This is the first time I've done this, so please bear with me. I believe I have something important to say.
My name is Mary An, and I own Carma Hair Company, located on El Camino Real in San Bruno. We have been in this location for 18 years. I have worked in San Bruno for past 25 years. I NEED to express my concern for the decline of San Mateo Avenue in downtown San Bruno.
I want to know why The Avenue is being ignored. I want to know why San Bruno's downtown is ugly—no trees, no park benches to sit and watch people and eat ice cream.
I want to know why it smells like urine at Newells or 40's or whatever that bar is called. I want to know why A LOT of businesses have left The Avenue. I want to know why after taking a survey of my clientele, of which 85% live in San Bruno, have been with me for the last 17 or so years and DO NOT shop in downtown.
I want to know why the farmers market was moved to Tanforan. Farmers markets are encouraged to be in a downtown of a city to promote business in that area. What happened there?
What happened to the Art and Wine Festival, which would encourage people from the surrounding cities to visit us and maybe spend time in our downtown. What happened to all the promises made to create a beautiful downtown comparable to Millbrae, Burligame, San Carlos and Redwood City? With a great plan, South San Francisco has improved their downtown immensely!!
I have seen with my own eyes the BIG, thick redevelopment plans for San Mateo Avenue. It was beautiful! What happened to those plans? What happened to the living quarters with storefronts that were supposed to replace the old theater?
What happened to the downtown where we once shopped? Why does it now look like a ghost town? And most of all, WHY isn't ANYONE doing anything about it?
San Bruno was a great town in which to start my career, and I'll most likely finish my career here as well. San Bruno has been VERY good to us and our small FAMILY business.
I actually get VERY emotional knowing and talking about the kindness of the people of San Bruno. Three generations of families are our new clientele. Carma Hair Company has PROUDLY grown up in San Bruno. We want the very best for the city. We are impressed with the growth of Tanforan. The Crossing is a welcoming site. City Park is one of the most beautiful places in our city. Our senior center is envied.
Please, let's not forget downtown. It deserves better. It is the core of the city.
Most of all, what can I do? Let me know. Thanks for listening.
