Pardi Market Plaza Phase One Opens
Jul 27, 2020 12:00AM ● By By Debra Dingman
With the completion of Phase One of three approved phases, local retailers will pick up at least 18 parking spaces to encourage a vibrant social hub. Photo provided by Debra Dingman
DIXON, CA (MPG) - After nearly 25 years of having a gravel and dirt lot at the center of A and First Streets in downtown Dixon, the Pardi Market Plaza opened with little fanfare—unless you were watching social media. The City of Dixon Facebook site postings showed a definite slant to those more disappointed than pleased.
A color picture of what looked similar to a Space X landing pad was posted on the site and it is true, without trees or shrubs of any kind, it looks stark and not worthy of the 1.7 million dollars spent thus far not including the cost of owning the lot for the past two decades.
Numerous residents posted about the site being hot, ugly, or a waste of taxpayer’s dollars and some defended the project saying that it was better than the green paper flapping from the cyclone fence or the dirt and potholes over the years.
However, it is only completion of Phase one and better things are on the horizon if the economy recovers next year.
“To the best of my recollection, somewhere in between August and September of last year, the Council approved all three phases of this project,” said Mayor Thom Bogue. “It looks like a clean surface but know the bark is not part of the final project. It will be grass.” Phase Two is slated for next January and February so parking and the site will be closed again for the duration of that.
For now, the close-by merchants are happy to pick up at least the 18 parking spaces and have the fences gone.
“It looks like a lot of wasted space right now,” said Vickie Ruiz of The Printing Shop. “But we counted 18 parking spaces and we’re happy they took down the green paper.”
“It is just so nice to have it open,” said Courtney Kett of Dixon Florist. “It makes it so convenient for people to come down. We love seeing everyone.”
Some posts were recommending tables, chairs, and umbrellas to be put out to help the restaurants but also to add places for people to sit. At this point, there are only paths to walk. There may be fanfare planned but repeated phone calls to Joe Leach, City Engineer/Public Works Director for more information were not returned.
According to the Wordpress site on the project, “The City of Dixon envisions transforming the former Pardi Neighborhood Market site into a vibrant community plaza. The Pardi Market Plaza would serve as a new community social hub and parking area at this key downtown core location.”
Citizens who want to see more of the conceptualized drawings, can go to:
