Good Morning! Later today I am headed to Burlington to oppose the proposed 14 story building. Currently the tallest building in Vermont is 8 stories. With the people of the city (my son and his wife included) upset, all but one member of the City Council keep approving the plan. Moreover, the taxpayers will be expected to pay for part of the (commercial!) construction! We will be granted 2min each to speak. Please send good vibes!
What in Heaven's name does anyone need a fourteen-story building for in Burlington? The land prices can't be comparable to Manhattan! And even in Manhattan, there are probably lots of five-story buildings left. If it were a financially viable project, it wouldn't need a public subsidy. If banks won't lend the money, expect that the public will ultimately have to cover a default. (That sort of thing has happened repeatedly in Fresno; winning election to the city council seems to make people think that they are business geniuses.)
--Alan
P.S.: What about the cost of firefighting equipment to deal with a highrise fire?
I thought it was rather encouraging; the idea that when the old ways are dying that the new ways are not yet obvious is not unique to politics. It was the same with printed books, and it is the same with newspapers. Ditto the transition from feudalism, for another example.
Good Morning!
ReplyDeleteLater today I am headed to Burlington to oppose the proposed 14 story building. Currently the tallest building in Vermont is 8 stories. With the people of the city (my son and his wife included) upset, all but one member of the City Council keep approving the plan. Moreover, the taxpayers will be expected to pay for part of the (commercial!) construction! We will be granted 2min each to speak. Please send good vibes!
Rebels are First!
What in Heaven's name does anyone need a fourteen-story building for in Burlington? The land prices can't be comparable to Manhattan! And even in Manhattan, there are probably lots of five-story buildings left. If it were a financially viable project, it wouldn't need a public subsidy. If banks won't lend the money, expect that the public will ultimately have to cover a default. (That sort of thing has happened repeatedly in Fresno; winning election to the city council seems to make people think that they are business geniuses.)
ReplyDelete--Alan
P.S.: What about the cost of firefighting equipment to deal with a highrise fire?
Good luck, Listener!
DeleteAlan, the Guardian article you linked to last thread was most interesting. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was rather encouraging; the idea that when the old ways are dying that the new ways are not yet obvious is not unique to politics. It was the same with printed books, and it is the same with newspapers. Ditto the transition from feudalism, for another example.
Delete--Alan
listener, hope your guys won the day.
ReplyDeleteBurlington Free Press editorial on the high-rise plan [Click]
ReplyDelete--Alan