Feb 8, 2011

Chandler tries to ‘keep it local’ with downtown businessesBy Michelle ReeseEastValleyTribune.com

Stroll into Latitude Eight Thai Grill for lunch in downtown Chandler, and you’ll likely be greeted by the owner.

The same is true if you go down the street to di Sciacca Glass.

In fact, many of the restaurants and businesses in historic downtown Chandler are locally, family-owned businesses, unique and keeping tax dollars in the community.

“It is a conscious effort by both our property owners and our downtown team, but not a formal policy,” said Teri Killgore, who leads the Chandler Downtown Redevelopment team.

Property owners get to choose who they lease building space to, as long as code allows, Killgore said. But they have also made an effort to “keep it local.”

“Our property owners have gone out of their way to lease to independent businesses. That’s not to say they are not open to chains, but they have been very selective in who they will lease to with an eye to helping create a fun and unique place and keeping a balance between chains and independents,” Killgore said.

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