How about a modern, clean, exercise studio. Clearly the Livernois area is beginning to show signs of a rebirth but it is a least two years away. Some thoughts and observations that may accelerate progress. 1. Rename the area; Livernois really has not been the ÒAvenue of FashionÓ for at least 25+ years. Walk away from that moniker; it chains the area to the past. 2. Look at Livernois as a whole or in the macro, concentrating on small sections will not create a vision or like the community can get behind. 3. There needs to be a governing board or an official development authority tied into the city government to vet business prior to their opening. The area does not need another hair or beauty salon. Limit the number of certain types of establishments and new owners should have to meet minimal standards for the look of their business. No 24 hour establishments. Other communities have authorities to maintain some minimal appearance standards for the area. 4. Research availability of grant money for: ¥ A streetscaping project that is executed well. Get rid of that horrible island, at least between Mararita and St. Martin. Make some funds available to business for upgrades to the exterior of their property. Too many establishments simply look horrible, why would I go in there. ¥ Security is an issue, use grant funding to hire a security expert to help businessÕs secure their establishments without making them look like fortresses and unappealing to shop in. 5. Stop appealing to low income shoppers. IÕm tired of seeing my neighbors shopping in the suburbs, and IÕm not talking about Hazel Park. This area has houses that are not inexpensive to live in, cater to that income demographic. 6. The area needs to have a mix of both entrepreneurial retail and mainstream retail. 7. Get the murals off of the buildings; they are tacky, unimaginative, and boring. Besides those images are of people in their prime 35+ years ago! 8. For each business contemplating opening on Livernois the question should be asked Ð would Royal Oak, Birmingham, Berkley, want this business here. Does the business contribute to the quality of life for the residents in this area. If not we probably don't want it here either.

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