Why all the FUSS over Festival Foods?

Courtesy of Isthmus.com

Since the rumors started circulating about Festival Foods coming to the former Kmart site, all I've heard is, “ANOTHER grocery store?” I know, I know. I've done the rundown of all the grocers in Janesville so let’s review them together: we have Woodman's, Walmart, Sam's Club, Target, Schnuck's, Sentry, Piggly Wiggly, Pick N Save, Basics, and Aldi. Am I forgetting anyone???

Roundabouts are OUT and Diverging Diamonds are IN

Janesville residents were first introduced to the "modern" roundabout in 2007, one at the intersection of Sandhill Drive and Sandstone and the other on Morse Street off of Hwy 26 at the entrance of the new Menards development. Two more roundabouts were constructed in 2013 at the Racine Street on/off ramps with I-39/90. The roundabout was such a hot topic during construction that the City of Janesville posted a "Roundabouts" selection under Department and Services tab on their website in hopes of helping drivers navigate around the central island. 

While I've never personally been in or witnessed an accident in these areas, I can't deny that the roundabout provides a safer driving environment by reducing speeds and conflict points and allowing easier decision-making for drivers. So maybe the roundabout is everything they said it would be. 

Courtesy of http://www.mikeontraffic.com/

But what is a Diverging Diamond Intersection and will the City of Janesville soon be providing us with yet another selection under the Department and Services tab? The Wisconsin Department of Transportation already has.

Beauty is as Beauty Does

Curb appeal. Most of us have sold a house in our life time and know full well the importance of appearance from street level. After all, a home purchase is largely an emotional one. So what about commercial real estate? How important is appearance in a decision process driven largely by bottom line considerations?