The type of downtown Manteca’s elected leaders want to see is one where you cannot patronize a smoke shop, liquor store, or a massage parlor.

That’s because the presence of the three types of businesses are seen as detrimental to efforts to transform the heart of the central district into a collection of trendy shops and restaurants as well as entertainment venues.

The zoning move the City Council initiated Tuesday would allow such existing concerns in a 12-block area stay until they go out of businesses. It bans such uses from being opened going forward.

Downtown makeover consultants advise local jurisdictions to ban uses considered detrimental or not complementing the vibe they are trying to create whether it is being more family friendly, a trendy dining and entertainment venue or both.

At one point Mayor Ben Cantu — a longtime advocate for adopting an overall plan that would include such restrictions — argued against it saying he didn’t want to prevent businesses such as liquor stores from opening if that is the only type of concerns willing to open with what is now present.

He also characterized downtown as being rife with vacant buildings as well as essentially being on its last legs since Walmart opened in 1991. Cantu also was concerned there wasn’t private sector businesses investing in downtown. He noted businesses were continuing to fail including a hair stylist shop that was now vacant.

That drew quick responses from other council members.

Councilman Gary Singh noted the hair styling concern in question simply moved next door.

Councilman Jose Nuño said he patronizes businesses downtown that are thriving and making significant investments. Among the biggest investments is a multi-million dollar events center getting ready to open in the former Kelley Brothers Brewing Co. & Brickyard Restaurant as well as new Mexican market opening in a remodeled building on the western edge of downtown.

Councilman Charlie Halford stressed the need to take “baby steps” that will eventually lead to bigger changes, something that Cantu conceded hadn’t occurred with a series of downtown plans formulated over the years and then shelved.

The city still plans to pursue a comprehensive plan for downtown to guide it evolving to the “next level”. But in the meantime they are addressing basic governing rules — zoning and property upkeep measures — that serve as the foundation of successful downtown makeovers.

Community Services Development Director Chris Erias noted the changes are the result of requests he heard repeatedly in his contacts with owners of downtown concerns.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@manetcabulletin.com