Take a look at our enhanced Articles page to see some thinking that defies the conventional wisdom about the Plaza and economic opportunity in the County.

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	Before considering the Plaza project, we need to look at some hard realities facing Port Huron and the Blue Water Area. One hard reality is that the Blue Water Area has been very dependent on the auto industry. Automotive suppliers have been a mainstay of our local economy, and cities have worked hard to woo them in hopes of bringing jobs their communities. We all know this is changing. Plants are closing as businesses downsize. Businesses that have provided jobs for generations are closing their doors. The official unemployment rate in St. Clair County is about 8%, but that's just those drawing unemployment benefits. Unofficial estimates put the actual unemployment rate between 10% and 12%. The county's housing market is collapsing as people move out of state to seek employment. "Diversification" is offered as the solution to this crisis. But diversification means more than putting "Cool City" signs at the Port Huron city limits or designating ourselves an Automation Alley county. Diversification means being able to offer goods or services that people are willing to pay for. To diversify away from the auto industry, the area needs something to diversify into. Another reality is that Port Huron and the Blue Water Area is a major international border crossing. Love it or hate it, that's what we are, and unless we want to tear down the Blue Water Bridge, that's what we'll remain. Large volumes of passenger and commercial traffic cross the spans every day. That means that what happens here is of interest to many very powerful parties who have a say in the outcome. Development of the crossing facilities is much bigger than a county or even a state works project. More realities: One of the busiest commercial waterways in the world runs right past St. Clair County St. Clair County contains an international rail crossing Two major expressways cut right through the county and terminate in Port Huron Another major north/south expressway lies just an hour to the west Another hard reality is that downtown Port Huron is dying for lack of traffic. People don't think of coming downtown to dine or shop – most of that traffic goes to the north end, or down to Metro Detroit. How these realities help – or don't help – the area will be discussed elsewhere. But they are realities, and should be taken into account when considering the area's future.