Lincolnite

A portion of the former Steve & Barry's location at Gateway is finally going to be filled. A store called Forever 21 will take up the majority of the first level. I can't tell you how excited I am that styles like this will soon take over Lincoln: I'm pretty sure I made a design almost exactly like that back in kindergarten using crayons, waxed paper, and an iron. Apparently the retailer has been requested for quite some time. So good for those who've been waiting, I guess. I personally would have preferred a theater. I really thought that space had a good chance -- read: higher than zero but still low -- to become Lincoln's first major non-Marcus theater. Alas.

Everybody else is making resolutions this year, so why shouldn't Lincoln? Here are five resolutions for Lincoln in 2013. Fix food truck regulations. Led by Heoya's pretty pink pig, Lincoln has seen a food truck revolution of sorts. Unfortunately, archaic laws continue to make these entrepreneurs' jobs harder than they should be. Lincoln needs to stop talking and start acting to improve the climate for food trucks in the city. The result will benefit small businesses and local bellies. Support the arena. We built it, but will anybody come? The Pinnacle Bank Arena is scheduled to open this fall. Lincolnites should resolve to support the arena and its West Haymarket environs by attending events, dining out, and so forth. That likely won't be difficult in the short term, but can we keep it up? That's a resolution for 2014 and beyond. Slash water usage. 2012's drought hammered Lincoln's water supplies. The long-term precipitation forecast for 2013, as it presently stands, isn't particularly optimistic. Lincolnites need to get smarter about our water usage. And not just residential or industrial customers -- commercial property owners largely failed to support the spirit of last summer's water restrictions, even if they did (mostly) follow the letter. Get a Costco. We've flirted with the rumors for far too long. Lincoln wants a Costco so let's get ourselves a Costco. It's that simple, right? Explore. I recently spoke with a long-time Lincolnite who claimed to be a fan of local Mexican cuisine, but he had never heard of El Chapparro. Another 15-year resident had no idea what The Missus meant when she wanted to meet at 84th and Cornhusker Highway. Lincoln isn't a very large place, but its residents have a habit of sticking to the same old parts of town, shopping at the same old places, eating at the same old restaurants. Lincolnites need to get out and explore. Hit up an art walk. Go to a concert at a new venue. Take the dog for a walk at a different park. What resolutions would you add to Lincoln's list?