Rolling my eyes slightly as daydreams of fishing, sitting by the pool or watching ESPN slipped slowly away, I readied myself for a day of carrying bags and saying “Yes dear, that looks nice.”
However, what followed the initial three-word suggestion is what stuck with me: “We should go check out the new Coach shop at the updated Vintage Fair mall in Modesto.”
This request to travel to Modesto got me thinking. Living in Tracy for the past 16 years, I have watched as we have doubled from around 40,000 to more than 80,000 residents. The growth in the Central Valley did not stop at Tracy, as many moved throughout the valley in search of relatively affordable housing.
As Tracy became yet another bedroom community, where folks travel to purchase an affordable home and enroll their children in a decent school, our community was never positioned to offer retail, dining and entertainment options that could fulfill local demand while creating a positive return on the investment potential developers required.
As Tracy grew, we did see new entertainment and shopping options. We built a small indoor mall, a new movie theater and a couple large chain restaurants.
Once not long ago, we had to go over the hill to visit a Home Depot, Sears or Target. Not too many years ago, one had to drive to Modesto, Stockton or Pleasanton to visit a mall. Not very long ago, my wife would have to travel to Dublin to satisfy her Marshall’s discount designer shopping addiction.
As new houses continued to be scooped up around town, Tracy residents finally had some limited options for local entertainment.
Unfortunately, like all great economic booms, this one came to an end. Our rapid growth slowed to a crawl, our investments dried up, our over-extended equity disappeared and our retail outlets vacated as if the operators were running from a deadly plague.
As we begin to see some signs that the economy is breathing again, Tracy needs to consider how we will define ourselves in this economic recovery.
Will we continue to be just another lower-priced bedroom community, where folks come to sleep while they take their entertainment dollars to more progressive communities? Or will we leverage this point in time to build our community into not only a reasonably priced place to live with freeway stopping places for cheeseburgers and gas, but a destination where folks actually come to visit?
As we have watched our mall fall into a state of embarrassment with no anchor store, little to no retail shops of interest and an outdated play structure, Modesto remodeled and added new high-end retail options and a BJs Brewery restaurant. Tracy approved a Super Wal-Mart, as Manteca brought in a new Bass Pro Shops and movie theater. Tracy remodeled the old discount Grocery Outlet, as Manteca built the very cool Big League Dreams. Tracy battles special-interest groups to build a low-priced WinCo grocery store, while Brentwood finished a beautiful mid- to high-end outdoor mall.
While money is tight for all of us right now, is a single-minded focus on discount groceries and shopping the only way to go? Do we want to be the community where folks visit simply to find low-cost housing and discount groceries?
Once, people used to travel to Tracy to visit our outlets and later to shop at our new Costco. Now we are in danger of being the location where people come to spend money at a Super Wal-Mart while traveling to Pleasanton, Brentwood or Modesto to spend on entertainment.
While feeding a family is always a challenge, is saving 90 cents on a gallon of milk worth losing what makes a city a destination and not just an interstate exit? Can’t we use our extensive and existing lower-cost retail and grocery options and demand that planners encourage future development to create a retail environment that makes folks think of Tracy when they have a Friday off for a shopping trip?
So, as I diligently carried the multiple bags my wife had accumulated at the Modesto mall on her personal challenge to single-handedly right our floundering economy, I just couldn’t help but wonder: Shouldn’t Tracy be better positioned so that she could support this economic recovery right here in our own town?
• Brian Williams has been a Tracy resident since 1993 and is a husband and father of two, who works as a supervisor in the cable, phone and Internet industry. He’s among a select group of local Town Crier columnists in the Tracy Press.
Gambling, alcohol, smoking, food - They have it all under one roof. Where is the reservation when you need it?
It's not even funny. You don't give existing Downtown business owners credit for trying to keep their doors open in this Great Recession.
And there's another problem. This year, Vegas' revenue is shrinking by over 30%.
The Tracy Press
Title: Eroticland, USA, Tracy, California
Dear Editor;
Since my earlier proposal for Holly Roller Land went by the floor boards which the local religious right was hoping for a grandstand of huge proportion to spread their message. I propose another option for our downtown section that will leave our religious right in a coma of excitement. Other than the exception of a few merchants, the Tracy downtown section looks like its closed. That comment was said by my out of town in-laws from Texas, comparing it to a town called Arlen, Texas.
I propose what they have in Nevada here in Tracy. We can revert Tracy to its roots of yesterday that many long and hope for, as it was a sleepy railroad stop and farm town. We change the laws bring back gambling, live nude dancing for men and woman, (we have to be a equal opportunity employer). Have an award winning Gentlemen’s Club, and legalize prostitution. Have several sex shops, adult bookstores and massage parlors. We call this Eroticland USA, Tracy, California. Yes, skin is in and sex sells better than any stock, bonds, commodities or real estate. This is one business that would survive any recession, depression, and terrorism, even a nuclear war.
Should you look up what Tracy was a hundred years we had all that in town. Tracy was a whistle stop before leaving or coming into the San Francisco Bay area. Think on how all the citizens would love to restore Tracy to its golden days. Days of drinking, gambling and wild intoxicated women.
This would finally solve the budget deficit problems of the city of Tracy. This would make Tracy a global tourist attraction to be noticed. We can have a several local hotels, which would bus customers it. Have special Ace Trains, with shuttle buses to bring customers in. Build up the airport to bring in many customers by private air shuttle. Along with special bus programs to bus customers in from Sacramento, San Francisco, Los Angeles and even Nevada. We would be global, bringing in customers from as far as Mecca and Turlock. My estimates, that the first year of operation, with 50,000 people in attendance, we are looking at $ 2.5 million dollars in new taxes and fees from alcohol, Hotel taxes, food and services, admission, and business licenses, casino fees and taxes.
The City of Tracy, could avoid having to lay off scores of city employees, restore education budgets, not having to impose more fees to cover the shrinking budget. This will even help to restore our property values. We would need to increase our police and fire to a size that Tracy will have fire and police department like a big city. Why should Nevada have all the fun and revenue? Also this would be a win win for the religious right wing, they can stand out side the erotic fun zone and ask for donations to try to save people souls. Then preach and pray to save the souls wanting to commit sin.
Al Galaviz
Anonymous,
Let me guess a big rock is going to fall from the sky too? LOL. That must have been Al, I presume?
Some of the other stores are Whole Foods / Trader Joes / etc. But, they would expect demographics that are different from Tracy's population.
But future growth will eventually change the percentages of demographics. Lodi used to be a farmer town too. It's all changed from years ago.
Tracy will too.
It is not a destination, a place of beauty, interest or events. No draw for the outside world.
Those of us who are now stuck in Tracy, we shop elsewhere and enjoy our leisure dollar anywhere but Tracy. I have lived in Tracy 20yrs and it has always been this way.
I am glad Manteca is close.
I believe our lives ought to be focused on and governed by something other than the prevailing economics which vigorously supports the expeditious development of technologies that displace the uneducated. Also, I am concerned about the future of our species and an unregulated birthrate which continues to exacerbate our already ubiquitous social-ills. Some people are having too many children. I don't want to live in a country of a billion people who don't know what an atom is, but want to be amused by a celebrity addict. My vision or contemplation goes beyond the pathological machinations of the people in this community. I realize that the disruptions of other countries affect our country. It would be nice if the political leaders in some other countries would do something other than pimp drugs. Why must any community exceed a hundred thousand residents?
Raley's is coming in to the south side where many upscale homes are built so that will satisfy that requirement. Aren't Raley's / Nob Hill the same company? Don't think we will get a huge mall like Modesto though, not big enough town for that. I'd still be interested in what people want to see here in town as far as retail/entertainment options go. The options have grown in the past 16 years but how do we make Tracy the "destination" you are speaking of.
It seems to me the retail growth in town is geared mostly towards serving the population of Tracy and surrounding rural areas, not attracting outsiders to town. How do we change that?
So lets see, we go from a progressive city planning conversation to the downfall of society for not stopping the brown folks from gaining access to the City.
If your wife doesnt wip you, how does one turn into the man she has pictured in her mind that she intends to eventually change you into?
"tracys small and fine."
Tracy is actually 80 k people and pretty big, but as for fine, well I guess there are different definitions of fine. Like when one says "thats a fine looking mullet on that guy"
"and we just got a new school."
Yes we have a beautiful new school. Now if we can just have a real road and sidewalk to get our kids to it, that would be something.
"no cool that shopping for clothes is first on your list mann."
You have me confused with my wife. My list consists of the jobs she has planned for me to complete prior watching the game, starting with taking her shopping and followed by such exciting events as "cut the grass", "wash the car" and "fix the squeeking doors"
Brian
tracys small and fine.
and we just got a new school.
no cool that shopping for clothes is first on your list mann.
Sure would like to see a campus in Tracy, that will turn lots of eyes on the city of Tracy when considering attending campus! Makes for "Greener" Downtown, too, more academic, it is really ideal!
Good luck!
CN
I wonder if the folks in the county already knew that Tracy wasn't getting the government center.
"The Manteca City Council recently put the final touches last week on a deal for a San Joaquin County government center that’s expected to bring to that city 200 jobs instead of Tracy.
But Tracy has finally taken baby steps to get development off the ground on city-owned land at Chrisman Road and 11th Street, where city officials tried but failed to have the government center built.
slated for 10 acres of land Manteca owns next to the Big League Dreams softball fields on Highway 120.
“Manteca stepped up to the plate and hit a home run,” Ornellas said. “Tracy went for a bunt and dribbled the ball behind them.” "
Manteca is clearly stepping up and its in our best interests to not be left behind.
Those are good questions and points.
as for "Wouldn't those dollars be better spent locally in Tracy? Having low priced stores like Winco would benefit the surrounding merchants as well. If everyone leaves town to shop why should retailers locate here?"
The issue is balance. We need to offer both the WinCo(s) low price option as well as a nob hill9S) and if we dont offer shopping that provides an experience that includes upper-scale offerings, all those in town who want to go "shopping" go elsewhere. Just as you travel to modesto to go to winco, there is also a nice mall with a variety of options for a true shopping experience.
If we only have a winco and superwalmart, we will have folks come here to only save money. And while we will have a less expensive grocery option, we will still have to leave town for an experience.
Our town really is at a crossroads. With balanced city planning we can make everyone happy, but if we continue to target only price sensitive shoppers, tracy could take a quick turn in the wrong direction. Some would say we already have.
I too have lived in Tracy for many years, and remember the days without a mall or having to drive east or west to go to Sears/Target/Home Depot/Costco etc...
What "entertainment options" are you talking about that you would like to see in town?
I thought it would have been a good move for JcPenney to relocate to the old Gottschalks store location but since they built a bigger store in Manteca that probably isn't on the radar.
Gottschalks went under. Every mall that had one is suffering the same fate. A new tenant must be found to occupy the empty retail space. I'm sure the West Valley Mall management is trying to lure a new tenant there, but your points about the retail environment in town point out that may be an uphill battle.
Tracy does have more than a "couple large chain restaurants" and there are many small locally owned restaurants in town as well. Some are the same chains you will find across the country and some are local specialty restaurants. What kind of dining options would you like to see that we do not have?
Remember Tracy is a rural farm community and those that have relocated here from the Bay Area will find options limited compared to there. Manteca is paying a heavy price to have all the bling along the freeway, do we want to sell our future to obtain retail now?
As for Winco, I'm already driving to Modesto 2x a month to buy groceries there, so the sooner the better as far as I'm concerned. As long as people like me are driving out of town to shop that will hurt future retailers from locating here, simply for that reason. Usually our trips to Modesto include more than one stop and getting lunch somewhere along the way. Wouldn't those dollars be better spent locally in Tracy? Having low priced stores like Winco would benefit the surrounding merchants as well. If everyone leaves town to shop why should retailers locate here?
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http://www.shopinsidethetriangle.com/shoptracy.asp
We are a community where neighbors and local merchants greet you by name and the welcoming never stops. Tradition, charity and prosperity abound. Locals know the secret: as one of the friendliest little cities in California , Tracy is a place to kick off your shoes, hang your hat, sit back and relax. The opportunity to live the good life still exists here, and family, faith, education and the arts are still valued within the community. This is also a town where tradition is constantly reinvented. While we move forward, we never leave our foundation.
Since our beginning in 1878, Tracy has had a strong identity. Our city was established by the Central Pacific Railroad due to its ideal location as a transit hub. J.H. Stewart, the railroad's superintendent, had great respect for Lathrop J. Tracy, an Ohio merchant. Stewart honored his friend and mentor by naming the town after him. Stores, houses, hotels and other buildings were lifted and moved by mule and wagon from nearby Ellis, and the town of Tracy sprang up in just a few short months.
Our strategic location is a theme that runs throughout our town's history, even as the country's emphasis has shifted from railroads to highways. Tracy is now centered in a triangle formed by the major interstates of 580, 205 and 5. Tracy is also conveniently situated just an hour from Sacramento , San Francisco and San Jose and just a few hours from Los Angeles . If it is recreation you seek, Tracy is also convenient to the Bay Delta, Yosemite , Tahoe and the San Francisco Bay .
Between 1990 and 2004, our population more than doubled as people arrived from the Bay Area seeking a hometown feeling and a more relaxed way of life. This growth brought increased numbers of young families to Tracy , broadened our ethnic diversity and increased percentages of home ownership and household size. Our economy has also diversified. From its roots in agriculture and railroads, to its present day identity as a distribution center for many corporations, to its current initiatives to attract further businesses and scientific industries, including green and sustainability related businesses–we know how to keep pace with the times.
In Tracy , we take education seriously. Our excellent school system is sought after by many families settling in the area. In addition to maintaining our current educational programs, we have plans to develop higher educational opportunities and specialized training. There are extensive public facilities for sports and recreation for both youth and adults. We plan to expand our recreational offerings by building a new aquatic center and sports complex. Tracy is also home to several annual festivals including the popular Bean Festival–a nod to our agricultural history. We also host smaller events like the summer evening Wine Stroll, which showcases one of our favorite current crops–grapes.
At the intersection of Tracy 's past and future, we are working to revitalize our historic downtown. Much will unfold in the coming years, but our success is already showing. Our original Town Hall, built in 1900, was completely reimagined to better serve our community. Our new City Hall opened at its Civic Center Plaza address in 2007. We are currently under construction on a first class, multi-modal transportation center which will be a hub for transit and business in downtown Tracy .
Another proud achievement involves the four buildings on the corner of Central Avenue and Seventh Street which originally included two early hotels, retail stores and our first firehouse, built in 1900. The Grand Theatre opened in 1923 as the centerpiece of downtown. Its Art Deco tower and marquee were added in 1939. Having fallen into disrepair, a tremendous community-wide effort raised funds both publicly and privately to restore this theater's former grandeur and return it to its place as a regional cultural center. Reopened in 2007, The Grand now provides arts programming for individuals and families including musical concerts, theatre and dance performances, festivals, films, art lectures and more. It is also a perfect venue to host meetings and events.
Like the historical naming of our town, Tracy has a custom of honoring its friends and neighbors. We keep this practice alive today. We are known for our hospitality and charity. By faith or by principle, giving is a strong value in Tracy . When a crisis or common cause emerges, we rise to the occasion, making sure that we take care of each member of our community.
We invite you to come for a visit, open your business and settle down to raise a family. Take a look inside the triangle–inside Tracy . You'll like our pace, and you'll love the place!
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