Here we go...

Who is John Galt?

If you don't understand that question, you may already be beyond hope.  Read a book, or at least buy the "Cliff's Notes" for god's sake.  If you still don't understand, take the time to google it. 

This blog has been created in response to the standard small town rumor mills, 'it's not my problem' mentality that is common in so many towns, and lack of motive power.

Here we sit in a town that is on the verge of making serious steps toward relevance.  A town that is actually a model for our bigger brother to the West, yes, I'm not overexageratting, I've actually heard that said by the people in charge over there.  A town that has the best restaurant in the region... and I do believe I'll include Council Bluffs in that statement... and some solid stores that are building a solid following and a wide sphere of influence.  A town that has a nationally ranked nature trail going through the main drag, and right at the heart of the trip.

All of these things.  Yet two people were talking of what buildings could be used for their new business ideas.  Multiple store fronts sit empty... getting closer to condemned by the hour.  Owners of these building demanding ridiculious prices, when the time to sell is NEVER going to be better.  What is the thought process here?  "Well if I hold onto it just a bit longer it will be worth even more!"  NOPE!  Think this is a never closing window of opportunity?  Really?

Look what your neighbors sold their building for and ask yourself why yours is worth 5 times that amount.  I don't think you'll find a good answer to that question.  I've heard antiques, blacksmith, computer service, bed and breakfast, work out facility, day spa, hunting supplies, convience store, hostel, and apartments in the last 24 hours alone!  What are you waiting for?  Can't store your cars in a building that isn't on Main Street?  Want to keep that dentist office for a write off?  Does the central office of the district really have to be on Main Street? 

Take the corner building for the perfect example.  Before the question would have been:  Are you planning on resurrecting the Wagon Wheel after X-many decades off?  Are you waiting for the second floor to fall in as well as the roof before selling the 401?  Now that 401 is a true danger to anyone near it, it's on sale for a dollar, with the purchase of the old Wagon Wheel.  Bet that person is really kicking themself for hanging on to that thing for so long.

There is no lack of interest.  There is no lack of people willing to take a shot at making a business work in town.  After seeing those that have tried and succeeded (and those that have failed) there are plenty of people that see the opportunity.  If you or someone you know owns one of these buildings... try and get some common sense hammered into their head. 

I'm not talking about sacrafice, you will never hear that term or similar phrases such as "civic minded" or "for the greater good".  I'm talking about selling at the only point in... what 40 years?... that there is a true interest in Malvern commercial buildings!  I'm talking about making the most money possible.  I'm talking about intelligent thought and the best decision.  This window can be shut.  And it's going to be by the people that are sitting on property, not by the people that are willing to put their money where their mouth is.

Who is John Galt? 

Are you going to be apathetic, or are you going to get out of their way?