New boost to Concession Street, as shops open

Nine new businesses have set up shop in the past six months

By MARK NEWMAN
Staff writer

Mountain News, Hamilton
Monday, March 21, 2002

While some stores have closed and others are haggling with their landlords over rental fees, the general business climate appears to be improving along Concession Street.

Nine new businesses have opened within the six months, many began in January.

"We are going through a real transition of growth at the moment," said John Woolcott, president of the Concession Street Business Improvement Area (BIA). "When a door closes, a window opens."

On January 1st, the BIA zone expanded to Upper Gage in the east and near Upper Wellington in the west.

Among the new operators is Dez Miklòs, a Mountain resident and former hotel operator who opened the "Say Dez!" School of Safe Driving in January.

Mr. Miklòs said Concession Street proprovides the ideal location for his business.

"Up here on Concession Street, pretty well everybody knows everybody," said Mr. Miklòs during a classroom break last week.

Mr. Miklòs considered locating his business downtown but chose Concession Street instead.

"I'm not pleased with downtown," Mr. Miklòs said. "You almost have to force people to go downtown."

Mr. Miklòs likened Concession street to Westdale Village and plans to take an active role in the local BIA.