Will the Chamber get our money?

After watching painfully for more than 3 hours and through countless amendments to the Chamber resolution, I wonder if there has ever been a more controversial issue that the council has faced?

Most of the public comment in favor of this development have something to gain with it. Those who don't, didn't want to hear it. There were a few that would just a soon see the land given to the Chamber to do with as they please. Perhaps that could be brought up in the future. Kudos to those who took the time and spoke out. We need more people like that.

I agree completely with Ms. King. Why are we (the taxpayer) paying for land that we already own? It is clear that the valuation includes the land, so why are we paying the higher price? I don't understand.

Dr. Palmeri tried over and over again to convince the same council that voted 7-0 against this last summer that nothing has changed. But repeatedly he was told that the timing is better now. Never mind that the plans for that intersection rely on more than the Waterfront development to need the rerouting. Again, I don't understand.

Dr. Tower put a contingency that the office complex reach 50% completion prior to the purchase taking place. I have to say, I agree that if we are going to buy it, let's make sure that the office complex is really going to happen. No sense in committing more than half a million just to see the Chamber move somewhere else.

Mr. Esslinger made a good point with his "yes" votes on the amendments. If we are going to approve this in the end, at least it will be with contingencies and at the lowest dollar amount possible.

Miraculously, it finally did fail 3-4 with Mayor Tower, Dr. Tower and Mr. Bain the only Councilors voting in favor. Giant Kudos to Councilors King, Palmeri, McHugh, and Esslinger as common sense prevails.

I feel that the Akcess Group has their work cut out for them. With less than 33% occupancy on this proposed office building, it will be a hard sell to fill the building. I think that this development had a much better shot at success than the Five Rivers project had. But with a lack of interest in office space, I don't know that this specific portion of the development is viable. I am not a developer nor a real estate expert. This is simply my opinion.

As it is late, I will cut this off now and call it a night. I have had all the excitement that I can handle for tonight. Goodnight all.

KM