Editorial: Merced determined to maintain economic vision

After this week's official end to Merced's Redevelopment Agency, and moves to shift millions of dollars in leftover debt and other obligations to a yet-to-be-named financing oversight agency, some were quick to point out that the city's Economic Development mission continues to trudge forward.

"A lot of people confuse the two," Frank Quintero, the city's director of Economic Development told the Times. "We have an ongoing strategy for Merced that's been on the books since 2006."

To be clear, Redevelopment was charged with things like improving neighborhood blight and housing availability, renovating downtown buildings, sidewalks and roads, and offering some business incentives.

There's no doubt, Mayor Stan Thurston says, the loss of funds severed off by Gov. Jerry Brown's budget ax will "severely damage" these projects and threaten more job losses at City Hall.

However, residents can expect to see major business tenant improvements already underway for Merced, including the incoming Dollar General Market that will be locating in the former Office Max building next to the Home Depot.

In Shape City has approval to construct a swimming pool in the vacant commercial spaces immediately north of their existing facility. Other infill projects have included the restaurants MooY Burgers and House of Dogs in North Merced.

Economic Development staff are also in negotiations with a leasing agent and a developer to somehow bring in a long-awaited grocery market in South Merced, particularly at a one acre site at Childs Avenue and Canal Street.

Quintero also highlights a list of 24 new businesses that have filled up previously vacant storefronts in the downtown area, including Bella Luna Cafe, Coffee Bandits and the expected opening of Pinocchio's Pizza from Gilroy — expected to stir up the downtown circle.

With the loss of Redevelopment funds, and tight constraints in ongoing budget talks, city leaders and staff are considering a faster permitting process, a reduction in fees (and possibly a temporary "fee holiday") and more business friendly municipal codes.

1) Protect and build Merced as the region's center for retail trade, education and professional and medical services; 2) Boost Merced's environment for technology-led industry, building upon relationships with UC Merced; 3) Maintain high community standards for services, infrastructure and private development; 4) Capitalize on opportunities to retain; expand and recruit new basic jobs in Merced; 5) Provide adequate job-generating land and infrastructure to assure a competitive community position and 6) Deliberately integrate all of Merced's economic development efforts.

Quintero says the city continues to have a diverse marketing program that involves local media, sporting and entertainment events and non-profit groups.