You can thank me later

You may have noticed some freshening up around the Mesa Mall in recent months. You should have noticed something. For years the mall has been in a state of horrible disrepair and decline. But believe it or not things have started to turn around.

Over the past year mall management has replaced water stained and peeling ceiling panels. Replaced and repaired broken restroom fixtures. Applied new coats of paint here and there, as well as installed new wall decorations and murals. And even updated and replaced all of the tables and chairs in the food court.

Last year they chip sealed the parking lot, addressing much of the cracks and potholes which plagued visitors. And now they've begun on the exterior of the mall building itself. Last month the mall announced they would renovate the mall entrance facing 24 Road. And then this week I noticed they're applying new stucco and paint to the main entrance next to Chuck E. Cheese's.

I guess all of that complaining both publicly in the newspaper and on social media, including on this site, and in writing directly to mall management about the appearance and disrepair finally paid off.

But that's not all.

Since I started this blog over two years ago a number of other new and exciting updates have happened all around town. Mostly with regard to road repairs. But a few other things as well. You see for years I have written numerous letters to the newspaper bemoaning the sorry state of our local infrastructure. Or just making general suggestions regarding things that could be done to make this a nicer place to live.

Of course the paper couldn't print every letter I wrote but I still had so many thoughts and ideas that decided to start this blog to get them out there. My hope was that maybe others would read them and become inspired to speak up and voice their opinions as well.

And not only did I write to the paper and open this site, but I also wrote directly to various government agencies: City of Grand Junction, City of Fruita, Town of Palisade, Mesa County, CDOT, Grand Junction Economic Partnership, parks & rec, public works, local chambers of commerce, etc.

I also wrote to various national retailers and restaurants saying how great this town was and how much we could use one of their stores here in the Grand Valley. And some of those companies eventually opened stores here: Del Taco, Popeyes, Big 5, TJMaxx, Dillard's.

Yes, that's right I wrote to Dillard's. I also wrote to Costco, WinCo, Macy's, Forever21, Burlington Coat Factory, Staples, Dick's Sporting Goods, Academy Sports, Bass Pro Shops, In-N-Out, Five Guys, Dunkin', Krispy Kreme, Jack In The Box, Cheesecake Factory, Cracker Barrel, Black Bear Diner (my favorite), and so many others. Maybe soon we'll see one of those stores opening here too.

But back to the road and infrastructure improvements I mentioned earlier. Since I began this blog a number of issues have actually been addressed.

The intersection of 29Rd and Unaweep Ave got a traffic light. I70 was fixed between DeBeque and Parachute. Repairs have begun on US50 between GJ and Delta. The transition ramp from North Ave onto Hwy 6&50 was widened to two lanes. The intersection of H Rd and 24Rd got a four way stop. Orchard Ave is being widened and getting sidewalks. West Independent Avenue was repaved between Rimrock and the carwash. A left turn signal was installed at I70BusinessLoop and the 32Rd loop. Horizon Drive got crosswalks. All things that for years I've said both publicly and here needed to be done.

To be honest a lot of it is probably just coincidence. And I know I'm not the only person contacting the right people. But I do like to think that maybe in some small part I was able to help effect some change for the better. If nothing more than to prove that when the people actually take proactive and productive steps to address their issues and concerns to the right people then things do actually get done.

I'm not saying all of this just to toot my own horn. Okay, maybe I am a little. My point is that if all you do is moan and whine but don't actually do anything then nothing will change. You have to take the time and the effort to actually speak up and take your grievances, thoughts, ideas, concerns, etc directly to those who do have the power and the ability to implement changes.

So, you're welcome Grand Junction. You're welcome that this one person cared enough and took the time to speak up and maybe I have inspired others to as well.