”
I have read with interest the number of articles associated with
the various auto dealer closures over the past few months.
“I have read with interest the number of articles associated with the various auto dealer closures over the past few months. As I drive down the highway I have noticed that the RV dealer, Alpine, is also closed (at least there are no RV’s on the lot). Have they moved or closed? What happened? If they have closed I would think that it is a serious blow to Morgan Hill’s tax base.”
Dear Sharp Eyes, you are correct. The Alpine RV dealership on Condit Road closed July 8, and the $10 million in inventory was cleared from the lot and will likely be sold to other dealers, Alpine RV owner Michael Jacque told reporter Michael Moore. See the story in the Tuesday July 21 edition, or go to www.morganhilltimes.com. And, yes it is a significant blow to city coffers. In 2007, the dealer sold $56 in recreational vehicles. In 2008, the number dropped to about $38 million and this year it was on pace to sell about $18 million. The city gets 1 percent of the county sales tax, so after earning $560,000 in 2007 and $380,000 in 2008, it was set to receive about $180,000 this year. The closing appears to be another sign that it may take some time for the economy to recover.
3rd Street businesses remain open
“Dear Red Phone, I came downtown to visit Poppy’s market the other day, and had a heck of a time finding my way. Is there something the city can do to make it easier for first-timers to find their way through the mess of construction at Third Street and Monterey Road?”
Dear Frustrated, Red Phone feels your pain. As you may have noticed, our office is adjacent to Poppy’s, and quite a few customers have expressed similar feelings. The city recently installed large banners on the front of the old liquor store facing Monterey Road and one on our building facing Third Street, alerting customers that both businesses are open.
In addition, they posted signs directing motorists to park to the south of the building, behind the old liquor store. There is also a sign at the end of the lot, pointing to Poppy’s courtyard, where you enter both businesses. Just make a quick left after entering the courtyard to get to the Times office.
The diversion should only last through about August when the new sidewalk is built, then customers will again be able to access both businesses through the front door. Hope that helps, good caller.
