There has been a lot of conversation recently about the Easton Promenade concept for our downtown. We at Bluepoint Hospitality Group understand the need to address concerns about the future of our town’s business core, particularly in the wake of new dynamics resulting from the coronavirus.
As this dialogue evolves, we hope the process is a thoughtful and inclusive one that uses data and informed reasoning from qualified personnel. In the case of the Promenade, we believe a number of concerns were overlooked or dismissed in the pursuit of “doing something” quickly in response to new guidelines and limitations on commercial businesses due to COVID-19. As active participants of the community, we should expect that decisions of this scale be implemented thoughtfully and carefully, with all stakeholders in mind. This very principle guides all our Bluepoint establishments.
While the Promenade concept was intended to benefit downtown establishments, the potential gains were unclear, and opinions of several impacted businesses were not solicited. Like us, many businesses were approached by Discover Easton in late May about a potential one-to-two night per week street closure with the goal of encouraging outdoor dining. At that time, Bluepoint Hospitality expressed significant concerns about resulting traffic and parking issues in the heart of downtown. Unfortunately, these concerns were not considered. Neither were the issues surrounding the lack of lavatory facilities or emergency response delays for a continued period of time. As the Easton Police Chief recently expressed, “I don’t want to say I told you so, but I told you so”.
Easton has been home to many successful festivals and street events over the years because they have been thoroughly planned and effectively executed with broad input and support of the community. The hasty formation and abrupt removal of the Promenade has elicited strong reactions, but I think we all can agree on one thing: Easton is our home and a strong and vibrant downtown is a benefit to us all. We believe a reasoned and informed decision-making process is the surest way to achieve our shared goals.
Paul Prager
Bluepoint Hospitality Group
Arthur Blann says
First within A 2 block section there are several parking lots. The Old Safeway, The one the farmers’s market is in, The one by the bank on Dover St, The one on the side by Crackerjacks. As far as traffic there are several ways around very easily avoidable for that section of Washington ST. This is a opportunity for every business to profit from. The main problem is these business’s are not open when people are out. So you have a relaxing dinner listening to live music, Then you stroll around the area going into shops that should be open. This is a win win. For the restaurants not on that block Adapt have it so the can order from you and have it brought to the Promenade. It really is a simple solution. As far as time these are unprecedented times and it actually is a very easy concept. It is shameful that Paul Prager decided to be the rich bully that he is threatening like he did. I know I speak for a’lot of live long residents. If you feel that way then leave this was a awesome town before you and will be long after you are gone.
Doug Davies says
Tired and typical arguments regarding traffic, emergency response, and parking. This is merely fear mongering hiding behind the need for technical analysis, which would never support the outcome described. Here’s some facts. https://nacto.org/program/covid19/
Peg Fitzgerald says
The dynamic staff at the Easton Business Alliance have created numerous successful events that have strengthened the downtown business community. The shame of the Washington Street Promenade abrupt closure is that it never had a chance.
Plenty of parking surrounds Washington Street. Just look at all who attend Waterfowl Festival without a parking complaint.
(If you ever attend a Baltimore Orioles game, you will undoubtedly walk further from your car to your stadium seat.)
One man’s power terminated a brilliant idea that would have benefitted a community as a whole in so many beautiful ways.
Cornelia Heckenbach says
Very sad indeed …. usually these street closing events revive the towns….it amuses me to read in the argument against this closing of the streets that a lack of parking is mentioned. So many parking places nearby since when does a small town like Easton has parking problems ? All these open spaces to park close by …..I guess it was just a good excuse
Linda Wilson says
WOW….that’s the best excuse you can come up with? Better not have the Water Fowl Festival anymore then!
Harriett Page says
Is Easton becoming what used to be known as “company towns” where everything revolved around one enterprise–in this instance Prager?
Is Prager Easton’s version of Donald Trump?
Gary Saluti says
Such a thoughtful and well stated Op-Ed.
Unfortunately Mr. Prager’s behavior at the recent town meeting was anything but. I was shocked to read his comments as noted in The Star Democrat. He came off as a rude bully who thinks he owns the town of Easton. I have never met the man and have to admit that I have frequented several of his establishments in the past. I will now think twice before doing so again. Perhaps we should change the name of Easton to Pragerville. Would that satisfy your ego Mr. Prager?
S. Swan says
Mr. Prager’s views shared at the town meeting were also reasoned and respectfully presented. I think you are referring to alleged comments from a private conversation reported at the meeting by the representative of Discover Easton and subsequently quoted in the Star Democrat. Those comments, if not wholly inappropriate, as I believe Mr Prager, as an Easton business owner, is essentially a client of Discover Easton, certainly did not serve Discover Easton’s mandate of promoting Easton and its business community and, in fact, caused great damage and made that job much more difficult.
Here is a link to the audio from the meeting. It is an hour and a half long, but worthy of one’s time if one chooses to comment on it. https://www.eastonmd.gov/TempMedia/WashingtonStreetPromenadeWorkshop070820.wav?fbclid=IwAR0tjn4IudU00d1790fHIYCU6DObhmU7Fm5rlOaV4xQEphGjP5YomHBi8xQ
Mike McConnel says
I find very little to quarrel with in Mr. Prager’s letter. My understanding is that the decision to establish the Easton Promenade was made without asking for the views of Mr. Prager’s organization, Blue Point Hospitality Group. If so, this was a mistake. All residents of Easton are aware of the investments Mr. Prager has made in our town. Recognition of this should have led authorities to seek his views, if only as a courtesy. I am embarrassed that they may not have thought to do so! Being informed to the extent possible is never a disability and responsible civic leadership should take relevant matters into account.”
Caroline Taylor Pruitt says
I think of Washington Street as our Main Street to get to and from place to place especially during the summer months. I agree with you wholeheartedly on the situation. I feel as if the event was put together last minute without coming together as a community to discuss anything about it. While, route 50 is the busiest time in the summer months, the amount of traffic getting to and from Place to place is Sown right impossible unless you are on a bicycle. Also Washington street is the mail serves as the main pathway for emergency vehicles since the hospital is on the same road.
Most of the streets are one way streets or already backed up with heavy traffic starting on Thursday and not slowing down until about Sunday evening. Summer is a busy month. The parking is already very limited anyway. I was born and raised here and my family has rental properties as well property in other counties. I know this town inside and out. You have done such an amazing work on the architecture of transforming these buildings. I’m very familiar with a lot of nice places including but not limited to my hometown of Easton, Charleston, Georgetown, downtown Annapolis, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, Cape Cod…to name a few. Also let’s not forget St. Michael’s and Oxford. I like charming and quaint towns. I’ve been up and down the coast, Canada, and Washington state. I like the finer things and I like classy things. You have brought that to Easton. Thank you!
However we are in the Promanade and with being said, who is going to really want to sit outside in this hot weather anyway? Where are we suppose to park? I am fortunate to live in town so I could walk but many tourists will need to drive. Before we go and make this huge commitment to the town we need to consult every business involved and then also ask the residents. I was against it from the start. Thank you for standing up what you believe in and taking the time to care about the town. I hope to meet you one of these days!
Caroline Taylor Pruitt