office bar went too Greasers Palace,then Adams Rib,the girls that danced toppless in there were so cheesy they couldn't even afford pasties,they used bandaids.lol "

" Years ago I tried to have a Red Lobster franchise in Mattoon/Charleston out near the airport. I wrote the draft how the building and parking should be right down to the tables/chairs, tablewear, decor inside, and what this project would cost. I had two good backers to the tune of $300,000. The backers knew I knew about cooking and running such a business. Being a woman, and this was the time women were being given money to own a business, I was told it would not work in this area.
What I had in mind was ahead of its time. I wanted on one side be homecooking buffet with healthy food choices and my homemade beef and noodles and a few of the older meal ideas and maybe not 100% healthfood but made so not SO BAD ON THE CALORIES.
I had amish friend going to grow the vegetables we needed, cows,turkeys, chickens for the restaurant fresh produce and the cows and animals all inspected and butchered for us. I received another IT WON'T WORK.

I THINK IT WOULD HAVE WORKED. Getting the health permits was another butting head into a WALL. A local man owning two eaterys put a wrench in this project as he had the money to stop us.

How much healthier it would have been.
It would have taken the $300,000 but we would had it paidoff faster back then as not so many other places to eat.

The idea I had also was to prepare all type good food like mexican, chinese, american, french, german dishes, and have something for everyone plus buffet of american foods. A different country each day was the plan.

Now it would cost about $800,000 to do this project just for the land no doubt as everything is much higher.



You all making me feel old remembering ADAMS RIB, those girls had zits on their xxxx, looked like needing take good showers, and none were shaped so great as to be showing themselves. The more the men drank the more they looked beautiful no doubt. I worked at the Darby and took orders there. I knew what saw I wouldn't even wanna be a lesbian, hehe. AND some went out with the married men for a tip. Yes it was Dodge on the corner going East of the pipe shop. Royal Aten ran the shop and was nice. Sears was between Dodge and the pipe shop and they came over on break and lunch breaks. Met all the Dodge salesman and Brownie was our favorite and cannot remember the other fella we liked, too long ago but Brownie stands out as told him that was my dogs name, haha. Do you remember Charlies pork we served, homecooked roast sandwiches, homemade chili, we cut our own french fries and people said they were the best. Everything was fresh. The soda fountain milkshakes and sodas were a hit also.
AND the homemade pie choices. No one makes REAL PIE like those anymore.
MAKING ME HUNGRY NOW. I walked the days receipts to Central National Bank when on Broadway for Royal. I remember The Dollar Store and others on Broadway and the window displays by Mrs. Williams for J.C. Penneys. I remember they had the six foot rabbit at EASTER and Santa at Christmas. I was scared of that rabbit. I remember riding the escalator at Montgomery Wards, and riding the bus to go to town.
I AM AN OLE FXXX. HAHA. "

" mhs82 wrote on Aug 6, 2009 5:05 PM:

"Neither the city nor the mall owners are spending $4.5 million on a mural for the mall. Do your research!"

Your right on this point. I don't normally post an opinion unless I research the topic first, so I stand corrected on that point. Having said that, I would like to know what Ms Littleton is refering to when she mentions the 4.5 million budget. What exactly is the proposed plan, if someone could enlighten me?

Also, in reference to the comment:
"Why spend gasoline money and time to drive other places when you can keep your money in Mattoon and pay less sales tax than in Champaign. Save money, shop here!"

I think you missed the point of the letter and some of the opinions posted. The issue is not the already existing local customers, it is attracting of out of town consumers by providing "big name" well know merchants as the draw. People like familarity and will travel where they know they can count on the merchandise they want for the price they expect. To accuse people of "whining" just because they want the advantages of what that kind of variety has to offer is not really fair. I think everyone takes advantage of what the community has to offer on a regular basis, because no one wants to travel out of town for their every need, especially in today's economy. But that doesnt mean we are not entitled to desire the variety of selection other towns have managed to accomplish. If Mattoon is truly pursuing the mentioned merchants then great. But since this has been an issue for quite some time, I'm wondering why progress is going SO SLOW. "

" Note to self:

Open a Rotty's Ribs.... only, hire real talent.

Side Note: Hire Mama as Head Chef "

" Rockin Rotty wrote on Aug 9, 2009 5:52 PM:

" Note to self:

Open a Rotty's Ribs.... only, hire real talent.

Side Note: Hire Mama as Head Chef "


LOL!!! Or hire Mama as the real talent, cause' she's pretty darn entertaining!!!!!! "

" Amen there, PS - a heck of a lady! "

" Mama and kam, you guys are killing me tonight. I laughed so hard that my wife said what are you reading in there?

Bandaids for pasties and the Mama's zits bit were enough to make me spill my beer tonight. Keep it up, I love it.

By the way I called the sniveling little moron, the troll, out on another thread for claiming he knew who I was. I'm still waiting to see how he tries to weasel out of this one. lol! "

" The menu: Rottys BBQ RIBS,slaw,potato salad, rolls like Bxxbs.
I bet business would be good all jokes aside compared what is in the offering locally. Hey pumpkinseed, I am a lot like Mae West,,,,,bigboy. haha. That alone should SCARE you.

We had patrons who would tell us they weren't able to drink enough to think the STRIPPERS looked good. Some only required those baby bandaids, flat tires needed pumped up. Some looked like guys until undressed. NO ONE EVER MISTAKES MAMA FOR A MALE. Been told should work for HOOTERS. Mama too old for that and my tattoo roses starting to droop.n DUCT TAPE put em in place.

One thing, if could got that franchise off the floor, everyone would be welcome and know we glad to see one and all and good service.

Keep on commenting everyone. I love you one and all.


Men would pay for me keep clothes on,
haha.

If we all got together, bring the house down with laughter. AND THAT ISN'T ALL BAD. *SMILE.

Pumpkinseed, if think this is entertainment should be married to me.
NEVER GET A HEADACHE AND ALWAYS READY.
hehehe. and feed you good meals. I do shower twice a day and clean n neat Pumpkinseed. hehe. "

" It seems like there is always someone writing a letter like this every month or so to the JG-TC. I got an idea... DO SOMETHING ABOUT! START YOUR OWN BUSINESS! "

" HP. I love mama too. As far as the bandaids go,I unfourtunately witnessed this sight when I was about 17, it has left permanent scars.lol "

" Another Note To Self:

Put on "You're The Inspiration" by "Chicago".

Get wife to read Mama's last capitalized statement, of her 10:47pm 8-9-09 post.

LOL!
;-) "

" Lefty, read other comments above, think ya missed the JOKE. I tried get the Red Lobster going and even went to Eastern for the plans laidout. At that time, one man had a steakhouse and fast food and put nix on all who tried have own restaurants in competition with him.

Someone did something, we started having a few more choices in Mattoon. "

" Mama says wrote on Aug 9, 2009 10:47 PM:
"Pumpkinseed, if think this is entertainment should be married to me.
NEVER GET A HEADACHE AND ALWAYS READY.
hehehe. and feed you good meals. I do shower twice a day and clean n neat Pumpkinseed. hehe. "

Well if that's a real offer, I will have to take a pass cause' I don't think my HUSBAND is ready to be rid of me quite yet! LOL!
You open that rib joint though and I will be the first in line! ;)
I tried to talk the hubby into buying the Bluebird Diner and turn it into a REAL BBQ joint, but-waited too long, and now it's gone. I would love to have something like that. Cody's has good bbq but not quite like what I have experienced at authentic BBQ places like in the St Louie area. "

" Could hardly wait for the dinner off the grill. That bbq aroma even made the dogs sit quietly, watching see when done. Couldnt beat lean ribs 96 cents a pound, chicken legs and breasts were on sale also, as was ground chuck. We like have romaine lettuce and put burger in that, add fat free mayo, sliced tomatoes, roll up burgers and eat. The ribs and homemade bbq sauce is good with more onions as grilling and mushrooms. Diabetics can have homemade catsup, made it with prunes and not tomatoes,,,,,no kidding. It tastes like TOMATO CATSUP, and keeps the colon working good besides. But the meat in moderation is the key.

Happy weekend fun for all. "