A divided downtown? What else is new.

The Port Hope downtown business association, known as the Hertiage Business Improvement Area, is squabbling over last weekend's sidewalk sale.
One member, Julie Aldis, who runs a John Street bistro, said the road closures serious hurt her operation. Her opening salvo in her war with the organizers began with a blunt letter in Monday's newspaper claiming she was not informed. She has other concerns. It met with a cool response from HBIA president John Campbell arguing a newsletter is sent out to all 120 members informing them of upcoming events. He also notes all meeting of the group are open and she is free to attend in order to make her concerns known.
One other businessman stepped up to defend the downtown association saying the communication is good and the organization is doing a great job.
As downtown business owners duke it out, no one should be overly surprised. It seems these battle are constantly going on and occasionally bubble up to the surface for everyone to see.
Cobourg's downtown association is a prime example. For many years, it was like trying to herd cats when any initiative was offered up. Anything from common hours to promotional activities were greeted with a complex mixture of enthusiasm and dread. The old boys would rarely comply. So, it the suggestions would die. I have known three downtown co-ordinators and they were very harried and often discouraged.
It is sad. There was a time in Cobourg when the downtown merchants were community leaders. And, it wasn't that long ago. The Christmas parade in Cobourg owe's its genesis to these people. They sponsored sports teams and donated untold amounts of money, time and products to fundraising.
Not so much anymore. Parking is a perennial debate which advances at a snail's pace as neither side seem to be able to control employees from using space close to entrances that should be for customers. There is always the issue of paying or not paying for parking.
Back in 1988, at Christmas, local businessman Bill Patchett hung the most amazing decorations. It was a series of wreaths and holly strung across the mainstreet overhead. As you drove downtown, it looked amazing. He did it one year because there were so many complaints from business owners.
These petty squabbles are legendary. The response will be swift and silent. No one from the downtown or those support the HBIA will eat at her establishment. She will be blacklisted until she goes out of business or is so frustrated she will quit. It is small town politics.