Elk Grove Promenade delayed

Council members start hand wringing

General Growth confirmed yesterday that it is delaying construction on several shopping centers nationally including the Elk Grove Promenade. The signs have been there for several days as construction has come to a virtual stand-still.

With the announcement comes much hand wringing over the long awaited but oft delayed project from the Elk Grove city council. Here is a sampling from a story published in the Sacramento Bee.

Sophia Scherman said;

"Really, there isn't much we can do about it," Scherman said. "It is what it is."

Scherman also expressed concern over blight.

"I want security there. I don't want it to become a blight."

Ironic that concern over the blight of a shopping center is being expressed by Scherman, one of the Promenades biggest proponents, before the center is even complete.

Meanwhile Mayor Gary Davis tried hard to put a positive spin on the delay saying it was good for Elk Grove.

"Our main concern is assuring that the highest caliber retailers are part of it (the mall). So, when it opens is not as important as what it looks like when it opens," he said.

At least council member Patrick Hume was somewhat honest when he said

"This has nothing to do with Elk Grove per se," Hume said. "But we were looking to having the mall open for the convenience of shopping and the sales tax revenue.

"It means that we will have to keep our belt tight and get through next year on existing sources of revenue."

Money is the mothers milk after all.