Reinforce the Industrial Employment Base

A solid employment base created the near eastside and is critical to its rebirth. It must be recognized, however, that the corridor cannot compete with suburban industrial parks that offer easy truck access, new infrastructure, lower taxes, and no crime. The future of East Washington Street industrial land is not in pretending to be suburban, and companies desiring a suburban location are never going to locate on the corridor. The future must build on the strengths the corridor offer—namely unparalleled access by transit, a convenient centralized location, and proximity to quality, affordable workforce housing. Innovations such as a truck drive south of Washington Street may support and attract industrial users.