We now have an entrepreneur from South Florida that has decided to change Monticello into a “South Florida community.” People are continually coming to Monticello from South Florida because of the calming atmosphere and the small town friendliness. There is no rush hour traffic, we have reasonably priced merchandise, good food and many business opportunities.
Rent for retailers has always been moderately priced, but now this entrepreneur has introduced something called a Triple Net (NNN) lease which has never been used in Jefferson County.
Not only has this lease doubled the rent of many retailers but it also requires them to pay the real estate taxes, insurance, and all repairs on their businesses.
This is causing more than one local shop owner to close this year and more to follow once they liquidate. Is this what we want for our community?
In the last five years Monticello has made a comeback. Instead of empty stores we now are a thriving destination spot.
If we allow "South Florida" to take over Monticello, we will lose our friendly hometown atmosphere and our customers. Do we want to become like Havana or Quitman with vacant buildings and no customers?
We welcome ideas from newcomers, but we need to be careful of how these ideas hurt the uniqueness of our historic town.
Donna Skelton,
Huckleberry's Creations