Revitalization of the Downtown

By Laura Freese

We have an opportunity right now, with the redesign of the interchange, to revitalize the downtown.

First, we must make the downtown a place where residents and visitors alike want to socialize, shop, and dine. We must take advantage of one of the most priceless historical assets in the world, the Mission San Juan Capistrano and enhance the area around it. Revitalization will also allow for a re-routing of traffic to reduce congestion. It will help make San Juan Capistrano a destination, not a drive-thru.

Secondly, the downtown can be, and needs to be, a source of revenue for the city. With the right mix of a boutique hotel, good shops and restaurants, the downtown can become the city's greatest source of revenue.

The timing is of utmost importance - with the redesign of the I-5/Ortega interchange, the opportunity to revitalize is now. It is a short lived opportunity because when the interchange redesign is decided and begun, the fate of the downtown is sealed.