tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12509286.post215185575452385544..comments2024-03-01T07:43:16.529-06:00Comments on Smart City Memphis: Ethical Commitment Is To Public, Not Bass Pro ShopUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12509286.post-49396065737042591162008-02-14T13:50:00.000-06:002008-02-14T13:50:00.000-06:00Skip:There are too few FedEx's in Memphis for sure...Skip:<BR/><BR/>There are too few FedEx's in Memphis for sure, but Bass Pro Shop sure isn't going to be one of them. Whatever money is spent at the store will flow out of Memphis, except for the salaries for largely low-paying jobs of the staff at the store. And the question is: what is the net new money pumped into the economy by Bass Pro?<BR/><BR/>Also, while we believe Bass Pro Shop is but the latest magic answer sought by Memphis, we have not suggested that the theme park is the best idea either. We seem to be laboring under the impression here that the only two options for this building are the two projects that happened to walk through the front door.<BR/><BR/>We believe that we ought to think about starting over and talk about a vision for the site and Mud Island - and if the better use would be to tear down the Pyramid to spark a new development plan for the area. We might be surprised at the kind of option we could have - one that has more than economic impact, but the kind that has an impact on our national image and reputation.Smart City Consultinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13985783340016474051noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12509286.post-22381305667171786032008-02-14T11:19:00.000-06:002008-02-14T11:19:00.000-06:00I find it very interesting that so many people are...I find it very interesting that so many people are against the idea of dealing with Bass Pro Shop, and for the idea of putting an ammusement park there instead. Where were all these people when Mud Island went under, or, more recently, Libertyland? The truth of the matter is that this area has never really supported ongoing ammusement park type facilities, and probably never will. That is why I believe the local government officials are attempting to work with Bass Pro Shop. The last thing we need to have go into that structure is another failure.<BR/><BR/>As for the clamer relating to the proposed "rent", we still do not know what the final numbers may be. In reality, the rent is not the issue, but the tax dollars and incidental economic impact that a Bass Pro Shop Mega Store historically brings into an area is. It is my understanding that, on an annual bases, this amount is several millions of dollars (the last figures I heard were $40-50 million). This type of economic impact is far superior to any rent that may be groveled over in regards to what the Pyramid may bring. If one does not believe that, then they do not know their local history. I know that no one would argue with the success and impact that Federal Express has had on this community, and how lost we would be without them. I would, however, venture to say that they do not know the sweetheart deals that this community has given Federal Express to come and to stay here. In reality, both Federal Express and the community have benefited, and I believe the same will be true with Bass Pro Shop.<BR/><BR/>Now I will be the very first one to admit that our local government leaders are not known for their wisdom and foresight in these matters, but on this project, I do believe that they are very much on the right track and looking at the overall, long term, picture, and not a quick fix. All the "nay sayers" to this project need to think about that before they choose to throw the Bass out with the river water.<BR/><BR/>Skip CarnellAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12509286.post-69767194390359427552008-02-11T08:57:00.000-06:002008-02-11T08:57:00.000-06:00Pay no attention to all those who crawled out of t...Pay no attention to all those who crawled out of the city because of their poor attitudes.<BR/><BR/><BR/>and Lo they shall be called 'survivors'.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12509286.post-86616405550984837202008-02-10T16:24:00.000-06:002008-02-10T16:24:00.000-06:00Actually, people post on here sometimes just to be...Actually, people post on here sometimes just to be negative about everyting. One of the stores in the mall is opening today. And good things are happening. Pay no attention to all those who crawled out of the city because of their poor attitudes.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12509286.post-1006266875654322182008-02-09T21:58:00.000-06:002008-02-09T21:58:00.000-06:00Lipscomb's role for years has been to wield or thr...Lipscomb's role for years has been to wield or threaten the awesome power of eminent domain against one party, in order to assemble tracts of property to hand over to a different party (local developers), gift-wrapped with tax breaks and incentives.<BR/><BR/>Exactly what in his background and toolset makes him a good negotiator? <BR/><BR/>On the flip side, I would hardly characterize his treatment of Ericson, either now or in years past, as "ethical."bobhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14730299223683907051noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12509286.post-43860864333542383212008-02-08T14:54:00.000-06:002008-02-08T14:54:00.000-06:00Actually, Virginiagirl, there are people helping, ...Actually, Virginiagirl, there are people helping, including the Mid-South Chapter of the Red Cross. They have opened up shelters for those who lost their homes and have more info on <BR/><A HREF="http://www.midsouthredcross.org/<br/>openrosters/view_homepage.asp?orgkey=1671" REL="nofollow"> their website</A>.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09887889462834854605noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12509286.post-52112059827344126842008-02-08T12:44:00.000-06:002008-02-08T12:44:00.000-06:00Hey Virginiagirl,Aside from some tv coverage and M...Hey Virginiagirl,<BR/>Aside from some tv coverage and MLGW activity, there isn't much happening with Hickory Hill and the tornado. The damaged mall in Hickory Hill is closing and the building will be demolished. Hickory Hill is another neighborhood, like Frayser and Raliegh, that have seen better days. It is being destroyed by foreclosures. Local government is fixated on some bait shop, a small amusement park, and some crazy idea to expand the convention center. Note that the city and county will be going through major financial problems in 2009 and 2010because of our reliance on property tax revenue which will decline substantially in the very near future. I wish I could say something more positive.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12509286.post-70287819051749362842008-02-08T12:32:00.000-06:002008-02-08T12:32:00.000-06:00I know this blog focuses on informing the public a...I know this blog focuses on informing the public about the often opaque workings of local government, and encouraging critical debate thereof, but why aren't you guys talking about the recent storms in your area? I've been following your blog for a few months because I'm strongly considering moving to Memphis and I'm trying to get a feel for the place. I looked you up again this morning because I was interested to see how city officials and private citizens responded to the crisis, and it's like nothing happened!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12509286.post-52581438568605506122008-02-08T11:28:00.000-06:002008-02-08T11:28:00.000-06:00Anonymous:That's Now you know why we've said to de...Anonymous:<BR/><BR/>That's Now you know why we've said to demolish it and do something better with the site. <BR/><BR/>But if the drill here is to find something to put in it, what's the rush? As for us, if there's really the need to put something in the building, we've already suggested that it makes more sense as part of the convention center. We've also suggested that we give it to St. Jude's (which does say something symbolically about Memphis).Smart City Consultinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13985783340016474051noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12509286.post-51965023663682324362008-02-08T09:44:00.000-06:002008-02-08T09:44:00.000-06:00Something to think about. What is the status of th...Something to think about. <BR/><BR/>What is the status of the pyramid now ? <BR/><BR/>Does it reflect the current status of Memphis symbolically ?<BR/><BR/><BR/>“Back to The Pyramid: When it was built, The Pyramid was supposed to become the physical symbol of our confidence in the future of Memphis. It was supposed to mirror our greater ambitions.”Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12509286.post-10381552947278935642008-02-07T21:12:00.000-06:002008-02-07T21:12:00.000-06:00Lipscomb is either a) the worst negotiator in hist...Lipscomb is either a) the worst negotiator in history b) dumber than a post c) on the take. Which one is it? Doesn't really matter, but it's time for Herenton to find another friend besides Joseph Lee or Robert Lipscomb to handle this negotiation. As stated on this site many times, Lipscomb is not the man for the job and obviously does not have his employer's (yes, us the citizens of Memphis!) interests as a priority. <BR/><BR/>If this is how he is handling the Pyramid negotiations, can't wait to see the fiasco he is creating at the Fairgrounds! Mayor, do us all a favor & leave Mr. Lipscomb to demolishing decrepit public housing. He is in way over his head on these other projects.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com