| The Landing Deal - what's the holdup? |
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| Friday, 28 July 2006 | |
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On March 21st of this year, the Mayor’s office held a press conference, with much TV camera-loving fanfare and hoopla, to announce that he and Toney Sleiman had finally reached agreement, whereby Sleiman would be able to purchase the east parking lot from the city. This announcement came two months after Peyton had told Sleiman the deal was dead (Peyton had grandeur ideas of playgrounds and merry-go-rounds downtown instead). Apparently this change of heart from Peyton came about because of the rumored threat of multiple lawsuits (forget doing the right thing). In any case, it was good news because it meant not only could Sleiman build a new building on the east lot, but Cameron Kuhn could go ahead with building River Watch City Centre next to the Humana building. Stay tuned? Stay tuned for what? For how long? And that is kind of scary coming from this administration. Does that mean another bombshell “I changed my mind” is coming again? It’s been FOUR MONTHS! I don’t care if you have top secret, clandestine, special handshake meetings – just get the deal done. Yeah, these deals take some time and patience is a virtue, but so are efficiency and competence. Perhaps part of this lag is due to another theory we hear thrown about quite a bit. Most people know that the Peyton family owns a ton of land on the southside. Does the Peyton Empire feel threatened and feel they need to throw a roadblock up at every turn in the pathway to downtown development? In any case, someone needs to step on the gas here. Whether that is Barton getting his people in motion or Barton convincing Peyton that he really should keep his word on the deal, it just needs to happen. It is no secret that delaying the Landing deal is holding up not only the development of the east lot but also Kuhn’s River Watch City Centre. But, for whatever odd reason, maybe that is the intent? |
July 28, 2006, 2:07 pm
Don\'t forget, Gate owns Riverplace Tower. What\'s good for downtown is good for the entire region. So I can\'t see Peyton or anyone stalling the deal because of growth on the Southside.
Nevertheless, something smells pretty fishy. It makes little sense to stall a \"done deal\" for four months, unless one of the parties has gone back on their word and attempted to add or take something out of the \"done deal\".
In the meantime, Sleiman still continues to pour his blood and soul into the center. Since 2003, the Landing has turned around and its noe becoming the place to be. It may be time to for Metro Jacksonville to publicly remind officials to get out of the way and let the private sector do what is does best.
July 28, 2006, 9:04 pm
If it was Toney\'s lawyer drafting it, the deal would have been done
Whre is the ace quick staff of Mullaney, are they so busy worrying about the 35,000 people who signed the Cecil Field petition that they can\'t complete a simple contract? Drawing up an agreed upon deal is not rocket science. But wait, he negotiated with Toney for two years last time before pulling the plug, maybe this is another ploy.
July 29, 2006, 10:00 am
I think its time we have anoher public meeting with Suzanne Jenkins!! This is getting old, dirt should already be turning.
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