But the real issue revolves around a bigger question: What should the future look like for downtown Willow Glen? It's a question that for years has remained unanswered, as Lincoln Avenue tries to compete with other communities and shopping centers such as Los Gatos and Santana Row.

The downtown needs to create a "sense of place" that makes it a unique destination choice. Whether that identity includes a Beverages & More, more specialty stores and restaurants, boutiques or coffee shops, the focus should be on finding a balance that develops into a vibrant downtown.

Mulcahy had a valid point when he told residents that local merchants like clothier Bella James saw the appeal to renting in the Garden Theater because a proposed Starbucks would be next door. The women's motive for moving into the spot was simple: potential foot traffic. That type of co-existence benefits both businesses.

But to create that synergistic flow up and down Lincoln Avenue, other issues have to be resolved. One of those is ample parking throughout the business district. Without it, the struggle to attract businesses will continue. Another is deciding whether Lincoln Avenue needs an anchor store to draw the foot traffic. The third issue is should the downtown provide more basic services, such as the dry cleaners on Willow Street, as part of an overall plan to enhance foot traffic.

There was a tremendous outcry when Long's wanted to build at the corner of Lincoln and Brace avenues. The community was fearful of noise, vandalism and parking problems. Now that it is here, residents appreciate its convenience and proximity to the surrounding neighborhoods.

With another chain-style store wanting to become part of the Lincoln Avenue landscape, the community has a terrific opportunity to work together and decide if this is the right fit and if not, what is?

Willow Glen Neighborhood Association President Ed Rast hit the nail on the head when he said, "We need to create circumstances so that the desirable stores will be more willing to come in."

The neighborhood associations and the business association should team up with residents and create a task force to address these questions. They should plot out a future course of action that will take the community in a direction that will entice businesses to become part of Lincoln Avenue and its surrounding areas.

The community needs to come up with a game play that defines the downtown beyond its eclectic collection of merchants.

It's time to toss out the piecemeal approach to Lincoln Avenue and find an identity that will hold fast well into the future.