I think the biggest problem at this point is trust in the landlords. Even
though it’ll be better in almost every other way to stay here, at least some
members want us to leave to get a fresh start, and not have to deal with the
building owners anymore.
We’re going to need some deep thoughts and perspectives from those who’ve
interacted with the owners and been in the lease negotiations from way back. It
sounds like the whole power thing was a miscommunication, but could there have
been some other motive? Have they shown signs of strategically trying to wring
as much money out of us as possible?
For me, Hanlon’s Razor seems to hold. People (maybe us, Remco, or the owners)
weren’t clear on something, did something foolish, or didn’t check on things,
and the electrical became a surprise. We’ve always been losing them money, and
as soon as that stops things should be fine.
So what does everyone else’s experience tell about that?
From: Jeremy Hiebert
Sent: Thursday, October 25, 2012 12:01 AM
To: discuss@lists.skullspace.ca
Subject: Re: [SkullSpace-Discuss] An estimate on moving.
One thing to keep in mind as well is the normal cost per square foot in the
area. When we originally were looking for a space the rates were $8 per square
foot or higher. Some were in the high 20's. This is not to say that we
shouldn't explore the option of finding a new space but unless things have
changed drastically in the last year, moving would be a much higher long term
cost. Also, the close proximity to AW is beneficial to us. The two spaces are a
perfect marriage.
All proposals so far have been great. Tons of work put in by members shows that
there is still passion to keep the space open. Thanks everyone.
On Oct 24, 2012 11:24 PM, "Justin Lacko" <jus...@takaji.ca> wrote:
My personal opinion:
The basic comparison is that moving may be cheaper, but cost more
time, and stay may be more expensive, but cost less time. If we stay,
we can immediately focus on the rooms that we have decided to keep,
and develop our workshop into a proper electronics lab. Based on the
survey results, people are looking for more classes/usable workspace.
In theory this should start to attract more paying members. We could
have more focused Hackathons that don't worry about power issues,
heat/cold issues, or usable space. Our rent would decrease to a
minimum of $500 if we get rid of all back rooms and our monthly amount
of usable funds would increase to an estimate of $500-$700.
The $6500-$9000 cost is not something that we have to immediately
stomach. We have the freedom to do electrical work as we see fit.
AssentWorks has mentioned that they are open to a longer-term solution
(ie. not immediately) where we pay back the $2500-3000 over a certain
period of time. Don't forget that we get $500/year in credit for
public usage of utilities on our panel!
I would also like to mention that I have secured $1000 in donations
for our electrical, from four SkullSpace members (names will not be
announced, as this money is contingent upon whether or not we decide
to stay, although I will state that one of the members is me). We have
the option of soliciting for more, holding a 1-year SkullSpace
anniversary (still need to do that!), and introducing student rate
memberships to increase our membership and income.
We all know that it is completely unfair and ridiculous that the
landlord is putting all past electrical bills back on us. But even
including this cost, we still are getting a very appealing deal for
the space we occupy. I think it is worth swallowing this cost, however
unpleasant it is, and staying where we currently are. The estimate on
moving, 203-460 hours, would throw us back to the days of when we
first started and *everything* was a work in progress. Instead of
wasting time with a move, let's stay where we are and focus on turning
SkullSpace into a place with multiple, streamlined services.
~Justin
_______________________________________________
SkullSpace Discuss Mailing List
Help: http://www.skullspace.ca/wiki/index.php/Mailing_List#Discuss
Archive: https://groups.google.com/group/skullspace-discuss-archive/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
_______________________________________________
SkullSpace Discuss Mailing List
Help: http://www.skullspace.ca/wiki/index.php/Mailing_List#Discuss
Archive: https://groups.google.com/group/skullspace-discuss-archive/
_______________________________________________
SkullSpace Discuss Mailing List
Help: http://www.skullspace.ca/wiki/index.php/Mailing_List#Discuss
Archive: https://groups.google.com/group/skullspace-discuss-archive/
