On Nov. 18, the Palm Springs City Council will have the opportunity to approve John Wessman's plans for the Fashion Plaza, but according to Michael Braun, senior vice president of Wessman Development, the plan lacks “the very clear defined language” to allow for a crucial new east-west street that would run through the mall, from the Palm Springs Art Museum to the Spa Resort Casino Hotel.

Braun said, “I need to demonstrate to my lenders and my retailers that that traffic circulation can happen in the future. And without the new street, the mall could lose a potential tenant interested in bringing a 14-screen movie theater and bowling alley to the renovated mall.” Once that tenant signs on, a bookstore, restaurants and other retail could follow, he added.

The mall's renovation is a critical part in breathing new life into Palm Springs. Will our council step up to the plate and allow this crucial language to be added to the plan or will certain council members continue to hold an unhealthy allegiance to old buildings and continue to circulate rumors that “Wessman is holding Palm Springs hostage?”

Barbara Beaty
Palm Springs