Ann Berget suggested Block E is criminally boring. What a generous characterization!
Linda Mack's article referred to the material EIFS. At a recent Z&P meeting where De La Salle High School was proposing an addition to their building making use of EIFS, they were shot down by the Heritage Preservation Commission. Beyond aesthetic considerations there are questions as to how durable this material will be. It was referred to as a "stucco like" surface. We all know what old stucco in need of rehabilitation looks like. It can be restuccoed though or painted. Can this be done with EIFS? The main benefit of EIFS(surprise, surprise)is cost. On the De La Salle project I think the figure used for covering two sides of the building addition with EIFS as opposed to brick or stucco was $600k. As Richard Damico said in a Strib article referring to Block E, the best thing about the building might be how easily it will be demolished. Our List Manager asked "what can or should be done about the circumvention of plans submitted to the Planning Commission?" Aren't there such things called Certificates of Occupancy that would prevent the opening of the facility? Are plans submitted to and approved by the Planning Commission and Z&P of the City Council contractually binding? If McCafferty essentially wants to cheap out on the construction I say let's play hardball. I'm not an attorney but I'm thinking that if what was implied by Linda Mack's article is true I would love to go into court against McCafferty Interests if for no other reason than the pretentiousness of their name. Someone also said "is McCafferty pulling a Brookfield on us?". They must not remember that Dan McCafferty, prior to establishing his own "Interests" was the Midwest Regional Manager of the predecessor company of Brookfield, BCED. He was well known around town in development circles before Brookfield tapped him as their white knight to "save" the Block E project. If you will recall he was Brookfield's second or third proposed partner. These guys could make one feel positively warm and fuzzy about Ray Harris. At least when Ray screws the city the money stays here. Wade Russell said we should look to the Mayor for the lead on this deal; that he rode into office on the promise to change the old way things are done in this city. Hah! Does anyone read history in the city? As much as I might personally like the Mayor, he was always part of the problem. The Downtown Council of which he was Development Director for a time worked hand in glove with Brookfield and you should read the gushing words the Mayor had for Ray Harris. To sum up my thoughts: "Screw McCafferty" and tie him up until he makes good on the approved plans and find the guy(s) who turned a blind eye and let McCafferty move ahead and audit their bank accounts. Approve the underground ramp and let it open in the meantime and start filling the city's coffers. Tim Connolly Downtown West Breathlessly awaiting the opening of Block E __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Sign up for SBC Yahoo! Dial - First Month Free http://sbc.yahoo.com _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
