news story / By Daniel Mintz

This Time For Sure

“Having spent two years now talking to this community, in large groups, small groups and on people’s front doorsteps, I can tell you that there’s not a lot of controversy and by and large, the people of this community support the Marina Center project,” Morrissey said.

To address the economic concerns, CUE VI hired a consultant to author a study, the Eureka Balloon Track Retail Development Economic Impact and Urban Decay Analysis. “Based on our economic report, I can tell you that in the home improvement segment, there are no anticipated store closings,” said Gans.

“None,” Morrissey said.

The study states that big box stores primarily compete against other stores of their size and type. Many will reject that, and Olson said she was “surprised” when she read it. But competition from Fortuna is something Morrissey and Gans take seriously and they think people in Eureka should consider it, too.

Referring to Fortuna’s retail development, Gans asked, “Is it consistent with the scale of that community or is it designed to divert business from Eureka?”

Morrissey said retail magnets like shopping centers draw customers who buy at other stores in the same town. “Marina Center is the best defense for Eureka retailers from development in Fortuna,” he said.

But the discussion is happening as a national economic slowdown continues. And another economic consideration is whether Security National will be as ready to take on a big project as it was three years ago. The company has laid off 58 employees, 31 of them at its Eureka headquarters. Can Security National take on a hugely expensive project when it can’t maintain its own workforce?

Morrissey paused to think, then said, “Our workforce is dependent on the amount of work necessary for that division — Security National does and will continue to have the resources necessary to complete Marina Center.”

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