Preserving Local Businesses

The Sun today has a story on the demise of Produce Galore, with some comments from local elected leaders and civic activists. It got us thinking: We channel so much energy these days into fighting stuff we don't want (highrises, Merriweather development, etc.) but not so much in saving that which we hold dear.

Here's a bit from the Sun story:

Said Del. Elizabeth Bobo, "I think it's just so sad. I can't help but believe that with support from the local government, we could prevent something like this. There must be something we can do to help family businesses that give such a unique, personal service to our community."

Alan Klein, a spokesman for the Coalition for Columbia's Downtown, noted that although the e-mail from Produce Galore said big-box stores are "surrounding" Columbia, those large stores are "in" Columbia, he said.

"[Rouse Co. and General Growth Properties], our planners and our elected officials have consistently let us down over the past several years and have allowed sprawl to take place within the bounds of Columbia, rather than creating and adhering to a meaningful plan," he said.

Bun Penny, Fire Rock Grill, Produce Galore. Is there a trend here?