something for the kids like a small Nickle Nickle would be great in the old Borders shop
Corky's in the old Ruby's and a SMART & FINAL please :))))))))

Wow! The above suggestions would be horrible for sustaining property values!!! And, as is, RSM is obnoxiously full of supermarkets, eateries and restaurants! How about some fun shopping for a change?!??

A Nordstrom Rack would be nice in the former Borders location and a Cost-Co in the old car dealership vicinity would be highly convenient! I greatly miss the Marshalls that once was also!

A Barnes and Noble would be great. I really miss Borders!

I really miss Borders, too! We used to go every week and let our kids get a new book. We were going to a birthday party last week and our son wanted to get a few Roald Dahl books for the birthday boy and we had to drive all the way to Aliso Viejo to get them!

^ i agree. My daughter needed a book last night for school and we had to drive to The Spectrum. I hope RSM looks into a Barnes and Noble.

Home Goods store would be nice. We need a Costco out in this area. Good suggestion about converting car dealership to one.

I agree with JLS those are horrible choices. Has anyone else noticed there is a Walmart grocery store going in where Circuit City was. Between that and Big Lots I feel like we have moved to slums. When did we become Santa Ana.

That being said, we would love a Barnes and Noble. Just think about all the traffic a Costco would bring.

Love the idea of having a Costco in the Old Car Dealership and as for the Borders location, that might seem totally off the wall - a bowling alley

You won't see a Costco in the car dealership, EVER. Our city council has rezoned that parcel for car dealers only. What happened to a owners property rights? The Nissan owner has had many offers that wanted to fill that space. Our city council is holding out for another car dealer because the taxes generated is much needed. Good luck with that!

Here is a list of businesses I would like to see in RSM. Whole Foods, Costco and In N Out. I also like the idea of more shopping like, Nordstrom Rack or Macy's.

Costco won't go into the car dealership because they require 15 acres.

This question was , what business should go in the old Borders store. I think the Barnes and Noble store is a great idea! We use to go into Borders while waiting for a table at Wood Ranch and usually buy something. We also used it monthly to buy books that my kids couldn't get at the library. Borders is very much missed and I hear that all the time from others. Now we have to drive to Aliso Viejo or The Spectrum.

Definitely another book store. The location is ideal, being adjacent a number of restaurants and also close to the library. As many folks know, Borders and the library and its Friends of the Library Bookstore had a kinetic relationship, since each would recommend the other when a particular title wasn't available.
I've shopped online for books but I much prefer a bricks-and-mortar bookstore. And I think most people who truly love books and reading would agree. Since the demise of Borders—a case of corporate stupidity which not only let down its client base, but its employees as well—I’ve driven over to Aliso Viejo's Barnes & Noble a couple of times. But only if I'm in that particular neighborhood for some other reason, since it typically is out of my way. The importance of our community—or ANY community—having a conveniently located bookstore that also sponsors children’s story times, book clubs, author signings, and other reading-oriented events cannot, in my opinion, be overestimated!

A store many may not be familiar with: Hobby Lobby. There is a HL opening in Laguna Niguel this summer at Alicia and Heather Ridge, near Walmart and Costco. Hobby Lobby opened last October in Temecula and is worth a drive over the hill to check it out. Fabulous stores - think of JoAnn, Michael's, A Scrapbooking Store, artworks, home decor, beautiful pieces of accent furniture, etc, party supplies, cards and so on. I don't think the Borders store is large enough but the combined Linens 'n Things and Circuit City space together would be adequate I believe. I am going to Vegas in 2 weeks and at the top of my to-do list is Hobby Lobby! These stores meet so many needs at so many levels and are an experience. I do not work for or have a financial interest in Hobby Lobby, other than spending my money! This stores offers a diverse stock which is attractive to so many...............check them out, RSM. I had not heard about a Walmart Grocery in the old Circuit City building but agree with other posts that we have plenty of places to buy groceries.

RSM: will you publicize the sum of opinions at some point? Thank you.

Lets be real people, there is no new dealership coming in the near future and as for re-zoning it can be done. I am not sure for a costco because of the size of the parcel there.This is what they are currently trying to do in the foothill area to convert the land slated for dealers to housing. Whole foods would be great or Barnes & noble and defenitley I like a cork'y type eatert in the old Ruby's

Me again: I agree with Nancy Thompson (no relation). A Corky's in the Ruby's location would be outstanding! Corky's in Ladera is the very best place in the area for a great meal, at a reasonable price, that absolutely has something on the menu for every taste. Yummmmmmmm........

There really are no adult night-time activities venues other than movies and a few sports bars. What this town need is an activities facility for adults in the evening with the potential of being youth facility by day and/or week night. Maybe a bar/dance facility hosting different forms of music on different evenings. Country, Jazz and Rock, each having a different night of the week. Face it, there is little night activities in this town for persons of any age, especially adults/parents. Would't it be nice to be able to go out with your spouse for activities other than a movie, knowing you are only a mile or so away from your kids/home.
During the week, let the youth use it until 10pm with music of their choosing. Providing a a place to study by day, and musical entertainment by night. Keep the youth in our own neighborhood where its only a short dive or walk. Why force them to drive 30+ miles at night when they are safer here near home. A facility of this nature youth would get them off the street and reduce creation other forms of entertainment, forms which may be detrimental to the community and/or illegal by law.

Something for the kids! Wal-mart? Seriously? Like we need more stores like that. This is a family oriented city. How about a roller skating rink?

sure hope the city does take into consideration what the citizens are asking for, a study would be great to post on line to see the most favorite :)

Will we all get to go to the CIty Council meeting when this is on the agenda? There are some very good ideas here. A Costco somewhere nearby would be one of the best things for this area. However, it is my understanding that space required for a Costco is not available anywhere in this general area. I'm still voting for Corky's in the old Ruby's! What can the City of RSM and the property owners do to make Corky's an offer that can't be refused?

I think it would be a great location for a church.

Nancy and Sharon, it won't be on a council agenda, as the city has no say-so over what goes into the Borders location, other than to follow the law. The landlord is the one to contact with your ideas and suggestions. As a matter of fact, the landlord worked with the city to pre-emptively obtain a Conditional Use Permit for the sale of alcohol in that location several months ago. They brought it before the planning commission stating that they had two potential tenants, both of whom would want it, and both of whom indicated that they wanted to see the permit in the landlord's hands before negotiating further for the property. The proposed uses were along the lines of a BevMo, or along the lines of a Fresh and Easy. The planning commission approved the application, so the location is ready for this type of tenant now.

Rather than it be one of those two companies, I continue to hope that it might be Mother's Market so I don't have to drive to Laguna Woods for my healthy foods or healthy food restaurant.

Yvonne you hit the nail on the head. In spite of all the naysayers trying to blame the city for problems the businesses are having, 95% of the problem is the landlords. The city has no say in private lease transactions. These naysayers however are just those posturing for their own political self interest. Also, if a new business such as Big Lots wants to come into a center that allows that use under the zoning law, then the city cannot prevent it unless they change the zoning. And that would be considered unfriendly to business to do that. The issue is the landlords, not te city. As far as the Borders location, I would like to see another bookstore back in there.

For the city to come in after Nissan has moved and then change the zoning is wrong. They should of had the overlay in place when the building was originally bought. It is wrong for the city to change the rules after investors spent millions of dollars on a building. How much tax revenue has been generated in the last few years? NONE!

You can keep hoping for another car dealer to come to town. You may be waiting for a while. Was this one of the bright idea's from the failed economic committee you were on?

Property rights should be protected for all. Shame on our city leaders for this vote.

So Watchdog, based on your logic, then maybe there shouldn't be any zoning requirements in the city? Anybody can put in any business they want anywhere? How about adult book stores or marijuana stores on every corner? How about a supermarket in the middle of Dove Canyon? How about a adult topless bar next to each school? Should I go on?

And how much tax revenue would the LA Fitness provide to the City? If the economy gets worse - the first thing people are going to give up are the fitness membership. How many fitness places does a City like RSM need? Just like how many more grocery stores.
But back to the original question - perhaps the landlord will read this and get a Barnes and Noble at the Border spot.

WalMart Market is "GHETTO!" How terribly, terribly disappointing. Another place to get liquor and junk food. What a waste of retail space. Give us people of RSM SOMETHING TO DO-
besides contribute to obesity.

Quit feeding RSM. GIVE US SOMETHING TO DO!!!! Shopping, a book store, etc. WalMart market in addition to Ralph's, Pavilions,Trader Joes, Albertsons AND Target?!?!

I keep thinking about this. A nice neighborhood bookstore, a coffee bar during the day, wine bar added at night for "Adults Only". A little Jazz Band............relaxing, oh yeah! A place to end the evening after a great dinner at Wood Ranch? But, as others have stated: No WalMart Grocery! What could they possibly add that we don't already have here in RSM? It would be unusual for the property owner/mgr to listen to the people who actually live here but could it happen? Let's hope so. We are afterall, the ones who will spend our money, OR NOT, at whatever goes in that space.

LA FItness at the Nissan Dealership or a Crunch Fitness.

So sad Borders is gone, Barnes & Noble for sure! Michael's or Joann's would be great, but dangerous for my pocketbook! ;-)

wow lots of good ideas listed above and after reading them all here are some of my comments
teenagers dont have anything to do out here!
we dont need any more food stores
we dont need any more stuff stores
corkys in rubys
costco is suppose to be coming off antonio but not for awhile
the revenu genterated by a dealership is huge but likely?
why do you think very few of the restaurants with bars dont stay open till 2 am? probably not enough customers, this is a bedroom community guys not newport beach or downtown orange
as far as the landlords are concerned it does seem they dont care, I can only speak for my landlord, who was willing to work with us on our rent, dont think they get a "tax" break for vacant spaces though, taxes for them are huge and they are in business of making money in the long run (not to defend them) our prices per square foot are not really out of bounds with the rest of south orange county
so I still support Corkys, something for the teenagers, no more food stores or bars
maybe a mimis???\

and why cant we go to these businesses and ask them to come to our community????

There are a lot of great ideas here (and maybe what we'll do is create a poll with some of the most popular ideas), but you guys are getting ahead of yourselves: We'll get to the Ruby's location in this series of conversations (maybe we'll do that one next?).

In a previous discussion elsewhere on the site, a reader suggested filling Borders with a really cool BMX store for mountain biking and snowboarding equipment and whatnot; she said it would appeal to her son and it was in fact his idea.

Another reader took the changing landscape of the city into consideration saying that with Cinepolis (a largely adult-oriented venue) replacing Edwards, it would be great to have a place to drop off the kids while the adults go to a movie. Are there establishments that would fit in Borders that would fill that hole in the community? One reader suggested Indoor Laser Tag; I don't know if it could be supported because it seems like such a niche deal, but it's the kind of thinking that spurs on other ideas, which is what this feature is about. Ask your kids what they would put in a large storefront such as Borders -- they have (your) money to spend too.

Also, a local artist suggested to me that perhaps a gallery would be a nice fit in the Borders location. What do you think of that? Would you support a gallery?

WOW how nice to have a discussion that doesn't involve politics!!!

Ms. April. Do you need to comment on everything? You are one of the most divisive people in this city. You have blasted our new councilmen, time and time again. You support the Beall's that many in this city DO NOT support. They are the ones that have brought bad politics and the CAPO mess to our city. Do you know how much money the Beall's have taken away from our kids in CAPO? $200,000+. We stand to lose millions more with the Fleming lawsuit. Thank you Mr. Mayor, Tony Beall.

spoke tooooooo soon!

I like the idea of a sporting goods store. Something like Dick's, with indoor ski lessons?

Ms. April. Thanks for the information. It seem this information was created by the group Tony started. I don't feel it is 100% correct. Tony did take close to $200,000 for his name being on a list. Where are the damages? This money was from an insurance company for the school district. His elected friends approved this settlement. I wonder how much money the district will now lose due to the unsubstantiated firing of James Fleming?

JD Smith - RSM Resident since 1995

My first choice for the Border's location: another book store.

Other choices for the same location; Whole Foods, Home Goods, a sporting goods store that has more selection than Big 5, Nordstrom Rack.

Activities I'd like to see for entertainment for kids and adults (either in the Borders location or elsewhere): Bowling alley, laser tag, skate rink.

Needed somewhere in RSM: Costco.

I wish we had more "pedestrian friendly" shopping/eating areas, something like the small area between Tutto Fresco and the theater -but larger - so that people can walk around, talk, eat, and shop without having to keep getting in and out of their cars.
All our shopping centers have the parking lots in the middle and the shops around the parking so that it's hard to walk from one store to another (think getting from Target to Big 5 or Trader Joe's). Actually, I think if most people want to get from Target to Trader Joe's, they probably get in the car and drive across the parking lot. We should have planned the stores and restaurants to be in the middle all together (with the parking lots surrounding them) so that people don't have to walk across the parking lots to get from one store to another. Hopefully the Chiquita Ridge area will be developed to be more pedestrian friendly.

Do you really think we might get a Costco in RSM? That would be great.

I really can't picture wanting anything in the old Border's store other than another bookstore. There is absolutely nowhere to buy books around here anymore. It's basically a 25-30 minute drive to the nearest bookstore. That's worse than what we had to endure when we lived in the Inland Empire, where everything is very spread out and inconvenient. Really, I can find just about everything else I need here in RSM.

However, I would much rather see an independent bookstore than a B&N, and I worked for B&N for 5 years. B&N put itself up for sale last year and their stock prices are quite low. I don't think they are doing much better than Borders was. I don't really think e-books are going to completely put brick-and-mortar bookstores out of business, but I do think we may be witnessing the end of the mega-bookstore chains and a return to more personalized independent booksellers. As a writer and avid reader, I certainly hope so at least.

The Borders in RSM did well, as evidenced by the fact that it survived the first round of closures. All of the stores that were not making a good profit were closed at that time. The RSM Borders would have survived if the company had not gone under. This bodes well for another bookstore. Obviously, there is a market for a brick-and-mortar bookstore here. I really hope someone steps up and does something like what Ann Patchet did in Tennessee.

Please no Costco in Chiquita Ridge. That area is residential and the traffic would alter the entire character of the residential community. If we need a Costco, it should be in an existing area already zoned for commercial.

NOOOOO WALMART!!!! YUCK. Barnes & Noble would br great, we NEED a bookstore. Costco sounds nice but the traffic would be terrible, I will drive the extra 10-15 minutes to Cabot. Nordstrom Rack would be amazing. BETTER SHOPPING.