Most people would agree that 2006 has been a tough year. In the greater world the US continues to participate in the disaster in Iraq while we see our influence in the world dwindle month by month.
In “the little-known Center of the Universe”, Madrid things started out looking somewhat grim. The boardwalk had lost the long time business Primitiva and the historic soda fountain was removed from the former Talking Bridge store. Uncertainty increased when both the Mine Shaft Tavern complex and the Old Boarding House Mercantile were offered for sale.
During the year the biggest thing to hit town was the shooting of “Wild Hogs” by Disney. It brought in some new money and short-term jobs and provided entertainment for locals and visitors but almost all the businesses were negatively impacted by the disruption of having more than 5 weeks of the summer traffic frequently interrupted.
With all that the ending of 2006 brings new hope both for the country and for Madrid. The election of 2006 is clearly a repudiation of the Iraq war and gives us some new focus on getting ourselves out of this mess. Almost incidentally the change of control of congress and many statehouses offers us hope that a more progressive agenda can get a chance to be pressed.
In Madrid things also are definitely looking up. An earlier time resident and her new husband have bought the boarding house. The plans I have heard include increasing the shop space while retaining the historic design and appearance of the building and adding gas pumps that haven’t been seen in town since the 50’s (except for the fake ones the movie company brought). These changes won’t come without dissention but that’s Madrid.
In our view the best news is the imminent purchase of the Mine Shaft complex by Lori Lindsey and her outside partner Jeffrey Kutcher who will soon be part of our community . Lori is a relative newcomer but has been a great business booster since she and Melinda opened Cowgirl Red. Her plans include keeping the tavern basically the same while increasing its efficiency. The Melodrama Theater is slated for a major upgrade including insulation and heating making it an all year venue. In an aside during the counting of the lighting contest ballots, Lorie told us that she expected a much more competitive race next year.
On the boardwalk things are also looking up. The former Talking Bridge space is now occupied by a new gallery, Rock-Paper, run by two of the nicest guys many of us have met in a long time. Welcome Crico and Corey. Jezebel has sold their Santa Fe store and are expanding into the Primitiva space and the sign in the window tells us that the historic soda fountain will be reinstalled. That may take some time as it is being completely refurbished. Many visitors I talked to this year were disappointed that it wasn’t available after all these years. I take this expansion by Jezebel as a substantial vote of confidence in Madrid as a suitable location for high-end art sale.
Community organizations also are seeing some very positive signs. The MCP and MLA are concluding years of negotiations that will finally allow release of the County funds that will provide for the reconstruction of the Ballpark Grandstand. Another grant will allow the installation of permanent clean composting toilets at the Ballpark. Serious discussions are now being held on how to create a Community Center for Madrid possibly as early as this year.
At the last minute I am adding three new pieces of good news from the MLA quarterly meeting. The MLA approved expanding the Gypsy Festival to two days with limited camping on Saturday night. Dale offered the Wild Hogs gazebo to the community if the MLA can find a place for it and pay the cost of setup. The MLA agreed to study this and get back to Dale. Finally the MCP announced an active planning program to build a community center on currently unused MLA land. This was very positively received. Look for new information requesting community input to this project.
We are extremely pleased that after years of discussion the merchants Christmas committee has evolved into the Madrid Merchants Association. This group will meet year round to promote business in Madrid.
While this is only our fifth year here in Madrid this is by far the most positive outlook I have seen going into a new year. Let’s all get behind the people who are moving our community ahead while preserving its unique character.
Bruce & Nancy McIntosh