While much attention has been paid to previous proposals for the location in
question, the point of the entire debate - as I have mentioned before, is
whether a motel is an appropriate development in this location. There are many
other proposals - some I consider more favorable than others. All proposals are
important in the sense that there are multiple options for this location, but
currently the real discussion is about the motel.
I have made it clear that a motel is not on my list of favorable land use
options, an opinion shared by many folks in the area who have lived there a lot
longer than the 8 years I have. Most of the multigenerational families are
opposed, many new residents, etc. While I don't believe a motel is an
acceptable development, I have consistently conceeded that if it were to be
built, it would do the least damage in a commercial rather than residential
setting - I do own a house a few blocks away, but that is hardly the point
because if I were so inclined, I could sell it for a nice profit at any given
time and move to a different house somewhere else. I won't be selling my house
regardless of how this issue unfolds. However, many people in the area do not
have that option, specifically on the block in question. From what I
understand, for example, the Lor family received something in the range of
$60,000 for their large home and no re-location expenses. They cannot begin to
find comparable housing to accomodate their family in that range.
It is a cheap shot to imply that one's concern about appropriate development is
motivated by their own selfish interests; since you don't know me enough to
understand my motivations, I will chalk it up to that. It is my opinion,
though, that self interest is the primary reason this proposal is on the table
at all. I oppose this proposal in any residential area, not just mine. I have
been involved in issues all around the metro of similar nature, and don't have
any financial interest in any property in the city other than the home I live
in; if I feel that I can make a positive impact, I will try to do just that; it
happens that this issue is near home.
Timothy Connolly wrote:
As to Eva's comment regarding the 25 jobs to be gained
by this project; i.e., "low level service jobs-will
these jobs lead to careers?"
First off I find the attitude that service jobs are
necessarily less than other jobs. As a former waiter I
suspect i would have hated waiting on Eva given that
attitude. To be held in either contempt or
condescension is equally distateful. I hasten to point
out that Lisa McDonald, a candidate for Mayor once
worked as a busperson at 510 Restaurant.
**I too, have held numerous service jobs - I don't think Eva's point is to
demean service jobs, just to point out that they are a commodity that is not in
short supply at the present time. There are so many service jobs all around us
that employers are going to greater and greater lengths to fill, that it doesn't
make a compelling arguement on behalf of a development proposal; Jobs with a
clear career path are in short supply, and are particularly important for people
supporting families. Again though, the issue of jobs is not a core issue to
this debate because essentially all of the options for this space would provide
jobs in the area. The real issue is whether a motel is appropriate or not.
A motel is not location specific, our neighborhood is!
Timothy Connolly wrote:
Could it be that for their purposes it is preferable
that as little light as possible be shed on this
matter and that reasonable ideas and judgements by
responsible persons be denigrated so that they may
keep the fires of resentment burning?
**This type of statement only invites further resentment and venom and does not
move towards solutions.
I don't approve of Basim's techniques, and I don't believe a motel is
appropriate, but I have no objection to Basim developing any number of other
options for this space - it's not personal although sometimes it may get taken
that way. Basim noted options for low income housing - I told him I would
welcome such a development as long as it doesn't displace any existing residents
(a criteria that I now consider paramount to any proposal given the current lack
of affordable housing and thus options). Last year Basim had a vision for
several restaurants with a common food-court, and I told him I would support
that idea (even though something about it feels a little like a mall.......it's
still a workable idea). Our neighborhood needs investment and development, but
we need APPROPRIATE developments, there are way too many examples of how
"development & investment" can do significant damage when they are not
appropriate.
Timothy Connolley wrote:
I forgot to mention that these new jobs will most
likely be union jobs that provide health care and
benefits.....
*I don't know for certain if they are union or not, but as AmericInn would be
involved only as franchiser, any union contracts they may have wouldn't
necessarily apply. It is my unsubstantiated understanding that generally
AmericInn franchises are not union shops. From a business perspective,
franchises are considered "attractive" because they are generally not able to
unionize.
The NAACP, though has given the motel industry extemely poor ratings for their
failure to move minorities into management positions, and I would personally
give Wells Fargo poor marks for the same issue (but again, straying from the
point)
David Piehl
Central
PS: As to Wizard's comment about posting the death threat received by the Lors,
I know that the police have it, but don't know if it is available for public
consumption or not - if it is available, I think posting it would satisfy a lot
of people's curiosity, including my own! Anyone know how to obtain a copy?
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