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I know this is a controversial project with passionate positions on both sides, but I firmly believe that Citigroup is trying to reneage on its committment to the project due to its financial situation. I know others disagree, but Pyramid has won every lawsuit since the project was announced, which tells me that Congel does have his ducks in a row.
Granted, Pyramid won that last case by a 3-2 margin and on condition of a $15M bond. However, despite what people may think about this project, at least complete the first phase of this project. I (as a Destiny believer) agree with Senator Schumer, enough already! No more lawsuits.
For the most part, I will be happy with completing the three phases recognized under the PILOT agreement, including the hotel which is not part of the current construction. After that, open properties across from Hiawatha Blvd to other developers once the PILOT expires. I would love to see that full Destiny vision come to fruition that extends all the way to Bear Street in Syracuse, but at this point I want to be realistic.
Please folks, finish the intial expansion and subsequent phases under the PILOT agreement, you do not want a hulking building sitting on what I believe is a gateway into Syracuse. I know there are passionate positions on both sides, so I say this respectfully.
I know this is a controversial project with passionate positions on both sides, but I firmly believe that Citigroup is trying to reneage on its committment to the project due to its financial situation. I know others disagree, but Pyramid has won every lawsuit since the project was announced, which tells me that Congel does have his ducks in a row.
Granted, Pyramid won that last case by a 3-2 margin and on condition of a $15M bond. However, despite what people may think about this project, at least complete the first phase of this project. I (as a Destiny believer) agree with Senator Schumer, enough already! No more lawsuits.
For the most part, I will be happy with completing the three phases recognized under the PILOT agreement, including the hotel which is not part of the current construction. After that, open properties across from Hiawatha Blvd to other developers once the PILOT expires. I would love to see that full Destiny vision come to fruition that extends all the way to Bear Street in Syracuse, but at this point I want to be realistic.
Please folks, finish the intial expansion and subsequent phases under the PILOT agreement, you do not want a hulking building sitting on what I believe is a gateway into Syracuse. I know there are passionate positions on both sides, so I say this respectfully.
Excellent post. My thoughts exactly. Despite this, I have no confidence in Pyramid. They have made so many public relations gaffes and miscalculations regarding this project, one questions whether they have their ducts in a row. The expansion needs to be completed and filled with quality tenants. Wal-Mart, Dollar Tree, and Home Depot don't count. If they cannot fill this hulking eyesore, it needs to be promptly demolished.
Excellent post. My thoughts exactly. Despite this, I have no confidence in Pyramid. They have made so many public relations gaffes and miscalculations regarding this project, one questions whether they have their ducts in a row. The expansion needs to be completed and filled with quality tenants. Wal-Mart, Dollar Tree, and Home Depot don't count. If they cannot fill this hulking eyesore, it needs to be promptly demolished.
hm, I think there is too much invested for them to demolish it. I have found fault with City officials, but I agree that Pyrmaid has failed miserable in the public relations and communication aspect of this project. To be fair, I do not know many developers who are well versed on community buy-in and public input.
As you pointed, I agree that a Wal-Mart, Dollar Tree and Home Depot are quality tenants, but they would not compliment the uniqueness CCM/Destiny plans (as advertised). CCM/Destiny tenants have to be unique and I would be disappointed otherwise. Perhaps Arendi (the Italian retailers I heard about) can fill that nitch, but time will tell. The national economy is in the doldrums, but it will turn around eventually and the expanded facility will be filled. It is a matter of when.
Syracuse is in a great position to market this project regionally that includes Penn, Canada, points west and east at a minimum. I can no more say that Congel has filled the facility than one can say that it has not been, but the communty is vested in this project. Give it a chance, but at least finish the project as spelled out under the PILOT.
Last edited by urbanplanner; 11-24-2009 at 03:36 PM..
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