The $1 million commitment to transfer this property demonstrates the power of "grassroots" neighborhood leadership by those who worked to shut down GSE, and people like my friend Andrew who are working to get it reused. Continuing the fine and colorful tradition of Fort Road Federation neighborhood activism. Sherman has got a good reputation with a wide variety of people for decent architecture and buildings (aside from his proposing buildings that are too tall on the West Side flats). Much of the new construction downtown has his name on it, along with Michael Lander's, especially in the NE corner of downtown (Sibley Park and Court, 9th Street Lofts, Printer's Row, Farmer's Market Lofts, Essex, Dakota).
Given the truly wretched history of the ethanol plant, if the financial assistance makes other bidders think twice before jumping in the ring, I am happy. Who knows what you would get with others. Its a small price to pay. In such an important project, the City is wise to support a developer we know and trust can get the job done as well as anyone.
Bob Spaulding Downtown
On Feb 10, 2005, at 1:25 PM, Michelle Hoffman wrote:
I THINK I agree with everything my friend across the river has just said.
"(I don't know how you people can be so brief about something of such global
importance!!!"
This issue of development IS a pressing issue. It feels like everything is happening very fast.
"It's all very nerve-wracking, wondering what deals are being struck without our input."
Now I'm wa wa waaaing but we've ended up with outdoor biomass production, shredding, fertilizer transfer and storage and rock crushing proposals all within the last couple years. Shudder to think of what life would be like if I wasn't such a pain in the you know what.
"here we are in Saint Small, and working on an extremely tight schedule"
That is what it feels like.
"The neighborhood's sense of success of the redevelopment will not be measured in housing units or dollars but in pride"
Couldn't agree with you more. When I take out my thinking knife and whittle this down it becomes those things we can measure versus an unqualified sense of place.
"Having said that, others live in reality, and I need to respect that. George Sherman (or whoever) will need "his numbers." Fortunately, he seems to be a sensible enough man and will likely be open to Left Bank idealism."
I have heard nothing but good things said about all of the developers at the table.
"Anyone care to comment on how the city can best cooperate with developers to make sure that key development sites are developed with the long term interests of the city in mind?"
By sticking to the neighborhood plan. That's what I say. Deliver to the best of your ability what you know the neighborhood wants. Be flexible. That way everyone retains their sense of place.
MIchelle Hoffman West Side
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