"What Will We Resort To?"

By James G Barrett

Without a doubt the proposed Manchester luxury resort hotel in downtown Oceanside has been the catalyst for many arguments past, present, and future. Some sort of big tourist draw is needed in Oceanside and this just might be the ticket. This is still a do-able deal if we all work together. Once a final proposal is submitted to the city then we must all scrutinize it very carefully and come to a rational decision about it.

I have always held the opinion that a 1st Class Hotel would be an excellent choice for downtown.

I've always advocated that if everybody (business and private sector) works diligently in the spirit of cooperation then much can be accomplished for the benefit of all. In an interview with the Union Tribune in August I said that Mr. Manchester and Mr. Watkins should cooperate more in an attempt to build such a resort, I suggested that maybe the timeshare tower could be built by Mr. Watkins' group. I further stated that a top notch project could be developed that would stay east of Pacific Street and off of our beaches. Well guess what? Now the is word out that Mr. Manchester and Mr. Watkins is now proposing just such an idea.

I feel it is time to stop all the bickering and for all the parties involved to get down to some serious business and work out a development plan that all of Oceanside can live with and be proud of.