edb2n

It's funny the way people think using the French spelling of shoppe will make a Taco Bell classy.

I'm not sure I completely agree with that. There is no doubt that fashions and tastes change. And what's cutting edge design today can be hopelessly dated tomorrow. However, there are certain things that won't ever change. For instance, having huge garish signs that are 50' high, chain link fences, buildings made of bricko block or metal sheeting, dead plants or grass, etc. These things are never going to be attractive no matter how much tastes change.

I'm not sure I can provide logical or well researched input here. All I know is that I'm very picky about the way things look. The way my home and lawn and neighborhood look, etc. I have a strong desire to be surrounded by people who do the same. My wife and I moved out of Lake Forest in La Vergne because of too many people who took no pride in the appearance of their home and yard, not to mention the anything goes development policy of the city. We selected Murfreesboro (and particularly the area and neighborhood we're in) specifically because of the design guidelines, zoning laws, and HOA Restrictions. I would be very upset to see them weakened or rescinded. I guess the only thing I can say is that if people want to develop or do things a certain way, they shouldn't buy into an area where those things aren't allowed.

I know you didn't ask my opinion, but I don't see them as curtailing property rights. In fact, I wish they were more strict. I have a right to live in an aesthetically pleasing place where my property value will be protected by a common set of guidelines. If you don't want to live in a place like that, well, there's always LaVergne...

Geez, you don't have to get all huffy. There is a sign up for the Publix on 99. I haven't talked anyone in the manangement of the company, but I know what I saw.

I believe there is one planned for the corner of Hwy 99 and St. Andrews. I saw a sign there several weeks ago. I was surprised because it is so close to the one on 96.

That's not really true. A lot of the stores coming in there (Talbots, Jos. A Bank, Coldwater Creek, Brighton, etc.), only have locations at Green Hills and Cool Springs. Granted, it's not Versace or Prada, but it's pretty upscale for this area.

I'm afraid I fail to see what Bible Park USA has in common with the Avenue. The Avenue is an upmarket, well-planned, and beautifully designed shopping destination. Shopping is a necessity in any city, town, or suburb. It was a placed on a major thoroughfare with quick access to an interstate in a commercial area. It will allow those of us who live in Murfreesboro to stop having to drive 30 minutes to Green Hills to find any decent stores. It will also increase property values of those of us who live nearby. Bible Park, on the other hand, is a cheap, trashy Theme Park dumped in the middle of a residential area with no regard for traffic or the effect on nearby homeowners. It will destroy property values. And a theme park is certainly not a necessity for every city, town, or suburb. I imagine it will bring in mostly day visitors; I can't imagine many people planning a week's vacation around it. Nor can I picture it being a big draw for locals. I just don't see how they are related.

The Farmer's Market opens at 6 a.m. It's pretty common for people to stop by on their way to work. I've also heard that a lot of the farmers set up the night before, so you can purchase stuff on Monday or Friday evening. I've not tried that, though.

There's a great Farmer's Market in Murfreesboro. It's in a covered pavillion on Front Street. It operates on Tuesday and Friday mornings.

I don't think Publix is much more expensive than Kroger, really. The little difference in price is more than made up for (in my mind) by the far superior service. I've never been to a grocery store where the employees are as friendly and eager to help as those at Publix. Good luck trying to find anyone to help you at Kroger. We were in Publix (Smyrna store) about a week ago, and my wife was looking for wheat germ. Three different employees (including the manager) helped us scour the store looking for it. When we finally realized they didn't have the kind she needed, they told us they would go to Wild Oats and pick it up for us. Apparently they have a book up front, and if there's anything they don't carry that you want, just sign the book. They'll go to Kroger, Wal-Mart, Wild Oats, Harris Teeter, or wherever and get it for you. Then you just buy it from Publix next time you're in. I can't wait till the one by me opens next fall!

That article said there will be a Banana Republic at the Avenue. I haven't heard that announced anywhere. In fact, Stones River had a drawing of one in their new expansion. Anyone know the story? Of course, as long as we get one somewhere, I'll be happy.

Well if Gap stays there and Banana Republic comes in to Stones River, they should be fine. They will have the large department stores that the Avenue won't. Also, Gap and Banana will most likely have more draw than any of the apparel retailers at the Avenue.

Was it just me, or was there a Banana Republic sign on one of the stores in the lifestyle center in that video? I would be SO excited if we got a Banana Republic in Murfreesboro! I can't imagine that they would put that on the video if they didn't already know they were getting it.

I spoke to a friend yesterday who is a manager at American Eagle at Stones River Mall. She said they will be moving to the Avenue. Which leads to the question, what will hapen to Stones River Mall? There's not much there anyway. If everything desirable is at the Avenue, will Stones River go the way of 100 Oaks?

So they're not closing the one by Kinko's? I assumed they were moving from that location to the Dairy Queen.

If you go to New York, Boston, or Chicago, there is literally one on every corner. I was in Chicago last month and there were 9 Starbucks within two blocks of my hotel. Of course, we don't have near the density that they do.

Five Senses is my favorite local, "non-chain" place. It's a chef-owned restaraunt with pretty high end fare and a changing menu. It's one of the few places in Murfreesboro for foodies. It's not as good as Margot in East Nashville, but it's good that we have something like that. Also, Bangcok Cafe is one the best Thai Restaraunt I've ever been to anywhere. They used to be on the square, but I believe they have recently moved to Robert Rose Drive.

I would expect a Starbucks at the Avenue as well, but it might be too close to the mall location.

Of course, there are good people there; I have friends that live in Forest Hills. But there's definitely a sense of elitism, especially in Belle Meade. That's old money Nashville society, and they don't take that lightly.

The only reason Belle Meade and Forest Hills are not included is the snob factor. The residents of those cities will never concede to being a part of Metro Nashville. However, some services are county wide and some are city specific. It's rather confusing. For instance, they are all in Metro Nashville Schools, but Belle Meade has their own police. Of course, there's no crime in Belle Meade. Their only job is to keep the poor people out.

Oh no! I've been bragging to everyone I know that we were getting a Harris Teeter in Murfreesboro. I hope Kroger carries crow...

Well, the library was in dire need of a face lift, which it did receive. The good news is that the carpet is no longer stained, worn or ripped, and the walls aren't dirty. The bad news is that 1991 called and said it wanted it's color scheme back. There was obviously no thought put into this renovation. They slapped some white paint on the walls and some ugly blue and burgundy carpet on the floors and called it finished. I would like to have seen them do something very tasty and artistic. It's possible to do that only cosmetically, without much money. Even the LaVergne Library has a great interior. But oh well.

^How do you feel about HOA Restrictions?

I understand what you are saying, and I am definitely a smaller governement proponent in general. However, I personally disagree with you on this issue. I wish Murfreesboro put more restrictions on signage, aesthetic controls, various codes, etc. We moved to Murf. a little over a year ago for the specific reason that the city and the subdivision we built in were very strict on what was allowed. We moved away from LaVergne because anything went there. Our property value, not to mention the pride and joy we took in our surroundings was eroded constantly there. I think decisions have to be made for the greater good in this area. If the aesthetics (and therefore property values and even quality of life to some degree) are going to be improved, it is in everyone's best interest. Changing the topic a little bit, I think there are good things going on in Murfreesboro. At least the phrase "mixed-use" is in the lexicon now. There is certainly sprawl, but people are beginning to be aware of the problems there, and there have been some steps in the right direction. It's very difficult to overcome sprawl in a city like Murfreesboro (or any new city in the South or West). Public transportation is virtually impossible in any sense that would affect the public at large. We just don't have the population density to make it happen. As gas gets more expensive, our problem will become more and more urgent. I don't know if we can maintain this lifestyle into the forseeable future. But it will require a complete paradigm shift to overcome it. As well as a lot of tearing down and rebuilding of our cities.