May 24, 2013
I was at the meeting in March for a different item and after hearing the staff report, was rather surprised the council gave him any additional time. Strikes me as a bit shady and somebody I would definitely not want to conduct business with. I remember there was some discussion about him reimbursing the city for staff time for planning and research costs - I believe it had to do with verifying his funding (which wasn't there.) He hadn't paid for several months and joked that the check was in the mail. That said it all for me. After seeing this article, I just read the council agenda for this last meeting. Seems like there was even less reason to continue negotiating with him. Bankruptcies (while negotiating with the city) and multiple lawsuits. Doesn't sound very good.
May 24, 2013
Don't really see much of a problem here. It's not as if thair are anyone else lookin ta develop th site an what has been done is not a permit or right ta start building, it's "a three-year exclusive negotiating rights agreement." I expect a lot of negotiatin goin on over th next three years if they wanna get permission ta build it. An until that "negotiating" is completed NOTHING is gonna physically happen that will impact Tracy at all. As ta "why here in Tracy?" Probably because Tracy is a hub that connects th Bay Area ta th rest of th State/nation, frum th aspect of transportation. As I recall no one was much enthused when someone built an entertainment theme park in th middle of orange orchards back in 1953. I suspect th financiers an those against that endeavor are eatinn a little crow in that they didn't support th venture an marginalized themselves out of a huge chunk of change fer thair lack of vision. Anyone got a better deal fer this property? Bring it ta th table. "Cost ta th city?" What cost? Be specific cus th article states, "Spirit of California is reimbursing the city for labor costs — which is typical for a developer during the process."
May 24, 2013
Why on earth is the city allowing us here in Tracy to be duped by this guy. This project will never happen and I think it was pretty clear from the beginning. I have been to the city council meetings and this guy just dances around what the city is asking for! He is stalling to try and get the backing he needs as he goes along. Forget it City Council and work on getting businesses to come to town that are serious. Just by the size and scope of the project should have been a clue that this was not real. Why would they pick Tracy of all places? I think certain City Council members are holding out hope as they want to be the hero's that made it happen, such as Nancy Young. Her comments were " we are possibly on the brink of history". Seriously Nancy? Wow! This city council never stops amazing me. Move on and get to the real business. Do your jobs!
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