Another "quality of life" black eye for Beaumont. The closing of Crockett Street venues is the latest sign that we as a community, for whatever reason will not support the efforts being made to provide guality entertainment in this city. Not only are hundreds of people effected by the loss of jobs, but the attitude that has plagued Beaumont since my high school days in the 70's, that there is nothing to do in this area will become the norm again. Having been a partner in several venues over the past 19 years with the operators of the Crockett Street Venues, I know how hard it is to close businesses that people count on to make a living or to support them while attending college. Those experiences pale in comparison to the closing of the Crockett Street venues. I was involved in the early stages of the Crockett Street project and witnessed a whole block of deteriorating buildings undergo a unbelievable transformation. The developers of Crockett Street invested in the project knowing full well that it was not a venture that would have a significant return on the investment, but would provide a place for business operators to offer the kind of quality entertainment that is common in places like Austin, Dallas, Houston, Lafayette and many more cities across the nation. None of which are of any better quality. It has been the catalyst for further investment and development.
Same can be said about Ford Park. Whether you agree with the decision or not. The Judge and commissioners had a vision of building a facility to provide a place for many entertainment options. It may not be perfect, but its there. It only takes a few black eyes for a community to be somewhat blacklisted as for as entertainment commitments go. I recently contacted the management of George Strait to see the possibility of bringing his tour to the 17,000 capacity amphitheater, only to be told that Beaumont was not being considered for future tours. It's not because of market size, having attended his Lafayette show last year in the 10,000 capacity Cajun Dome. I also know that the implementation of the smoking ban did effect the venues sales as can be verified by the before and after liquor taxes that are made public.. I only hope that we as a community, start to appreciate what is being offered in the way of entertainment. Be it a hockey or indoor football team, concerts, entertainment venues or the future Lamar football. If we would like to see our younger generation stay in this community, the quality of life options must be there or they will go. Not to mention the rest of us who enjoy a good night out on the town.
