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Health & Fitness

Restaurants in Mission Viejo.

I would like to challenge the City of Mission Viejo and it's residents to seriously consider revitalization of our shopping center in the middle of town.

Am I the only one frustrated with the amount of decent restaurants in this city? Before I go any further, we have a couple of gems and I am thankful that they have opened. For now, I am going to concentrate on our shopping center bordered by La Paz, Marguerite and roughly Estanciero. Every time that I pull into this center, I feel like I have gone way back in time to a land that hasn't existed since the 70's.

I realize that there are multiple owners of this property and any revitalization effort will be a challenge. As I write this, please keep in mind that I would like the existing businesses to remain and thrive. However, don't you think it is time to step it up a bit? There are scattered businesses on the east and west borders in outdated buildings and a large underutilized parking lot in the center.

My vision is to build a meandering pathway with beautiful landscaping down the middle of the parking lot. Then I picture restaurants and specialty shops rolling with the path on either side. This is a place that many of us could walk to and enjoy a great craft beer or a good steak and dig into the community spirit. Yes, I know...I love the restaurants that already have these offerings. However, for now I am concentrating on this location that could possibly draw existing successful businesses.

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Existing businesses should be offered space in the new central project while the perimiter structures are revitalized or rebuilt.

This may be a pipe dream. But I see it as a possibility. Actually, I see it as a necessity. For variety, we shouldn't have to fight traffic to other cities to have fun. We can do this in our own city.

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Dwight

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