Hell or highwater.
Southeast is on the move.... Stepping off at 11:30am today.. the SEAF will be marching proudly in the St. Pats parade.
We do this in honor of those good brave sons and daughters of Ireland and Scotland who worked the NW shops, the Viscose mill.. Raised families, celebrated life and death in Southeast.
To them the glory, to us - the legacy and the future.
Come join us.
(crossposted to seroanoke)
3/14/08
3/12/08
2/29/08
Anyone got some free time?
The link to the Application for Appointment to the City Council hit the internets today around 3pm.
Got some spare time? I say we flood them with applications - like career day at McDonalds.
Here's the link - its a pdf so be careful.
Seriously though - think of it, 1000 applications to go through? That would be worth it.
Got some spare time? I say we flood them with applications - like career day at McDonalds.
Here's the link - its a pdf so be careful.
Seriously though - think of it, 1000 applications to go through? That would be worth it.
Here's the wind-up...
Well, looks like the Star-Sentinel has finally got it's set of cojones in the mail. In this weeks issue (available online as a pdf) Stuart Revercomb (subject of not a few comments for some reason) lays out the timeline for the Dowe-based Scandal...
Not only did Harris know nearly the second the FOIA request was made, but the Times waited over 3 weeks to run the story after they received all the information back. You know, after the Dem primaries.
SO, doing a little extrapolative thinking here - and judging by the timing of certain stories that co-broke with the Dowe thing.. I'm going to lay this out.
1. On Dec. 19th, the VMT received it's report on how lousy it is. Anyone even remotely associated with the VMT knows that, and knows the potential it holds is 100 times greater than what it is now. Bev knows it, but the city part-owns it...
2. Jan. 28th, the Roanoke Times files it's FOIA (still no given reason as to why), 2 days later, the results of the search were handed back to the Times and all 7 council members. Harris knows.
3. Feb 9th. The City Democratic "Firehouse" popularity contest. The shake-out begins. Fitz is cast aside for someone younger and with more real-estate ties.
4. Feb. 21st. The Roanoke Times and Star-Sentinel both run headlines as the Dowe story finally breaks. In it's 2/29 edition, the editor of the Star-Sentinel documents the entire 3 week process.
5. Feb. 23rd. Dowe resigns, after a 90 minute chit-chat with Harris over his kitchen table. Light tea-sipping reported.. along with much knitting of brows.
6. Feb. 26th. Report surfaces about the VMT's problems. The same report which was handed over on Dec. 19th, that even the museum's own blog reported on (12/26) which was the follow up to a scathing report a few days earlier that got Fitz and co. in trouble. So how this report was missed a few days earlier, or a few MONTHS earlier - well, it's beyond me. Unless it was timed to try and take the heat off someone, there's no valid reason to try and make this an issue now.
7. March 3rd. Now it comes down to this - the city council meets to accept Dowe's resignation, and figure out a way out. I'm going to start taking names and figuring out odds here.. so if you have anyone you want on the list - let me know.
Possible Fill-Ins: Bill Bestpitch (10-1), Bev Fitz (100-1), Stu Revercomb (50-1).. Me (1000-1)
Anyone else?
Meebo Chatbox from time to time today.. see you there.
Not only did Harris know nearly the second the FOIA request was made, but the Times waited over 3 weeks to run the story after they received all the information back. You know, after the Dem primaries.
SO, doing a little extrapolative thinking here - and judging by the timing of certain stories that co-broke with the Dowe thing.. I'm going to lay this out.
1. On Dec. 19th, the VMT received it's report on how lousy it is. Anyone even remotely associated with the VMT knows that, and knows the potential it holds is 100 times greater than what it is now. Bev knows it, but the city part-owns it...
2. Jan. 28th, the Roanoke Times files it's FOIA (still no given reason as to why), 2 days later, the results of the search were handed back to the Times and all 7 council members. Harris knows.
3. Feb 9th. The City Democratic "Firehouse" popularity contest. The shake-out begins. Fitz is cast aside for someone younger and with more real-estate ties.
4. Feb. 21st. The Roanoke Times and Star-Sentinel both run headlines as the Dowe story finally breaks. In it's 2/29 edition, the editor of the Star-Sentinel documents the entire 3 week process.
5. Feb. 23rd. Dowe resigns, after a 90 minute chit-chat with Harris over his kitchen table. Light tea-sipping reported.. along with much knitting of brows.
6. Feb. 26th. Report surfaces about the VMT's problems. The same report which was handed over on Dec. 19th, that even the museum's own blog reported on (12/26) which was the follow up to a scathing report a few days earlier that got Fitz and co. in trouble. So how this report was missed a few days earlier, or a few MONTHS earlier - well, it's beyond me. Unless it was timed to try and take the heat off someone, there's no valid reason to try and make this an issue now.
7. March 3rd. Now it comes down to this - the city council meets to accept Dowe's resignation, and figure out a way out. I'm going to start taking names and figuring out odds here.. so if you have anyone you want on the list - let me know.
Possible Fill-Ins: Bill Bestpitch (10-1), Bev Fitz (100-1), Stu Revercomb (50-1).. Me (1000-1)
Anyone else?
Meebo Chatbox from time to time today.. see you there.
2/27/08
Ahh crud.
Pardon my french, but WTF? The State Code trumps the City Charter? How does that work? Is this one of those stupid power plays between state and local govt.?
Well - this does change things drastically, now Harris and Co. have to be very careful who they choose. Talk about Russian Roulette.. I would not envy them right about now.
Everyone is going to watch who they choose, and think about the 27 months Harris and Co. will have to run the city the way they want.
Danger.... Danger Will Robinson.
So now the question is - the screw will turn, but for who? Us the citizens, or they the council?
Chatbox on and off tonight.
Well - this does change things drastically, now Harris and Co. have to be very careful who they choose. Talk about Russian Roulette.. I would not envy them right about now.
Everyone is going to watch who they choose, and think about the 27 months Harris and Co. will have to run the city the way they want.
Danger.... Danger Will Robinson.
So now the question is - the screw will turn, but for who? Us the citizens, or they the council?
Chatbox on and off tonight.
2/26/08
The beat goes on....
3 dates now. 3 possible dates for the election.
Heres the question now, as I see it. Now that we know Dowe's *recent* dirty deeds, Harris' lack of enthusiasm for keeping his Councilmates in line, the entire council's (Wishneff not included) want for more downtown living space (to the tune of $880,000 non-imaginary dollars) and apparent limited vision for a certain amphitheater location (soon to be the next Berglund Nation location).
So - 17 comments, whats left to say? We don't trust Harris, we don't like the state of the city, oddly enough - no one has said anything about Darlene, and what are we doing about it? Who else can we vote for?
Will the slate of independents actually step forward this Friday as they say they will?
Will it be more of the same, or a past crop of losers?
Discuss.. here, and in the Meebo Chatbox .
Heres the question now, as I see it. Now that we know Dowe's *recent* dirty deeds, Harris' lack of enthusiasm for keeping his Councilmates in line, the entire council's (Wishneff not included) want for more downtown living space (to the tune of $880,000 non-imaginary dollars) and apparent limited vision for a certain amphitheater location (soon to be the next Berglund Nation location).
So - 17 comments, whats left to say? We don't trust Harris, we don't like the state of the city, oddly enough - no one has said anything about Darlene, and what are we doing about it? Who else can we vote for?
Will the slate of independents actually step forward this Friday as they say they will?
Will it be more of the same, or a past crop of losers?
Discuss.. here, and in the Meebo Chatbox .
2/23/08
The big set-up
Pity Carlton Ban... uhh. Alfred Dowe, useful idiot of the For the City group.
He delivered the NorthWest vote - got Harris the slate he wanted, and got the boot.
And due to past problems, there is no recourse for Dowe.
It seemed like each time I wanted to post something this week, the words would start coming and something else would happen.
Something incredibly stupid.
Like? Well....
The Week in Review:
Monday: Valerie Garner announces run for Council, as an Indie. Kudos, I wish her the best of luck. Otherwise - it was a holiday, so things were quiet.
Tuesday: Wishneff shows he has a spine, or at the very least some sense - and walks out of closed door meetings which directly affect the way our money is spent. This was about the Amphitheater. Then the City Council voted to give the developers of the Hancock Building (The Grand Building) $880,000 in small, unmarked bills so long as they promise to never go condo. Whose money?
Wednesday: Dowe is a bad man. Spending that much.. Harris said so, because Darlene said so, because the accountants told them so. Then the Times told us all so.. So?
Later Weds: Harris announces that he is directing someone else to audit the council. And Hackworth and Moon to review things. Very important stuff for the 'mayor' to do.
Thursday: we find out the details on most of these things, thanks to the Roanoke Times and the FOIA. Seems Wishneff is one cheap man, having only spent $123.60 on the city's dime.
Friday: A quiet day, at least it appears so.
Saturday: Dowe, with hat in hand, submits his letter of resignation - just as I predicted when the story broke. Of course, because of the speed of this news, and those that needed to be consulted, dirt that needed to be gathered.. I didn't get a chance to post that prediction. But take my word for it. Ask anyone at work or at home, they will tell you.
So.. now we are going to be dealing with a "special election" to fill the seat of a useful idiot. Anyone have any guesses who that might be?
But still, it's a really crappy way to go out - shafted and set up by your "friends."
He delivered the NorthWest vote - got Harris the slate he wanted, and got the boot.
And due to past problems, there is no recourse for Dowe.
It seemed like each time I wanted to post something this week, the words would start coming and something else would happen.
Something incredibly stupid.
Like? Well....
The Week in Review:
Monday: Valerie Garner announces run for Council, as an Indie. Kudos, I wish her the best of luck. Otherwise - it was a holiday, so things were quiet.
Tuesday: Wishneff shows he has a spine, or at the very least some sense - and walks out of closed door meetings which directly affect the way our money is spent. This was about the Amphitheater. Then the City Council voted to give the developers of the Hancock Building (The Grand Building) $880,000 in small, unmarked bills so long as they promise to never go condo. Whose money?
Wednesday: Dowe is a bad man. Spending that much.. Harris said so, because Darlene said so, because the accountants told them so. Then the Times told us all so.. So?
Later Weds: Harris announces that he is directing someone else to audit the council. And Hackworth and Moon to review things. Very important stuff for the 'mayor' to do.
Thursday: we find out the details on most of these things, thanks to the Roanoke Times and the FOIA. Seems Wishneff is one cheap man, having only spent $123.60 on the city's dime.
Friday: A quiet day, at least it appears so.
Saturday: Dowe, with hat in hand, submits his letter of resignation - just as I predicted when the story broke. Of course, because of the speed of this news, and those that needed to be consulted, dirt that needed to be gathered.. I didn't get a chance to post that prediction. But take my word for it. Ask anyone at work or at home, they will tell you.
So.. now we are going to be dealing with a "special election" to fill the seat of a useful idiot. Anyone have any guesses who that might be?
But still, it's a really crappy way to go out - shafted and set up by your "friends."
2/20/08
Makes me wanna holler, throw up both my hands....
Sorry I've been away on bidness - but seriously.. considering the news today maybe I should have been.
I'll have much more to say later, look for a good - some might even say decent, post by Friday.
And kudos to Valerie Garner, hopefully when I enter the race (and I will, just not this go-round) I'll get some kudos from her.
Yes, dear fans - I will not be announcing this go-round. Obligations and responsibilities prevent me from being the belligerent candidate you know I can be.
Next time, however...
I wonder if there is a precedent for someone announcing over 2 years in advance? Oh well, don't think about it for now. But remember it in a few years.
I'll still be around, you?
I'll have much more to say later, look for a good - some might even say decent, post by Friday.
And kudos to Valerie Garner, hopefully when I enter the race (and I will, just not this go-round) I'll get some kudos from her.
Yes, dear fans - I will not be announcing this go-round. Obligations and responsibilities prevent me from being the belligerent candidate you know I can be.
Next time, however...
I wonder if there is a precedent for someone announcing over 2 years in advance? Oh well, don't think about it for now. But remember it in a few years.
I'll still be around, you?
2/11/08
Windy City Blues
So how many of you are keeping track of what debris you have found on your property?
I have found: 6 roof shingles (not from my own thankfully)
3 strips of film from someones vacation to the grand canyon
1 apple and 1 orange (just to be difficult - the apple was nicer than the orange)
untold amounts of junk mail, most of which had to do with some carpet business
1 tennis ball (bad day to play fetch, eh sparky?)
And that's just in the back yard. That does not include the endless "soon to be mulch" pile of organic debris.
Oh, and a big batch of scruples. Not sure whose those are, but none of the presidential candidates have come to town - so I will assume they are local.
SO we have 2 new faces headed for the Council chambers. Rosen and Price, and let's not forget Lea - who is going to miss his little buddy Wishneff. But I am sure he can play nice with everyone.
Rosen, a land developer who moved here from DC; and Price - a school age guidance counselor. Those are your soon-to-be representatives. Combine Price with Trinkle and you get "cradle-to-grave" coverage. And I am sure Rosen has no interest in development of anything.
Well, I for one am still hoping for some good indies to come forth. There is still time, the deadline is a bit less than a month away.
Anyway, here's hoping for some light zephyrs rather than force 9 gales - and that goes for the elections too.
Oh - which reminds me. Did anyone else hear the Art Museum took some damage from the storm? I heard it once, but it's not been in the paper. I'm just curious.
Always check the Chatbox to the right there, you never know when I'm going to pop in.
I have found: 6 roof shingles (not from my own thankfully)
3 strips of film from someones vacation to the grand canyon
1 apple and 1 orange (just to be difficult - the apple was nicer than the orange)
untold amounts of junk mail, most of which had to do with some carpet business
1 tennis ball (bad day to play fetch, eh sparky?)
And that's just in the back yard. That does not include the endless "soon to be mulch" pile of organic debris.
Oh, and a big batch of scruples. Not sure whose those are, but none of the presidential candidates have come to town - so I will assume they are local.
SO we have 2 new faces headed for the Council chambers. Rosen and Price, and let's not forget Lea - who is going to miss his little buddy Wishneff. But I am sure he can play nice with everyone.
Rosen, a land developer who moved here from DC; and Price - a school age guidance counselor. Those are your soon-to-be representatives. Combine Price with Trinkle and you get "cradle-to-grave" coverage. And I am sure Rosen has no interest in development of anything.
Well, I for one am still hoping for some good indies to come forth. There is still time, the deadline is a bit less than a month away.
Anyway, here's hoping for some light zephyrs rather than force 9 gales - and that goes for the elections too.
Oh - which reminds me. Did anyone else hear the Art Museum took some damage from the storm? I heard it once, but it's not been in the paper. I'm just curious.
Always check the Chatbox to the right there, you never know when I'm going to pop in.
2/8/08
Dear Bill,
Please, stop it.
We know, we know. You folks are good and valiant and noble, and celebrate the diversity and whatnot.
8 people, black/white/men/women/young/old - all of them previous democrats, and tied into the system in one way or another. Not a single outsider in the race. Not a single "new" face - not to anyone who pays attention.
Perhaps we should call them the "Friends of H."
In short, because you got passed over for this round of elections - do not be such a good little soldier and tow the party standards. They are old, tired, and no one believes them anyway.
Just like that "oath," simple grounds for removal. Say something against the Democrats while a Dem.. shame shame shame. You took an oath.
An oath means nothing coming from duplicitous, sneaky, Machiavellian politicians of any sort - but worse on the heels of the disgrace of the Reorganization meeting.
Please - stop assuming the people are stupid. We know what you are about, and we don't like it. You are taking advantage of the complete disorganization of the rest of the city to enact your own little schemes, we know that too. We know a whole lot about how you do things.
Please, go away. That is all.
We know, we know. You folks are good and valiant and noble, and celebrate the diversity and whatnot.
8 people, black/white/men/women/young/old - all of them previous democrats, and tied into the system in one way or another. Not a single outsider in the race. Not a single "new" face - not to anyone who pays attention.
Perhaps we should call them the "Friends of H."
In short, because you got passed over for this round of elections - do not be such a good little soldier and tow the party standards. They are old, tired, and no one believes them anyway.
Just like that "oath," simple grounds for removal. Say something against the Democrats while a Dem.. shame shame shame. You took an oath.
An oath means nothing coming from duplicitous, sneaky, Machiavellian politicians of any sort - but worse on the heels of the disgrace of the Reorganization meeting.
Please - stop assuming the people are stupid. We know what you are about, and we don't like it. You are taking advantage of the complete disorganization of the rest of the city to enact your own little schemes, we know that too. We know a whole lot about how you do things.
Please, go away. That is all.
2/7/08
Oh. I thought we took care of that problem.
Rats.
Now it seems that Patrick Henry is over-run with them.
First, on Saturday - the rats from City Hall descend upon PH. I'm sorry, I should say "quite obviously the best thing to ever hit this town, considering the Republicans can't even get a ticket together life is so full of sunshine and roses."
The Democratic primary. Where as few as 4 people could decide the fate of nearly 100k. And that's not including the MSA. That's right - if we get screwed, you do too.
Emperor Harris and Queen Burcham will be spending the night in PH, so they can be there to kiss the feet of the true overlord on Sunday.
Queen Hillary arrives to give lip-service and tear up, pander and promise on Sunday. Part of her "Confusion for America" tour.
Can you stomach it Roanoke? A city council that really doesn't give a rat's ass if you vote or not? A former first-lady who fits in perfect with our own City Manager?
Makes me want to call in sick from Reality this weekend, and live in the dream world of the new City Democrats. Fortunately, I have to work.
And yes, I am seriously going to throw up if I hear the words "Young Professional" and "amphitheater" in the next 24 hours.
Someone tell me - what do you really expect of your Council? Other than the obvious fixing of roads and the basic infrastructure stuff. The good stuff - what is it? What would get you involved in an election?
Now it seems that Patrick Henry is over-run with them.
First, on Saturday - the rats from City Hall descend upon PH. I'm sorry, I should say "quite obviously the best thing to ever hit this town, considering the Republicans can't even get a ticket together life is so full of sunshine and roses."
The Democratic primary. Where as few as 4 people could decide the fate of nearly 100k. And that's not including the MSA. That's right - if we get screwed, you do too.
Emperor Harris and Queen Burcham will be spending the night in PH, so they can be there to kiss the feet of the true overlord on Sunday.
Queen Hillary arrives to give lip-service and tear up, pander and promise on Sunday. Part of her "Confusion for America" tour.
Can you stomach it Roanoke? A city council that really doesn't give a rat's ass if you vote or not? A former first-lady who fits in perfect with our own City Manager?
Makes me want to call in sick from Reality this weekend, and live in the dream world of the new City Democrats. Fortunately, I have to work.
And yes, I am seriously going to throw up if I hear the words "Young Professional" and "amphitheater" in the next 24 hours.
Someone tell me - what do you really expect of your Council? Other than the obvious fixing of roads and the basic infrastructure stuff. The good stuff - what is it? What would get you involved in an election?
2/4/08
Words failed me
Sure, there was much to be said last week. I was in the process of putting together a nice post recapping the week in my head for the weekend.
Saturday morning everything was derailed.
I had barely skimmed the entire paper on Saturday morning, opting to head straight for the "Letters to the Editor" as I usually do. The wife alerted me to something I missed, on the front page of the Virginia section.
GOP will sit out Roanoke elections.
Now, thankfully I have very large very sturdy coffee cups, as I slammed the one in my hand down on the table in disgust and shock.
Not one person to run for ANY of the open seats, including that of Harris. Disgraceful.
To me, this means all these guys, and these guys, are failures and directly to blame.
If ever you needed a better reason to gain candidates and stir up the pot of dissent against the current administration - you couldn't find one than the current state of the City.
Well, once again - we, the people, have been failed by our "leaders." Now our only hope is some decent, sane and strong independents to guide us. March 4th is the deadline for that, so let's get busy folks - and don't forget - the election board has to count write-in votes too.
The Burcham-crats, or Harris-crats, or Piece-o-Crats have the upper hand for now. But they also have all the baggage and damage control. They can, and for the good of the city, must be replaced.
Or do I need to go from door to door with a lantern looking for that one semi-honest, pissed off man to run.
And before I get the obvious comment of "why don't you run" - who says I am not?
I have made no declarations as of yet.
But shame on the Republicans... pitiful.
Saturday morning everything was derailed.
I had barely skimmed the entire paper on Saturday morning, opting to head straight for the "Letters to the Editor" as I usually do. The wife alerted me to something I missed, on the front page of the Virginia section.
GOP will sit out Roanoke elections.
Now, thankfully I have very large very sturdy coffee cups, as I slammed the one in my hand down on the table in disgust and shock.
Not one person to run for ANY of the open seats, including that of Harris. Disgraceful.
To me, this means all these guys, and these guys, are failures and directly to blame.
If ever you needed a better reason to gain candidates and stir up the pot of dissent against the current administration - you couldn't find one than the current state of the City.
Well, once again - we, the people, have been failed by our "leaders." Now our only hope is some decent, sane and strong independents to guide us. March 4th is the deadline for that, so let's get busy folks - and don't forget - the election board has to count write-in votes too.
The Burcham-crats, or Harris-crats, or Piece-o-Crats have the upper hand for now. But they also have all the baggage and damage control. They can, and for the good of the city, must be replaced.
Or do I need to go from door to door with a lantern looking for that one semi-honest, pissed off man to run.
And before I get the obvious comment of "why don't you run" - who says I am not?
I have made no declarations as of yet.
But shame on the Republicans... pitiful.
1/26/08
Studying up?
Nelson Harris - age 43 - tanning hero - George Hamilton
Anyone else find it funny that Harris, with his own checkered recent (and past) is reading a book about one of the most corrupt cities in American history?
And he says he sees many parallels between Chi-towns past and our own, and I am sure he does. I would be on the lookout for more in the future if this book is anywhere near in-depth as it should be.
Harris is a student of History, and I am sure he is learning a great many lessons on politics and how to run a city.
I wonder if he has yet to read the history of Tammany Hall?
On a better note - I have to say, my admiration for Mr. Robin Reed just went up a few notches. Anyone who can get the true meaning of Mr. Schultz and Peanuts is a friend in my book.
I've got some other stuff thats been rolling around my head - but that's for another time, you all seem to be enjoying the commentary of "Dissenting Viewpoint."
Anyone else find it funny that Harris, with his own checkered recent (and past) is reading a book about one of the most corrupt cities in American history?
And he says he sees many parallels between Chi-towns past and our own, and I am sure he does. I would be on the lookout for more in the future if this book is anywhere near in-depth as it should be.
Harris is a student of History, and I am sure he is learning a great many lessons on politics and how to run a city.
I wonder if he has yet to read the history of Tammany Hall?
On a better note - I have to say, my admiration for Mr. Robin Reed just went up a few notches. Anyone who can get the true meaning of Mr. Schultz and Peanuts is a friend in my book.
I've got some other stuff thats been rolling around my head - but that's for another time, you all seem to be enjoying the commentary of "Dissenting Viewpoint."
1/22/08
A dissenting viewpoint
This just in, from one of those rare people who actually use Mill Mountain.
"In case you haven't heard there is a group of people in Roanoke called Valley Forward. They have this idea of wanting to put a Restaurant atop Mill Mountain. The debate and argument has been going on quite a while now. The original plan has been scaled down a great deal from their original propasal.
I have been and continue to be in opposition to this development. Commercial development does not belong in a public park!!!! They claim that the structure will have minimal impact on the mountain, however they have not supported this with evidence other than claiming that they are building a LEED friendly building. The existance or idea of the structure in itself violates LEED recommendations that state land that is being used in a natural way should not be disturbed in order to build a structure.
There is no way to prove that construction traffic itself will not lead to pollution, road damage and disturb the natural habitats of so many animals. There has been no data published to detail the impact of soil erosion and damage from rain water run off from the addition of a building and two parking lots. There has been no evidence to support whether the proposal would be a success. In fact, Valley Forward has failed to answer the concerns posed by many citizens who are in opposition to the plan. They contunue to claim that based on a survey of a 500 people, that a majority of citizens favor this development. I find this funny as a large number of citizens do not know nor understand the scope of the project.
If you care about keeping Mill Mountain green, please consider attending a meeting of the Mill Mountain Advisory Committee at 4pm on Thursday January 24th at the Discovery Center. If you would like to speak on the issue, please note that you must sign up in advance. "
via Jen's Bike Blog
"In case you haven't heard there is a group of people in Roanoke called Valley Forward. They have this idea of wanting to put a Restaurant atop Mill Mountain. The debate and argument has been going on quite a while now. The original plan has been scaled down a great deal from their original propasal.
I have been and continue to be in opposition to this development. Commercial development does not belong in a public park!!!! They claim that the structure will have minimal impact on the mountain, however they have not supported this with evidence other than claiming that they are building a LEED friendly building. The existance or idea of the structure in itself violates LEED recommendations that state land that is being used in a natural way should not be disturbed in order to build a structure.
There is no way to prove that construction traffic itself will not lead to pollution, road damage and disturb the natural habitats of so many animals. There has been no data published to detail the impact of soil erosion and damage from rain water run off from the addition of a building and two parking lots. There has been no evidence to support whether the proposal would be a success. In fact, Valley Forward has failed to answer the concerns posed by many citizens who are in opposition to the plan. They contunue to claim that based on a survey of a 500 people, that a majority of citizens favor this development. I find this funny as a large number of citizens do not know nor understand the scope of the project.
If you care about keeping Mill Mountain green, please consider attending a meeting of the Mill Mountain Advisory Committee at 4pm on Thursday January 24th at the Discovery Center. If you would like to speak on the issue, please note that you must sign up in advance. "
via Jen's Bike Blog
1/17/08
This just in....
Hosted by "For the Future's Citizens for Rockledge"? Coffee and Treats by Mill Mountain Coffee?
And here I thought the snow had stopped. Apparently, the snowjob rolls on.
On the good side, I guess you can no longer say it's impossible to get people organized around here.
At least 2 of them think this is a good idea.
Check the forecast..... mmmm.. snow again. Ok. Let's see - support something that a very small minority want, that is dubiously bring brought forth while it's snowing. Umm.. think not - thanks though.
Oh - and the petition has stalled out at 459 signatures. Give them a hand, with some real reasons to build something on the mountain. OR voice your concerns, complain, hoot and holler. Whatever - it's a public petition. They will delete any postings that do not measure up to their standards.
But please, feel free to help them reach the goal of 1000 signatures on this loaded baked potato of a petition.
And go right ahead and go on down to support the "For the Future's Citizens for Rockledge."
(makes me want to do a facepalm just thinking about it. in the chatbox if'n you care)
Snow Job
SO - which is it, the Wishneff article in today's paper (aka - the Times strikes back) or the lovely weather outside?
Discuss it in the Meebo box. (down on the right side)
Discuss it in the Meebo box. (down on the right side)
1/16/08
Where have all the heroes gone?
Harris for Mayor, again.
Ballin, Cranwell, Fitzy, Lea, Price, Rosen, and Wyatt for Council. All Dems.
And Lockard in the Ross Perot position.
Not one outstanding person among the lot of them. Not one worthy of public attention. Although interestingly, Rosen and Ballin are both young'ins - which is interesting.
So far, those are the two I really want to hear from, as they "represent" the younger citizens of Roanoke far better than the geriatric council does now.
Will they make it? Nope. Let's be honest about it. They do not have the name recognition (and by that I mean the well-known name because daddy did something good - like Fitz or Cranwell), nor do they have the experience (in the 'One Manager to rule them all' world anyway). Of course, we do not know their views on certain things. The same could be said for all the candidates.
Some questions for them:
What is to become of the old Victory Stadium site? Will it be an Ampitheater, soccer fields, or perhaps a good location for the new 'mega-library'? Because, right about now - ain't much o nothing going on there, and it's looking pretty sad. Plus- the location of the new hotel on Reserve, speaking of ugly, is there nothing the city can do to prevent it from looking like it does? I understand there are delays and such, but does it need to be an eyesore? Is there no slipcover we can put over it?
And about that ampitheater? Downtown, or not? Or can we put something similar (and cost-effective) downtown that has multiple purposes?
Is Rockledge even an issue? Or is it one of those fear-mongering things tat will be a great tool that the City actually has very little say over. Regardless of whatever may happen, the courts still have the last word on this one, due to the covenants on the mountain. And no Lugar or Burcham interpretation matters a hill of beans in the face of a legal decision.
The Market Building, and downtown in general should be the forefront of this election - as this is our main attractor/collector for new arrivals and new businesses. Too many vacant buildings still - too little sensible planning, and that exploded bathysphere of a zero-to-bankrupt Art Museum. Theres more loans being floated there then in all the banks during the Flood of '85.
This is by no means going to be an easy election - our choices suck so far. And with the importance of the Downtown issues, and the education of our children always in the balance - we need the heroes of tomorrow today.
We need the ones who can walk in and change the world - who do not get bogged down in endless debate and study, and most of all - we need someone as Mayor who can effectively handle the job, and be a leader - not a preacher.
But so far - Harris is our only choice, and I'm not sure whats more depressing. That, or the fact the pack so far is nothing but Democrats.
Ballin, Cranwell, Fitzy, Lea, Price, Rosen, and Wyatt for Council. All Dems.
And Lockard in the Ross Perot position.
Not one outstanding person among the lot of them. Not one worthy of public attention. Although interestingly, Rosen and Ballin are both young'ins - which is interesting.
So far, those are the two I really want to hear from, as they "represent" the younger citizens of Roanoke far better than the geriatric council does now.
Will they make it? Nope. Let's be honest about it. They do not have the name recognition (and by that I mean the well-known name because daddy did something good - like Fitz or Cranwell), nor do they have the experience (in the 'One Manager to rule them all' world anyway). Of course, we do not know their views on certain things. The same could be said for all the candidates.
Some questions for them:
What is to become of the old Victory Stadium site? Will it be an Ampitheater, soccer fields, or perhaps a good location for the new 'mega-library'? Because, right about now - ain't much o nothing going on there, and it's looking pretty sad. Plus- the location of the new hotel on Reserve, speaking of ugly, is there nothing the city can do to prevent it from looking like it does? I understand there are delays and such, but does it need to be an eyesore? Is there no slipcover we can put over it?
And about that ampitheater? Downtown, or not? Or can we put something similar (and cost-effective) downtown that has multiple purposes?
Is Rockledge even an issue? Or is it one of those fear-mongering things tat will be a great tool that the City actually has very little say over. Regardless of whatever may happen, the courts still have the last word on this one, due to the covenants on the mountain. And no Lugar or Burcham interpretation matters a hill of beans in the face of a legal decision.
The Market Building, and downtown in general should be the forefront of this election - as this is our main attractor/collector for new arrivals and new businesses. Too many vacant buildings still - too little sensible planning, and that exploded bathysphere of a zero-to-bankrupt Art Museum. Theres more loans being floated there then in all the banks during the Flood of '85.
This is by no means going to be an easy election - our choices suck so far. And with the importance of the Downtown issues, and the education of our children always in the balance - we need the heroes of tomorrow today.
We need the ones who can walk in and change the world - who do not get bogged down in endless debate and study, and most of all - we need someone as Mayor who can effectively handle the job, and be a leader - not a preacher.
But so far - Harris is our only choice, and I'm not sure whats more depressing. That, or the fact the pack so far is nothing but Democrats.
1/11/08
Goood Morning Roanoke!
Another interesting day unfolds here in ol' Noketown. We start with rain and fog, and smoke and mirrors.
Once again - more articles on the Democratic Candidates for City Council and Mayor, but only the Dems. I shall assume there is not one Repub or Indie anywhere within the City of Roanoke remotely interested.
Money - sure it comes down to money. It always does. But write-in candidates usually don't spend much on advertising, if anything at all. Might be an option, if you think about it.
Of course, I'd personally like to see hundreds of write ins, each getting a hundred votes - negating the best efforts of the paid politicians to continue their reign of power.
Anyway - just thought I would toss that out there.
Sitting in the Meebo box for a bit. Stop by and say hi if you like.
Once again - more articles on the Democratic Candidates for City Council and Mayor, but only the Dems. I shall assume there is not one Repub or Indie anywhere within the City of Roanoke remotely interested.
Money - sure it comes down to money. It always does. But write-in candidates usually don't spend much on advertising, if anything at all. Might be an option, if you think about it.
Of course, I'd personally like to see hundreds of write ins, each getting a hundred votes - negating the best efforts of the paid politicians to continue their reign of power.
Anyway - just thought I would toss that out there.
Sitting in the Meebo box for a bit. Stop by and say hi if you like.
1/8/08
The Emperor Strikes again
So Harris is going to try for 2... Wonderful.
This should be fun.
In the Meebo Chatbox to the right there - stop on by and enjoy a laugh at the Mayor's expense.
This should be fun.
In the Meebo Chatbox to the right there - stop on by and enjoy a laugh at the Mayor's expense.
1/7/08
Word on the street is....
That our CEO would not be unhappy if someone, or something - tore down the Market building completely, and replaced it with something more "progressive" like stores and parking.
Yes, you heard me.
Tear it down.
She does not see the value in having yet another city-funded building that requires more funds than it will most likely generate in revenue.
Well, at least she is thinking of our finances.
Think she needs to go yet?
Yes, you heard me.
Tear it down.
She does not see the value in having yet another city-funded building that requires more funds than it will most likely generate in revenue.
Well, at least she is thinking of our finances.
Think she needs to go yet?
Pardon Moi?
The City Council chooses to find someone else to take on the burden of fixing what it will not.
This is acceptable?
I'm in the Meebo chat to the right, being angry and broody on this one folks.
I think the gauntlet has been thrown down by Emperor Harris and CEO Hillary Burcham.
War?
This is acceptable?
I'm in the Meebo chat to the right, being angry and broody on this one folks.
I think the gauntlet has been thrown down by Emperor Harris and CEO Hillary Burcham.
War?
1/6/08
A touch delayed
Ok, so I had to be in at 6 this morning, which meant I got to read all the headlines from today's paper - but had no time to respond to them.
Although if I know my readers, you know which articles I'm talking about.
#1: Softened Opposition
Straight out balderdash I say. You can always find people to say what you want them to say, but it's what you report that leaves the impression. Now I don't know if Mr. Kittredge has any real inside line or reason for pointing the story in the direction it took, unless is had something to do with the New York Times article from last week. But seriously now, the citizenry of Roanoke has given up, as usual, and accepted it.
I guess they think that once the Council decides it, it's a done deal. And the sad part is, because they act on that belief - it becomes a reality. Which leads us to article #2.
#2: Selling ideas on Market Building
So the Adams boys have teamed up on this story, straight from the desk of Darlene herself - on the age old question: What do we do with another municipal owned building that the city has a poor track record of maintaining?
I think it comes down to this folks, this is the election issue of the next dozen years. The wise, learned individuals down at the Municipal building (which by the way has more unmaintained issues than most realize), including the C.E.O. (self-ordained) of Roanoke have seen fit to decide NOT to maintain any publicly owned structure in the past decade. Most of which had not been maintained since the late 60's as it was.
Rather, they ordered study after study on what to do with these buildings. Studies on how to improve the areas around the buildings, without dealing with the buildings themselves. And now, they are selling off city property - YOUR property - because they no longer want to pretend to spend the money on upkeep.
Sure, they can all promise they do not want the Market Building sold. But Harris, for all his faults, said it best.
From the article: 'Mayor Nelson Harris said the city council must consider a number of alternatives. "One is the market building remaining completely in municipal hands and have it operated by the city," Harris said. "Another option would be some kind of public-private partnership."
In other words - we make no promises folks. We will do what we feel is best to do. That WE does not include YOU. If you wanted something to base your benchmark of a candidate this election cycle on, this is it.
And article #3: Rockledge won't make, or break, Mill Mountain.
I am actually agreeing with Dan Radmacher. I know, I'm just as shocked as you. But like I have said before, Valley Forward is backing the wrong horse on this one. While it is certainly nice that they raised $35,000 for the Greenways (where did the money go by the way?), I've said before - no restaurateur could ever give any sort of guarantee that a restaurant, or a pair of restaurants would succeed on Mill Mountain. As a matter of fact, it would probably be one of the biggest food-related gambles to hit Roanoke in a long time, short of allowing Spanky to operate another restaurant. Maybe now they will get the message - a restaurant on Mill Mountain, no matter how noble the cause - will not be the harbinger of a new era in Roanoke.
Just like the Art Museum and the Market Building, the Restaurant depends on the people - the very same people who have not been consulted, and are generally left out of the process.
I said before - this is a critical election for the City of Roanoke, and regardless of political party, if you cannot see that, you should probably move to the County.
Actually - I would recommend it. Us mouthy minority folks who are ruining it for everyone, well - we are just getting warmed up.
Although if I know my readers, you know which articles I'm talking about.
#1: Softened Opposition
Straight out balderdash I say. You can always find people to say what you want them to say, but it's what you report that leaves the impression. Now I don't know if Mr. Kittredge has any real inside line or reason for pointing the story in the direction it took, unless is had something to do with the New York Times article from last week. But seriously now, the citizenry of Roanoke has given up, as usual, and accepted it.
I guess they think that once the Council decides it, it's a done deal. And the sad part is, because they act on that belief - it becomes a reality. Which leads us to article #2.
#2: Selling ideas on Market Building
So the Adams boys have teamed up on this story, straight from the desk of Darlene herself - on the age old question: What do we do with another municipal owned building that the city has a poor track record of maintaining?
I think it comes down to this folks, this is the election issue of the next dozen years. The wise, learned individuals down at the Municipal building (which by the way has more unmaintained issues than most realize), including the C.E.O. (self-ordained) of Roanoke have seen fit to decide NOT to maintain any publicly owned structure in the past decade. Most of which had not been maintained since the late 60's as it was.
Rather, they ordered study after study on what to do with these buildings. Studies on how to improve the areas around the buildings, without dealing with the buildings themselves. And now, they are selling off city property - YOUR property - because they no longer want to pretend to spend the money on upkeep.
Sure, they can all promise they do not want the Market Building sold. But Harris, for all his faults, said it best.
From the article: 'Mayor Nelson Harris said the city council must consider a number of alternatives. "One is the market building remaining completely in municipal hands and have it operated by the city," Harris said. "Another option would be some kind of public-private partnership."
In other words - we make no promises folks. We will do what we feel is best to do. That WE does not include YOU. If you wanted something to base your benchmark of a candidate this election cycle on, this is it.
And article #3: Rockledge won't make, or break, Mill Mountain.
I am actually agreeing with Dan Radmacher. I know, I'm just as shocked as you. But like I have said before, Valley Forward is backing the wrong horse on this one. While it is certainly nice that they raised $35,000 for the Greenways (where did the money go by the way?), I've said before - no restaurateur could ever give any sort of guarantee that a restaurant, or a pair of restaurants would succeed on Mill Mountain. As a matter of fact, it would probably be one of the biggest food-related gambles to hit Roanoke in a long time, short of allowing Spanky to operate another restaurant. Maybe now they will get the message - a restaurant on Mill Mountain, no matter how noble the cause - will not be the harbinger of a new era in Roanoke.
Just like the Art Museum and the Market Building, the Restaurant depends on the people - the very same people who have not been consulted, and are generally left out of the process.
I said before - this is a critical election for the City of Roanoke, and regardless of political party, if you cannot see that, you should probably move to the County.
Actually - I would recommend it. Us mouthy minority folks who are ruining it for everyone, well - we are just getting warmed up.
12/29/07
Exactly what I meant.
Remember how I said I would be on hiatus until the 2nd, unless something really stupid happened?
Here it is.
Read on, go ahead. I don't think I really need to say much more about this. I mean - makes us look like gold once again.
Here it is.
Read on, go ahead. I don't think I really need to say much more about this. I mean - makes us look like gold once again.
12/24/07
Ladies and Gentleman, there will be a slight delay.
The Forgotten-Roanoke family is proud to announce the arrival of PVC.
PVC is the first child for the Forgotten-Family, and came into the world claws out. Obviously he shares his dad's sensibilities. But thankfully, he shares his calm, zen-like state with his mother. He is not a pit bull, yet.
Coming in at a respectable 7lbs, 7oz. and 19 3/4ths inches long - he's a cruiser weight baby.
All is well, mother and child are fine. Father is undergoing therapy for being present at the birth, and cutting the cord. Deep therapy. Actually, he has a prescription for a 4 pack of Guinness. We are just hoping he stops mumbling and drooling soon.
We will take a pause for the Holidays, and barring any unusual news in Roanoke - will return shortly after the first of the year.
Merry Christmas, Happy Belated Chanukkah, Enjoyable Kwanza, and a hearty Festivus for those who watch too much tv and refer to pop-culture references far too much.
We'll be back.
PVC is the first child for the Forgotten-Family, and came into the world claws out. Obviously he shares his dad's sensibilities. But thankfully, he shares his calm, zen-like state with his mother. He is not a pit bull, yet.
Coming in at a respectable 7lbs, 7oz. and 19 3/4ths inches long - he's a cruiser weight baby.
All is well, mother and child are fine. Father is undergoing therapy for being present at the birth, and cutting the cord. Deep therapy. Actually, he has a prescription for a 4 pack of Guinness. We are just hoping he stops mumbling and drooling soon.
We will take a pause for the Holidays, and barring any unusual news in Roanoke - will return shortly after the first of the year.
Merry Christmas, Happy Belated Chanukkah, Enjoyable Kwanza, and a hearty Festivus for those who watch too much tv and refer to pop-culture references far too much.
We'll be back.
12/21/07
DId he just say "dusting"?
Ok - so we can let Robin Reed off the hook for this one. I don't think anyone was calling for any kind of snow, much less accumulations of +-1"
But does it matter? It snowed. The Friday before Christmas, and it snows. Everything was hushed this morning, and it felt like Christmas. And even now, at 9:30 with the now still on the ground and roof - Mill Mountain coming out of the slight fog that held it before - the mountain is capped by white.
It's been a long, yet remarkably fast year - and here in the closing days, things just suddenly slowed down.
Enjoy it while it lasts..
But does it matter? It snowed. The Friday before Christmas, and it snows. Everything was hushed this morning, and it felt like Christmas. And even now, at 9:30 with the now still on the ground and roof - Mill Mountain coming out of the slight fog that held it before - the mountain is capped by white.
It's been a long, yet remarkably fast year - and here in the closing days, things just suddenly slowed down.
Enjoy it while it lasts..
12/20/07
Required Reading for today
If I had more than a 5 hour turn-around from yesterday to this morning, I might have a post ready for you - but for right now, you have some homework.
http://www.roanoke.com/editorials/commentary/wb/144097
http://www.roanoke.com/editorials/letters/wb/144112
And have you heard about this? You probably have not, unless you are one of the inside crowd from a certain group. They have been circulating it among themselves, without allowing public comment on it. There was a signature in protest I saw in the early days of this, it has since been deleted. Always good when you remove dissent.
Anyway, I have work. Someone has to serve you people...
http://www.roanoke.com/editorials/commentary/wb/144097
http://www.roanoke.com/editorials/letters/wb/144112
And have you heard about this? You probably have not, unless you are one of the inside crowd from a certain group. They have been circulating it among themselves, without allowing public comment on it. There was a signature in protest I saw in the early days of this, it has since been deleted. Always good when you remove dissent.
Anyway, I have work. Someone has to serve you people...
12/19/07
FYI
I am in the Chatbox (to the right and down a little) until about noon today. Stop by and say hi, or Excelsior, you Fathead!
Oh, and by the way - the Miller's Hill project is not being held due to market weakness, or any of the stuff mentioned in the article - they ran out of money. Plain and simple - but always the hardest thing to admit. ESPECIALLY when you are a government funded agency.
Oh, and by the way - the Miller's Hill project is not being held due to market weakness, or any of the stuff mentioned in the article - they ran out of money. Plain and simple - but always the hardest thing to admit. ESPECIALLY when you are a government funded agency.
More Quadrants nonsense
Amazingly, I am actually agreeing with the Times editorial board today.
I guess the whole Fire Reporting thing does not bother me near as much as the lack of reporting of Police reports. It's bad enough the actual reports of incidents is slim, but now you are taking away the only thing that connects the crime to the location. A triple homicide, drug related, in a neighborhood is reduced to a triple homicide on some street somewhere. And I could rattle off a list of streets on which you would never know where it happened.
This is just another reason to begin the process of removing the current City Council. Any council that would allow the hired gun of a City Manager (former human resources admin.) to set policy that directly affects the citizens of the city should be removed.
Consider this: The City of Roanoke is ill, and like any ill being - needs to be checked thoroughly. Well, we have checked and identified a mass which is causing the illness. But we are not sure why. So let's do a biopsy.
Take Darlene out, and if - by some chance - the illness does not fade, then we know it is the entire council that needs to be ousted.
Not the most pleasant way to do it, but it beats a full enema flush that would take care of the problem immediately.
I guess Ms. Burcham, holed up in the least city-like section of Southwest Roanoke in her $384k home (which by the way, is valued more than 4 of the Councilmembers homes) feels she rules the roost. And with the way she pulls strings on her appointed candidates (Harris, Dowe, Mason, Trinkle), is secure in the way she runs things.
When a retired city employee has to fear for his pension for crossing the City Manager the wrong way, theres a distinct problem. If you can't figure out what it is, please... Leave Roanoke to those who can.
And as I write this, I get 2 e-mails from MyRoanoke telling me of fires, with just a street - no quadrant. And minimal information anyway.
But that's usually what we have reporters for, right?
I guess the whole Fire Reporting thing does not bother me near as much as the lack of reporting of Police reports. It's bad enough the actual reports of incidents is slim, but now you are taking away the only thing that connects the crime to the location. A triple homicide, drug related, in a neighborhood is reduced to a triple homicide on some street somewhere. And I could rattle off a list of streets on which you would never know where it happened.
This is just another reason to begin the process of removing the current City Council. Any council that would allow the hired gun of a City Manager (former human resources admin.) to set policy that directly affects the citizens of the city should be removed.
Consider this: The City of Roanoke is ill, and like any ill being - needs to be checked thoroughly. Well, we have checked and identified a mass which is causing the illness. But we are not sure why. So let's do a biopsy.
Take Darlene out, and if - by some chance - the illness does not fade, then we know it is the entire council that needs to be ousted.
Not the most pleasant way to do it, but it beats a full enema flush that would take care of the problem immediately.
I guess Ms. Burcham, holed up in the least city-like section of Southwest Roanoke in her $384k home (which by the way, is valued more than 4 of the Councilmembers homes) feels she rules the roost. And with the way she pulls strings on her appointed candidates (Harris, Dowe, Mason, Trinkle), is secure in the way she runs things.
When a retired city employee has to fear for his pension for crossing the City Manager the wrong way, theres a distinct problem. If you can't figure out what it is, please... Leave Roanoke to those who can.
And as I write this, I get 2 e-mails from MyRoanoke telling me of fires, with just a street - no quadrant. And minimal information anyway.
But that's usually what we have reporters for, right?
12/18/07
Valley Forward makes an assumption.
Find the op/ed piece here.
Or the original posting of the same thing (with additional writer information) here.
I have been biting my tongue on this one for 5 days now.
So I guess the easiest way to do this is to tit-4-tat it, but I do ask that you read the piece alongside the VF document, so you can follow along.
Fiction: Valley Forward wants to destroy and desecrate the Mountain.
Fact (as I see it): Valley Forward does not have the combined brainpower to understand exactly what are the ramifications of what they do want. Each time they are called on the carpet - the definition of what they are trying to do changes - like in this piece. Now it is a "Community Center." Well, I think the mountain has one currently. Two if you count the 2nd floor of the hot dog stand in the zoo. 3 if you consider the picnic pavilion. I could go on, as there are more - hidden meeting places. Clandestine and secluded, but I am sure none of the folks from Valley Forward know where they are.
Fiction: Valley Forward will personally benefit from the Rockledge Plan.
Fact (as I see it): Directly, no they will not profit. But in the long run, as the legal wrangling and day to day operations of the "thing" grow - they will absolutely profit. Certain members of Valley Forward will take their clients up there and woo them to land major contracts, all the while writing it off as a business expense.
And this $2.5 million over 20 years? Thats $125,000 a year. A nice sum, but when split among the Zoo, the Mountain, and the greenways - well - it's equal to a good corporate sponsorship or two for the zoo. And that's still without defining profit for the "thing." Will it be after overhead? Before? Will this be some City/Enron style accounting?
Fiction: Valley Forward doesn't understand the environmental impact.
Fact (as I heard it): That's not what your old Bio Professor told me. LEED certification is nice, but untested in the long run - and means about as much as those EnergyStar appliances that still run up your bill every year. Anyway - if you are going to build something, build it smart - forget the nonsense of LEED and all the rest. Oh - and those 2 parking lots you will be adding? Won't they be on uneven ground? How do you propose to remedy this problem?
Fiction: Citizens are against this plan.
Fact (as I see it): Citizens are against this plan. It's ok to have 2 differing viewpoints on something. The company hired to survey the citizens of Roanoke has a checkered history with polling, and the methodology of this particular poll has not been made public. Put a poll online, and no - a petition does not cut it. But thanks for the strange history lesson.
Fiction: The Rockledge plan is just a restaurant.
Well, it would have been if they did not feel the need to suck up to the Fishburn family, and the public at large. But in that case, they could have kept the Inn too. Meddling public ruins everything! Although I do like the "bike racks and water fountains would be added." Now, explain to me - as a businessman - I get the bike rack concept, but why would you give water away free when you are charging for it inside?
Fiction: A restaurant on Mill Mountain will fail.
Fact (as I see it): Possibly. There are no assurances that you, your franchisee, or anyone involved with the project can give that will say otherwise. What you have is an untested theory, that people will come more to the mountain if you put food on it. A safe idea would have been to test a few hot dog stands up there, or approach the Zoo about a partnership to test the waters. All it would take is one bad winter to sink a project like this. And again, I ask - who will plow the Mill Mountain Parkway? Who will maintain the access roads, and when will Sysco deliver? And how? An 18 wheeler on Mill Mountain 2-3 times a week? 52 weeks a year (barring weather issues)? Thats some wear and tear. Not to mention a supply-side logistics problem. Putting all this on your franchisee and expecting him to be your saving grace? Insane.
Fiction: As a public park, no development was ever intended on Mill Mountain.
And here we go... Fact (as I sarcastically see it): Fishburn himself allowed construction on Mill Mountain!! What's wrong with you people! You'll upset the ghost of Fishburn, a smarter man than you!
Fact (as I see it normally): Fishburn was a smart businessman. He offered the Roanoke Merchants Association (of which he was an influential member) the space to put one giant sign advertising Roanoke for the holidays, at which time they chose the Star. Mind you - that was only supposed to last a year. The Zoo was built to give a "children's area" to the Mountain, as it had always been a popular destination for families during nice weather. It's "fee" was nearly non-existent at the beginning, it was not until the Zoo became a full Non-profit in 1975 that a "structured fee" was enacted. But through both instances, Fishburn had a greater reason in mind. Something for the community. There once was a watchtower atop Mill Mountain. For many years, one could go climb to the top and look out over the Valley. For a time, you could even shine a high-powered spotlight on your neighbors and annoy them from afar. All for a nickel.
Problem was, this tower burned twice after lightning strikes. Generally unsafe at any wind-speed, and a steep hike. Putting a Star up there seemed the next best thing. Gave a lookout point, and soon followed with an actual overlook. The Zoo gave the City community a place to go experience things they might not at home. The Central Park Zoo started much the same way. A way to bring kids into contact with "simple" animals - Cows, goats, chickens, and the like. In your average city, the odds of actually touching one of these before the age of 18 is slim. Thats why all Zoo's have a small domestic animal area, it's part of the reason they exist.
So tell me now, was Fishburn concerned about making a buck while looking good before the future environmental crowd? I say no, he was genuinely interested in giving something to this community it did not have. A place to breathe, get out and stretch their legs. And be above it all. It was an escape from the valley floor, where trains belched smoke and soot - and factories added more of the same. The buildings he would have considered adding would be the bathrooms and such, and as for the old Rockledge Inn? It was a shell.. harmless and useless and utterly defunct. In 1964, when the Mill Mountain Playhouse emerged there - it was a near miracle that the building did not collapse around them. Did he allow the presence of the Rockledge? Sure - like you allow the presence of that decorative rock someone gave you when you moved in. It's there, and until you find a use for it - it's going to stay there.
So Valley Forward, I ask you. Am I not open minded enough to grasp your stunning plan? Do you sleep the sleep of angels at night knowing this is going to be the thing that either saves Roanoke from itself, or condemns it to Hades? Have you considered asking the public directly, yourselves, without fraud or misleading questions (as you have done once before) - or did you just assume that because I am opposed to YOUR concept (not the concept of food and some light service on Mill Mountain, just YOUR concept for it), I must be "one of them" who does not wish to see Roanoke progress.
If you know anything, Lugar & Co., if you have learned anything from the times you have been here to read my blog - you should know better than that. I just try and keep an eye out for everyone's interests.
And one final question, as a non-profit entity (MMCF) would you be seeking a reduction in the property taxes you would owe the city, as the Art Museum has done?
Open your minds on that one.
Or the original posting of the same thing (with additional writer information) here.
I have been biting my tongue on this one for 5 days now.
So I guess the easiest way to do this is to tit-4-tat it, but I do ask that you read the piece alongside the VF document, so you can follow along.
Fiction: Valley Forward wants to destroy and desecrate the Mountain.
Fact (as I see it): Valley Forward does not have the combined brainpower to understand exactly what are the ramifications of what they do want. Each time they are called on the carpet - the definition of what they are trying to do changes - like in this piece. Now it is a "Community Center." Well, I think the mountain has one currently. Two if you count the 2nd floor of the hot dog stand in the zoo. 3 if you consider the picnic pavilion. I could go on, as there are more - hidden meeting places. Clandestine and secluded, but I am sure none of the folks from Valley Forward know where they are.
Fiction: Valley Forward will personally benefit from the Rockledge Plan.
Fact (as I see it): Directly, no they will not profit. But in the long run, as the legal wrangling and day to day operations of the "thing" grow - they will absolutely profit. Certain members of Valley Forward will take their clients up there and woo them to land major contracts, all the while writing it off as a business expense.
And this $2.5 million over 20 years? Thats $125,000 a year. A nice sum, but when split among the Zoo, the Mountain, and the greenways - well - it's equal to a good corporate sponsorship or two for the zoo. And that's still without defining profit for the "thing." Will it be after overhead? Before? Will this be some City/Enron style accounting?
Fiction: Valley Forward doesn't understand the environmental impact.
Fact (as I heard it): That's not what your old Bio Professor told me. LEED certification is nice, but untested in the long run - and means about as much as those EnergyStar appliances that still run up your bill every year. Anyway - if you are going to build something, build it smart - forget the nonsense of LEED and all the rest. Oh - and those 2 parking lots you will be adding? Won't they be on uneven ground? How do you propose to remedy this problem?
Fiction: Citizens are against this plan.
Fact (as I see it): Citizens are against this plan. It's ok to have 2 differing viewpoints on something. The company hired to survey the citizens of Roanoke has a checkered history with polling, and the methodology of this particular poll has not been made public. Put a poll online, and no - a petition does not cut it. But thanks for the strange history lesson.
Fiction: The Rockledge plan is just a restaurant.
Well, it would have been if they did not feel the need to suck up to the Fishburn family, and the public at large. But in that case, they could have kept the Inn too. Meddling public ruins everything! Although I do like the "bike racks and water fountains would be added." Now, explain to me - as a businessman - I get the bike rack concept, but why would you give water away free when you are charging for it inside?
Fiction: A restaurant on Mill Mountain will fail.
Fact (as I see it): Possibly. There are no assurances that you, your franchisee, or anyone involved with the project can give that will say otherwise. What you have is an untested theory, that people will come more to the mountain if you put food on it. A safe idea would have been to test a few hot dog stands up there, or approach the Zoo about a partnership to test the waters. All it would take is one bad winter to sink a project like this. And again, I ask - who will plow the Mill Mountain Parkway? Who will maintain the access roads, and when will Sysco deliver? And how? An 18 wheeler on Mill Mountain 2-3 times a week? 52 weeks a year (barring weather issues)? Thats some wear and tear. Not to mention a supply-side logistics problem. Putting all this on your franchisee and expecting him to be your saving grace? Insane.
Fiction: As a public park, no development was ever intended on Mill Mountain.
And here we go... Fact (as I sarcastically see it): Fishburn himself allowed construction on Mill Mountain!! What's wrong with you people! You'll upset the ghost of Fishburn, a smarter man than you!
Fact (as I see it normally): Fishburn was a smart businessman. He offered the Roanoke Merchants Association (of which he was an influential member) the space to put one giant sign advertising Roanoke for the holidays, at which time they chose the Star. Mind you - that was only supposed to last a year. The Zoo was built to give a "children's area" to the Mountain, as it had always been a popular destination for families during nice weather. It's "fee" was nearly non-existent at the beginning, it was not until the Zoo became a full Non-profit in 1975 that a "structured fee" was enacted. But through both instances, Fishburn had a greater reason in mind. Something for the community. There once was a watchtower atop Mill Mountain. For many years, one could go climb to the top and look out over the Valley. For a time, you could even shine a high-powered spotlight on your neighbors and annoy them from afar. All for a nickel.
Problem was, this tower burned twice after lightning strikes. Generally unsafe at any wind-speed, and a steep hike. Putting a Star up there seemed the next best thing. Gave a lookout point, and soon followed with an actual overlook. The Zoo gave the City community a place to go experience things they might not at home. The Central Park Zoo started much the same way. A way to bring kids into contact with "simple" animals - Cows, goats, chickens, and the like. In your average city, the odds of actually touching one of these before the age of 18 is slim. Thats why all Zoo's have a small domestic animal area, it's part of the reason they exist.
So tell me now, was Fishburn concerned about making a buck while looking good before the future environmental crowd? I say no, he was genuinely interested in giving something to this community it did not have. A place to breathe, get out and stretch their legs. And be above it all. It was an escape from the valley floor, where trains belched smoke and soot - and factories added more of the same. The buildings he would have considered adding would be the bathrooms and such, and as for the old Rockledge Inn? It was a shell.. harmless and useless and utterly defunct. In 1964, when the Mill Mountain Playhouse emerged there - it was a near miracle that the building did not collapse around them. Did he allow the presence of the Rockledge? Sure - like you allow the presence of that decorative rock someone gave you when you moved in. It's there, and until you find a use for it - it's going to stay there.
So Valley Forward, I ask you. Am I not open minded enough to grasp your stunning plan? Do you sleep the sleep of angels at night knowing this is going to be the thing that either saves Roanoke from itself, or condemns it to Hades? Have you considered asking the public directly, yourselves, without fraud or misleading questions (as you have done once before) - or did you just assume that because I am opposed to YOUR concept (not the concept of food and some light service on Mill Mountain, just YOUR concept for it), I must be "one of them" who does not wish to see Roanoke progress.
If you know anything, Lugar & Co., if you have learned anything from the times you have been here to read my blog - you should know better than that. I just try and keep an eye out for everyone's interests.
And one final question, as a non-profit entity (MMCF) would you be seeking a reduction in the property taxes you would owe the city, as the Art Museum has done?
Open your minds on that one.
Fallacies, Inaccuracies, and the Very Modern Ms. Burcham
(if you feel so inclined - check the chatbox to the right as you read this. Im there if there's anything you wish to say)
So the City's own Hillary Burcham, Grand Dame of High Social (t)reason and overall deep-thinker has shown how little she cares to understand Roanoke.
What-Who-How? you ask.
Well, let's start back a year or so. When I was searching for a new location for Forgotten-HQ, I was advised to stay out of certain areas of the city. NW and SE to be precise. But knowing that the city reported crimes online by location, specific enough without divulging the actual address - I knew that the old NW-SE myths were false. And SW and NE had just as many problems as any other sector. It did give a good general guideline as to what specific areas to avoid in each, and combine that with some good old Common Sense - and behold - a happy and secure resident of Southeast.
And I, for one, am glad that the "certain individuals" within the city decided to ignore Ms. Burcham's orders to cease and desist reporting Quadrants. Without that information, it might have taken longer to find a home - might have cost me time and money, and I might not have been so lucky to find the HQ high atop a hill overlooking Roanoke.
What we really need to examine are Burcham's reasons for cutting off the quadrant system.
From the article (and the heretics mouth): Under a directive from City Manager Darlene Burcham, officials are not allowed to provide quadrant designations in news releases reporting crimes or fires.
To include the quadrant portion of the street names, Burcham reasons, could fuel negative racial and socioeconomic perceptions about certain areas of the city.
The city administration prefers to think of Roanoke as one community, she said, and believes that dividing it into quadrants would create barriers.
And these are exactly the leadership skills that got her the job in the first place. Of course, that's not the entire story. I have it on good word that Ms. Burcham quite often gets lost going places in the city, and blames it on the quadrants (as well as whomever gave her the directions). Not that she has the best driving record going anyway. How many city vehicles has it been now? Not to mention the untold amounts of man-hours spent dealing with her bi-polar decrees.
But she means well - with the line about the "perceptions of certain areas of the city." So I guess the West End will be renamed Disney Land to avoid any stereotypes too. Will Old Southwest become the Monarchy of Reichert?
But I digress.
The real story here is the fact that Ms. Burcham has seen fit to quash the free-flow of information coming out of the city. No longer can a citizen get reports of crime, now it must come via official channels - and even those are limited to an e-mail (with little information) or a news story (which is usually just the e-mail copied).
And then there is this gem: A document explaining Burcham's position provided to The Roanoke Times adds that "we do not want citizens to show up at the scene of an accident or crime and interfere with police or fire operations."
Considering the speed at which the city releases any information, the likelihood of someone rushing down to a crime scene, or a fire based on the city releasing information about it is marginal at best. Due to the topographic terrain of Roanoke, it is often hard to determine where an event is taking place. You might hear sirens rushing this way and that - but unless you are in direct line of sight of the event, there is rarely the chance to see what is happening. Our local news stations and news papers sit complacent waiting for the official word from the city, rather than gathering information on their own.
In other words, most citizens do not get the chance to ever discover what all the fuss was about. And thus, we are in the dark. Just as they want it.
I said it yesterday during council sessions - they love the fact that the citizens are so ignorant of what they are doing, they can do what they wish and get away with it.
This is just an extension of that.
Special thanks to reader R. Provolone for the heads up on this. There's still more to be said, but I'll be back later.
check for me in the chatbox today - I'll be there on and off.
So the City's own Hillary Burcham, Grand Dame of High Social (t)reason and overall deep-thinker has shown how little she cares to understand Roanoke.
What-Who-How? you ask.
Well, let's start back a year or so. When I was searching for a new location for Forgotten-HQ, I was advised to stay out of certain areas of the city. NW and SE to be precise. But knowing that the city reported crimes online by location, specific enough without divulging the actual address - I knew that the old NW-SE myths were false. And SW and NE had just as many problems as any other sector. It did give a good general guideline as to what specific areas to avoid in each, and combine that with some good old Common Sense - and behold - a happy and secure resident of Southeast.
And I, for one, am glad that the "certain individuals" within the city decided to ignore Ms. Burcham's orders to cease and desist reporting Quadrants. Without that information, it might have taken longer to find a home - might have cost me time and money, and I might not have been so lucky to find the HQ high atop a hill overlooking Roanoke.
What we really need to examine are Burcham's reasons for cutting off the quadrant system.
From the article (and the heretics mouth): Under a directive from City Manager Darlene Burcham, officials are not allowed to provide quadrant designations in news releases reporting crimes or fires.
To include the quadrant portion of the street names, Burcham reasons, could fuel negative racial and socioeconomic perceptions about certain areas of the city.
The city administration prefers to think of Roanoke as one community, she said, and believes that dividing it into quadrants would create barriers.
And these are exactly the leadership skills that got her the job in the first place. Of course, that's not the entire story. I have it on good word that Ms. Burcham quite often gets lost going places in the city, and blames it on the quadrants (as well as whomever gave her the directions). Not that she has the best driving record going anyway. How many city vehicles has it been now? Not to mention the untold amounts of man-hours spent dealing with her bi-polar decrees.
But she means well - with the line about the "perceptions of certain areas of the city." So I guess the West End will be renamed Disney Land to avoid any stereotypes too. Will Old Southwest become the Monarchy of Reichert?
But I digress.
The real story here is the fact that Ms. Burcham has seen fit to quash the free-flow of information coming out of the city. No longer can a citizen get reports of crime, now it must come via official channels - and even those are limited to an e-mail (with little information) or a news story (which is usually just the e-mail copied).
And then there is this gem: A document explaining Burcham's position provided to The Roanoke Times adds that "we do not want citizens to show up at the scene of an accident or crime and interfere with police or fire operations."
Considering the speed at which the city releases any information, the likelihood of someone rushing down to a crime scene, or a fire based on the city releasing information about it is marginal at best. Due to the topographic terrain of Roanoke, it is often hard to determine where an event is taking place. You might hear sirens rushing this way and that - but unless you are in direct line of sight of the event, there is rarely the chance to see what is happening. Our local news stations and news papers sit complacent waiting for the official word from the city, rather than gathering information on their own.
In other words, most citizens do not get the chance to ever discover what all the fuss was about. And thus, we are in the dark. Just as they want it.
I said it yesterday during council sessions - they love the fact that the citizens are so ignorant of what they are doing, they can do what they wish and get away with it.
This is just an extension of that.
Special thanks to reader R. Provolone for the heads up on this. There's still more to be said, but I'll be back later.
check for me in the chatbox today - I'll be there on and off.
12/17/07
And here we go.. 7 P.M. laugh off!
Flabby Harris yapping again.. let's hope the friction from his lips does not set off the fire system again.
Some nonsense about some junket Harris went on, and now a presentation from.. oh god.. this is going to be bad.
Now there's Carlton Banks.. rockin the mic.
Give me a few - this is moving a bit fast and I need to collect my thoughts.
~
City Youth Leadership
And now High Lord Emperor Harris talking about N.O. and the junket he went on. Why does he feel the need to keep going.. and going... and going.. crap.
Thank god he's over.
Now, onto people who obviously HAVE a thought in their head.
~
Dowe reconnects? I heard he hires a crew to put up his Christmas lights.
This is too serious.. well spoken kids talking about the future. Obviously, this will not last.
~
I really should turn this over to the wife - and she is far angrier than I am, but she tends to become incoherent..
SLIDESHOW!!! Grab your popcorn folks.. now we get to see New Orleans.. OH SHUT UP HARRIS...
Looks like the kids had a rip in a big city.. oh wait - now they will never be happy in Roanoke - settling for 2nd best. Unless.. maybe we can make Roanoke more like New Orleans! I know, more restaurants serving Alligator! Maybe at the restaurant on Mill Mountain!
Oh wait... That's not what a "certain" crowd wants.
And look - a university other than Tech! *gasp*
We could use some of those home rebuilders here in Roanoke, drive Patterson Ave. or any of the more extant areas that are not South Roanoke or OSW. There's always a house or two that are boarded up, or something strange.
I give these kids credit though, they went through hell in the Lower 9th Ward. I am sure it has changed them in ways they don't quite understand yet.
~
And a standing O for the Youth Brigade. Good presentation, although a bit quick at the end.
Franken-Gwen made a funny, but the lovely mics didn't quite get it.
And here we go folks..
~
Old Firestation #3
Nice sentiment - but if it stays City Property, it will fall to wreckage.
OH NO.. Victory Stadium has been tossed out there. God.. the tears.. the tears.
Old #3 becomes just another revenue source for the city.
Wishneff tired? Taken a Benadryl?
OH HERE WE GO
Art Museum asking for a property tax cut, as well as a reduction in the Downtown Service Fee.
Damn near $80 grand lost if they go through with this, after donating a good chunk of property to them? SCREW THAT!
Ok - Wishneff has taken the Robitussin DM again.. I've seen him order a ribeye with more lucidity.
Shock - there goes $80k down the shiatter.
~
Beginning the Ordinance changes
And this is why Stephanie Moon gets the good money.. I'd like to see any one of you hold up on reading crap like this. Plus - she looks good in white.
Oh - where's the laugh track.
Go Steph Go
Hey - Fitz and Carlton Banks are conferring.. no fair!
~
I tell ya, if it wasn't for the ignorance of the citizens of Roanoke - the Council might actually have to work!
They keep having no citizens signed up for comments - so why are these folks (save the Victory Stadium guy) hanging around?
~
806 Marshall Ave. SW - a much condemned building
ARB crap. But, if I may, WHY do you need a Cert. of Appropriateness for the DEMOLITION of a building?
And why was this building not demolished since 1988 when it first was condemned??
Time and time again.. this house should have been blown up by now, made firewood - or found in pieces at Black Dog.
And yet OSW wanted the house saved? And now the ARB wants it saved? I'm smelling asshattery!
So tell me now.. Shall we call this the Victory Stadium house?
Bob Reichert steps up to the mic
BOB - shut the hell up. Seriously - go out with your damn ruler, measure fences.. in some other place. LEAVE ROANOKE.
Sick of you, sick of your nonsense. It's a house thats been condemned since 88.. .
WHY DOES ANYONE GIVE THIS MAN AND HIS WIFE CREDENCE???
The damn Reicherts, ruining OSW for many years to come!
Oh - do not bring up the leaky ship the Hotel Roanoke is. The that hotel physically will not last another 25 years without serious, and I mean major renovation.
~
So lets see - we might be talking about 6 total properties on Marshall? Sounds ripe for a housing complex!
Low-income? Sure! Or wait a minute.. how about.. McMansions!
Why the double-L would you need a 3-fold argument to demolish a house? Here we go..
You cannot have a historic district if the PEOPLE.. sorry OWNERS do not care. If you can find a person willing to do the work, thats fine. But odds are, you won't. Get over it. And TEAR IT DOWN.
Oh look, Harris is trying to follow along. Cute.
"A little housing slump"????? Uhh.. yeah. Bill, come back to reality.
Will we have a memorial board give-away like we did with that Stadium?
Bill Bestpitch, unannouced candidate for City Council gives the speech of his lifetime to impress his bosses.
~
Harris.. for the love of god.. SHUT IT!
Oh good - More OSW nonsense.
Oh god - another mention of Victory Stadium.. this time by Benadryl-Wishneff
~
Christ Craft steps up to the mic, to rehash what we have heard on - kind of like a live reaction from the public, if only the elected officials actually paid attention.
Chris Craft means well.. really - he does. But he still has not figured out that they just do not care.
Oh.. I'm chuckling darkly at that last comment Chris. (the mayor might have a heart attack while walking into the defib-less Municipal Building)
You know - maybe we can actually pay our mayor to give a damn, as it seems he can't do it for free.
I mean, how dare the city council have sidebar conversations while a citizen is speaking?
Is Trinkle hiding his face in something?
~
And that ends another barn burning session of the Roanoke City Council. Not affiliated with reality in any way, but fun none the less.
Be back here next time, when the City Council will bring us more joy and comfort.
(edited for clarity at 10pm, when the Novocaine of Harris' voice wore off)
Some nonsense about some junket Harris went on, and now a presentation from.. oh god.. this is going to be bad.
Now there's Carlton Banks.. rockin the mic.
Give me a few - this is moving a bit fast and I need to collect my thoughts.
~
City Youth Leadership
And now High Lord Emperor Harris talking about N.O. and the junket he went on. Why does he feel the need to keep going.. and going... and going.. crap.
Thank god he's over.
Now, onto people who obviously HAVE a thought in their head.
~
Dowe reconnects? I heard he hires a crew to put up his Christmas lights.
This is too serious.. well spoken kids talking about the future. Obviously, this will not last.
~
I really should turn this over to the wife - and she is far angrier than I am, but she tends to become incoherent..
SLIDESHOW!!! Grab your popcorn folks.. now we get to see New Orleans.. OH SHUT UP HARRIS...
Looks like the kids had a rip in a big city.. oh wait - now they will never be happy in Roanoke - settling for 2nd best. Unless.. maybe we can make Roanoke more like New Orleans! I know, more restaurants serving Alligator! Maybe at the restaurant on Mill Mountain!
Oh wait... That's not what a "certain" crowd wants.
And look - a university other than Tech! *gasp*
We could use some of those home rebuilders here in Roanoke, drive Patterson Ave. or any of the more extant areas that are not South Roanoke or OSW. There's always a house or two that are boarded up, or something strange.
I give these kids credit though, they went through hell in the Lower 9th Ward. I am sure it has changed them in ways they don't quite understand yet.
~
And a standing O for the Youth Brigade. Good presentation, although a bit quick at the end.
Franken-Gwen made a funny, but the lovely mics didn't quite get it.
And here we go folks..
~
Old Firestation #3
Nice sentiment - but if it stays City Property, it will fall to wreckage.
OH NO.. Victory Stadium has been tossed out there. God.. the tears.. the tears.
Old #3 becomes just another revenue source for the city.
Wishneff tired? Taken a Benadryl?
OH HERE WE GO
Art Museum asking for a property tax cut, as well as a reduction in the Downtown Service Fee.
Damn near $80 grand lost if they go through with this, after donating a good chunk of property to them? SCREW THAT!
Ok - Wishneff has taken the Robitussin DM again.. I've seen him order a ribeye with more lucidity.
Shock - there goes $80k down the shiatter.
~
Beginning the Ordinance changes
And this is why Stephanie Moon gets the good money.. I'd like to see any one of you hold up on reading crap like this. Plus - she looks good in white.
Oh - where's the laugh track.
Go Steph Go
Hey - Fitz and Carlton Banks are conferring.. no fair!
~
I tell ya, if it wasn't for the ignorance of the citizens of Roanoke - the Council might actually have to work!
They keep having no citizens signed up for comments - so why are these folks (save the Victory Stadium guy) hanging around?
~
806 Marshall Ave. SW - a much condemned building
ARB crap. But, if I may, WHY do you need a Cert. of Appropriateness for the DEMOLITION of a building?
And why was this building not demolished since 1988 when it first was condemned??
Time and time again.. this house should have been blown up by now, made firewood - or found in pieces at Black Dog.
And yet OSW wanted the house saved? And now the ARB wants it saved? I'm smelling asshattery!
So tell me now.. Shall we call this the Victory Stadium house?
Bob Reichert steps up to the mic
BOB - shut the hell up. Seriously - go out with your damn ruler, measure fences.. in some other place. LEAVE ROANOKE.
Sick of you, sick of your nonsense. It's a house thats been condemned since 88.. .
WHY DOES ANYONE GIVE THIS MAN AND HIS WIFE CREDENCE???
The damn Reicherts, ruining OSW for many years to come!
Oh - do not bring up the leaky ship the Hotel Roanoke is. The that hotel physically will not last another 25 years without serious, and I mean major renovation.
~
So lets see - we might be talking about 6 total properties on Marshall? Sounds ripe for a housing complex!
Low-income? Sure! Or wait a minute.. how about.. McMansions!
Why the double-L would you need a 3-fold argument to demolish a house? Here we go..
You cannot have a historic district if the PEOPLE.. sorry OWNERS do not care. If you can find a person willing to do the work, thats fine. But odds are, you won't. Get over it. And TEAR IT DOWN.
Oh look, Harris is trying to follow along. Cute.
"A little housing slump"????? Uhh.. yeah. Bill, come back to reality.
Will we have a memorial board give-away like we did with that Stadium?
Bill Bestpitch, unannouced candidate for City Council gives the speech of his lifetime to impress his bosses.
~
Harris.. for the love of god.. SHUT IT!
Oh good - More OSW nonsense.
Oh god - another mention of Victory Stadium.. this time by Benadryl-Wishneff
~
Christ Craft steps up to the mic, to rehash what we have heard on - kind of like a live reaction from the public, if only the elected officials actually paid attention.
Chris Craft means well.. really - he does. But he still has not figured out that they just do not care.
Oh.. I'm chuckling darkly at that last comment Chris. (the mayor might have a heart attack while walking into the defib-less Municipal Building)
You know - maybe we can actually pay our mayor to give a damn, as it seems he can't do it for free.
I mean, how dare the city council have sidebar conversations while a citizen is speaking?
Is Trinkle hiding his face in something?
~
And that ends another barn burning session of the Roanoke City Council. Not affiliated with reality in any way, but fun none the less.
Be back here next time, when the City Council will bring us more joy and comfort.
(edited for clarity at 10pm, when the Novocaine of Harris' voice wore off)
Back in the Chatbox
For a while anyway - liveblogging the city council again. I can't help it - this might be an addiction.
Partial Liveblogging the City Council
Also in the Chatbox to the right there..
Dear Lord God, do we really need to start the City Council meetings with a badly worded prayer?
Wishneff is MIA, Harris is sounding extra jowly today.
~
Harris is giving out presentations. I wonder if he writes these things himself? If so, I feel bad for those in his congregation when he starts preaching.
Anyone see a puppetmaster in the room there?
~
Nice display of gratitude by Christine, although it sounded like she got stuck when she was talking about Darlene.
Hey! It's Franken-Gwen! Can the city not invest in a decent lighting system considering this is broadcast?
Uh Oh - the "Harris Glad-Hand" has made an appearance.
Oh - this is the Council session where they will vote to give the AMWV a tax-break on property, personal property...
FIRE ALARM!
This is an interesting turn...
~
Cameraman is on his way back - thats a good sign.
SO reading ahead in the Council agenda - the AMWV tax-break could cost the city nearly $50k this year alone. And that's only in property taxes - the Downtown Service Fee (??) would run nearly the same - for a rough total (after deductions for what they would actually have to pay if/when the city does vote it through) $68k... Let's see if that gets brought up.
~
Did he just say SERVANT? Sheesh.. what a mook.
Good show for the kid though, with any luck I am sure this will aid him in getting a high paying job someplace other than here. I'm just guessing here.
Hey- I guess that fire alarm was a good way for Wishneff to sneak in. Must have been out to lunch or stuck in traffic somewhere.
Ok - the Roanoke-Allegheny Regional Commission is making a stand here - attempting to be nice about saying NONE of the City Council has bothered to pull themselves out of the nether-regions to talk to them. AANNNDdddd Harris just shoved him off the podium.
Jerk.
I guess the City Council does not do much when it comes to the Greater Roanoke Transit Co. - otherwise known as Valley Metro - even though they are technically the Board of Directors. Otherwise they could have had some small level of a conversation with Wayne.
~
Here's Rupert. Talking about the Carvin's Cove and protecting it. Just like he did at the Valley Forward press conference. Is there some mysterious developer attempting to build a waterpark there? Perhaps Donald Trump was spotted walking through the woods with a notepad? Nope, so other than the fact that Our Fair City Council has the brains of a school of guppies, why is he so harping on what should be a no-brainer, slam dunk of an easement?
Uh oh - Rupe's lost the thread for a moment there. Wait - Fees - now he has their attention. Although I don't see a reason why we should charge people to use something that has been free and clear for a long time, unless you are going to add some value to the site. Want to raise money from the people going to visit? Get a bunch of Hot Dog stands. Let the City Council staff them, and work for tips.
Oh Harris.. if only you had the conviction of what you said...
~
Ok - I'm going to take a break while they bore everyone in sight. Although it does amaze me how much they bank on the average citizen not reading the agenda, and staying as uninformed as possible.
Be back in a few - but the council chambers is near empty now. Just a handful of people left.
~
Oh wait, open mic afternoon.
Helen is talking about trees, and she's not wrong. A few weeks late - but not wrong. We do take down too many trees - but we don't have a comprehensive program for allowing development without losing trees. Oh sure, they can plant new ones - but the attrition rate for new trees is higher than the life of existing ones. But that's just tree talk.
~
I'm gone for 2 minutes and Darlene is suddenly on? Sheesh - what did I miss?
Oh - accreditation. Right. This matters why? Is the LAPD accredited? NYPD?
Oh no - Darlene is being funny. Crap. EVERYONE RUN!!!
I want the text of this.. this is hysterical. Someone please, stop her. Can anyone on the Council read and speak at the same time?
Oh please, someone else wrote this because Darlene wanted something to read quickly - and this is what they whipped up (under the whip I'm sure).
Oh well - I guess I have to watch the 7pm meeting - if possible.
I just wish something interesting had happened, as it would show some signs of life from this city council. Well - I'll be in and out of the chatbox today - so drop a message and I might be there to get back to you immediately.
Happy Holidays folks. Ask Santa for a better group of Council members next year.
Dear Lord God, do we really need to start the City Council meetings with a badly worded prayer?
Wishneff is MIA, Harris is sounding extra jowly today.
~
Harris is giving out presentations. I wonder if he writes these things himself? If so, I feel bad for those in his congregation when he starts preaching.
Anyone see a puppetmaster in the room there?
~
Nice display of gratitude by Christine, although it sounded like she got stuck when she was talking about Darlene.
Hey! It's Franken-Gwen! Can the city not invest in a decent lighting system considering this is broadcast?
Uh Oh - the "Harris Glad-Hand" has made an appearance.
Oh - this is the Council session where they will vote to give the AMWV a tax-break on property, personal property...
FIRE ALARM!
This is an interesting turn...
~
Cameraman is on his way back - thats a good sign.
SO reading ahead in the Council agenda - the AMWV tax-break could cost the city nearly $50k this year alone. And that's only in property taxes - the Downtown Service Fee (??) would run nearly the same - for a rough total (after deductions for what they would actually have to pay if/when the city does vote it through) $68k... Let's see if that gets brought up.
~
Did he just say SERVANT? Sheesh.. what a mook.
Good show for the kid though, with any luck I am sure this will aid him in getting a high paying job someplace other than here. I'm just guessing here.
Hey- I guess that fire alarm was a good way for Wishneff to sneak in. Must have been out to lunch or stuck in traffic somewhere.
Ok - the Roanoke-Allegheny Regional Commission is making a stand here - attempting to be nice about saying NONE of the City Council has bothered to pull themselves out of the nether-regions to talk to them. AANNNDdddd Harris just shoved him off the podium.
Jerk.
I guess the City Council does not do much when it comes to the Greater Roanoke Transit Co. - otherwise known as Valley Metro - even though they are technically the Board of Directors. Otherwise they could have had some small level of a conversation with Wayne.
~
Here's Rupert. Talking about the Carvin's Cove and protecting it. Just like he did at the Valley Forward press conference. Is there some mysterious developer attempting to build a waterpark there? Perhaps Donald Trump was spotted walking through the woods with a notepad? Nope, so other than the fact that Our Fair City Council has the brains of a school of guppies, why is he so harping on what should be a no-brainer, slam dunk of an easement?
Uh oh - Rupe's lost the thread for a moment there. Wait - Fees - now he has their attention. Although I don't see a reason why we should charge people to use something that has been free and clear for a long time, unless you are going to add some value to the site. Want to raise money from the people going to visit? Get a bunch of Hot Dog stands. Let the City Council staff them, and work for tips.
Oh Harris.. if only you had the conviction of what you said...
~
Ok - I'm going to take a break while they bore everyone in sight. Although it does amaze me how much they bank on the average citizen not reading the agenda, and staying as uninformed as possible.
Be back in a few - but the council chambers is near empty now. Just a handful of people left.
~
Oh wait, open mic afternoon.
Helen is talking about trees, and she's not wrong. A few weeks late - but not wrong. We do take down too many trees - but we don't have a comprehensive program for allowing development without losing trees. Oh sure, they can plant new ones - but the attrition rate for new trees is higher than the life of existing ones. But that's just tree talk.
~
I'm gone for 2 minutes and Darlene is suddenly on? Sheesh - what did I miss?
Oh - accreditation. Right. This matters why? Is the LAPD accredited? NYPD?
Oh no - Darlene is being funny. Crap. EVERYONE RUN!!!
I want the text of this.. this is hysterical. Someone please, stop her. Can anyone on the Council read and speak at the same time?
Oh please, someone else wrote this because Darlene wanted something to read quickly - and this is what they whipped up (under the whip I'm sure).
Oh well - I guess I have to watch the 7pm meeting - if possible.
I just wish something interesting had happened, as it would show some signs of life from this city council. Well - I'll be in and out of the chatbox today - so drop a message and I might be there to get back to you immediately.
Happy Holidays folks. Ask Santa for a better group of Council members next year.
A (3 year early) Christmas Gift
The Blue Ridge Business Journal gives us a gift this year on Page 25 of the Dec. 17th issue.
What could it be? And why would I be writing about it?
It's a infobox titled "Retirement by the numbers in the Blue Ridge Region." It gives us a peek into what the 2010 census will hold for the Roanoke/Lynchburg MSA.
Estimated population between the two? 688,241
Thats nearly 700k (which will probably be more likely by 2010) for an area most companies write off as too small.
Too small? I think not. Those are exactly the kind of numbers that people need to look at. More than that, 289,061 of those near 700k are 65 and older. Whats known as "free money" in the retail industry. Those who most likely do not have mortgages, have money socked away in retirement and savings accounts.. the golden gooses of the world.
The group under that, the overwhelming Baby Boomers? 270,000 of them reside in the area - they are the big wave getting ready to break.
Much like the 2000 Census claims a total of 75 people living in the 24011 zip code, and thats a number we know has grown since then.
I guess we will finally start making some waves after all - especially if we can get the Trans-Dominion Express running, thereby making commuting possible between Roanoke and Lynchburg with ease and comfort.
But, with these numbers comes the realization that only 129,180 people in the combined MSA are under the age of 40. A daunting number when you consider the landslide of retirees just ahead of them.
But it is this small group - 130k strong, that is truly the future of the Roanoke-Lynchburg MSA.
Anyway - I can't wait for the 2010 Census. Might just be a bit of a wake up.
Major businesses, take note.
What could it be? And why would I be writing about it?
It's a infobox titled "Retirement by the numbers in the Blue Ridge Region." It gives us a peek into what the 2010 census will hold for the Roanoke/Lynchburg MSA.
Estimated population between the two? 688,241
Thats nearly 700k (which will probably be more likely by 2010) for an area most companies write off as too small.
Too small? I think not. Those are exactly the kind of numbers that people need to look at. More than that, 289,061 of those near 700k are 65 and older. Whats known as "free money" in the retail industry. Those who most likely do not have mortgages, have money socked away in retirement and savings accounts.. the golden gooses of the world.
The group under that, the overwhelming Baby Boomers? 270,000 of them reside in the area - they are the big wave getting ready to break.
Much like the 2000 Census claims a total of 75 people living in the 24011 zip code, and thats a number we know has grown since then.
I guess we will finally start making some waves after all - especially if we can get the Trans-Dominion Express running, thereby making commuting possible between Roanoke and Lynchburg with ease and comfort.
But, with these numbers comes the realization that only 129,180 people in the combined MSA are under the age of 40. A daunting number when you consider the landslide of retirees just ahead of them.
But it is this small group - 130k strong, that is truly the future of the Roanoke-Lynchburg MSA.
Anyway - I can't wait for the 2010 Census. Might just be a bit of a wake up.
Major businesses, take note.
12/12/07
Common Council
Ever hear of a Common Council? In Roanoke?
And no, I am not referring to a council of like-minded rich uppity white people.
Believe it or not, at one time this city had a Common Council, elected from 4 wards (oops. there's that word again).
From 1908:
Highland Ward
Jefferson Ward
Kimball Ward
Melrose Ward
4 Wards - each with 6 elected representatives, 24 total. No city manager. Through World War 1, this city had Wards. It was not until 1918 that the city adopted (by vote) the current Council-City Manager system, and even then - it was for the sole purpose of handling the day to day operations of a quickly growing city.
The Wards vanished sometime after WWI, and the "at-large" system has held sway since. The "at-large" system of elections can be a useful one, when the population is well balanced and altruistic in it's intentions. But once you get an imbalance, as happened when a good chunk of the city lost jobs and housing - and a impermanent population - you have a problem.
At that point it's easy for one group, or one mindset to take control. And thats when the population "at-large" becomes disenfranchised.
With the Ward system, it becomes much harder for an organized take-over like that to occur. Sure you can always buy a vote or two, but in the long run - you will not get the same overwhelming results as you do with the "At-large" system.
Now, that being said - the Common Council vs. City Council, leaving aside the "at-large" bits. Common Council is the preferred label of Syracuse, Buffalo, Madison, Danbury, Racine, And Los Angeles. City Council is the label of Cities like New York City - but the difference between the two is minimal. At least in normal places.
Roanoke's own City Council is, as we said, elected "at-large" across the board. The New York City Council is elected by district, with the Mayor being elected at-large. And a number of Common Council's elected officials are by district, with 2 or 3 seats being at-large for balance. Some of them even separate the election of Mayor from the rest of the Council, for safety purposes.
Probably one of the wisest options of all really. Our own "at-large" council is the very thing that cripples us, singular interests - not even all that special, really. Just singular.
So tell me, which is better? Which would be ripe for growth? The answer is fairly simple.
Coming up soon, an entirely new series of "New Roanoke" articles - otherwise known as Rke2.0
Hide your councilpeople.. this could get ugly.
And no, I am not referring to a council of like-minded rich uppity white people.
Believe it or not, at one time this city had a Common Council, elected from 4 wards (oops. there's that word again).
From 1908:
Highland Ward
Jefferson Ward
Kimball Ward
Melrose Ward
4 Wards - each with 6 elected representatives, 24 total. No city manager. Through World War 1, this city had Wards. It was not until 1918 that the city adopted (by vote) the current Council-City Manager system, and even then - it was for the sole purpose of handling the day to day operations of a quickly growing city.
The Wards vanished sometime after WWI, and the "at-large" system has held sway since. The "at-large" system of elections can be a useful one, when the population is well balanced and altruistic in it's intentions. But once you get an imbalance, as happened when a good chunk of the city lost jobs and housing - and a impermanent population - you have a problem.
At that point it's easy for one group, or one mindset to take control. And thats when the population "at-large" becomes disenfranchised.
With the Ward system, it becomes much harder for an organized take-over like that to occur. Sure you can always buy a vote or two, but in the long run - you will not get the same overwhelming results as you do with the "At-large" system.
Now, that being said - the Common Council vs. City Council, leaving aside the "at-large" bits. Common Council is the preferred label of Syracuse, Buffalo, Madison, Danbury, Racine, And Los Angeles. City Council is the label of Cities like New York City - but the difference between the two is minimal. At least in normal places.
Roanoke's own City Council is, as we said, elected "at-large" across the board. The New York City Council is elected by district, with the Mayor being elected at-large. And a number of Common Council's elected officials are by district, with 2 or 3 seats being at-large for balance. Some of them even separate the election of Mayor from the rest of the Council, for safety purposes.
Probably one of the wisest options of all really. Our own "at-large" council is the very thing that cripples us, singular interests - not even all that special, really. Just singular.
So tell me, which is better? Which would be ripe for growth? The answer is fairly simple.
Coming up soon, an entirely new series of "New Roanoke" articles - otherwise known as Rke2.0
Hide your councilpeople.. this could get ugly.
Good morning.
For anyone interested, I'm live in the chatbox to the right over there for the next hour (til' about 9:45 or so)
Feel free to drop me a message, or say hi.. I might just respond.
Feel free to drop me a message, or say hi.. I might just respond.
12/11/07
Sad news out of the other camp.
For a confirmed ReThuglican like myself, I have to say - the Democrats just got screwed.
Well-Tanned Harris and his crew of "Fleece the City" candidates have now gained control of the City Democratic Party.
Is it just me, or does Harris look like he has high blood pressure issues?
At any rate - now is the time to strike and wipe this sad political machine from the City's wards.
Oops - did I just say that word again?
Folks - there's bad, and then there is bad. And the sheer chance that more "For the City" candidates, or even worse "Forward the City" (if you catch my non-subtle drift) should make your liver quiver, and your heart skip a beat.
Harris claims to be a King-maker in this town. I say we get together and crown him good.
Tonight, and possibly only tonight - this ReThuglican stands with the formerly useful City Democrats - who have now been "outsourced."
But perhaps a 3 way dance is exactly what the city needs....
Well-Tanned Harris and his crew of "Fleece the City" candidates have now gained control of the City Democratic Party.
Is it just me, or does Harris look like he has high blood pressure issues?
At any rate - now is the time to strike and wipe this sad political machine from the City's wards.
Oops - did I just say that word again?
Folks - there's bad, and then there is bad. And the sheer chance that more "For the City" candidates, or even worse "Forward the City" (if you catch my non-subtle drift) should make your liver quiver, and your heart skip a beat.
Harris claims to be a King-maker in this town. I say we get together and crown him good.
Tonight, and possibly only tonight - this ReThuglican stands with the formerly useful City Democrats - who have now been "outsourced."
But perhaps a 3 way dance is exactly what the city needs....
Delayed entry.
(Sorry about this, I could have swore I hit the publish button - but I found it languishing in my drafts. Ah well. Enjoy.)
Valley Forward does not realize it, but at the press conference last Friday for the "Inn/Restaurant on Mill Mountain", they defined their role in the future. First, the "press conference" was not your traditional press conference. There was no moment during, or after, when they took comments and questions from those in attendance. Well, not on the public scale. Any questions or comments were "off-podium" and decidedly away from the camera's lens. They were quickly surrounded by their well-wishers, and the media were kept at bay for a short time. Only when they spawned off into smaller groups did the news stations get a shot at interviewing Fralin, Lugar, and whoever else would stand still. I know I saw a couple of folks shoot straight for the door when the cameras went mobile.
So it was more of a press release, than an actual conference. But it was the meat of the matter that truly set them apart, and laid the path to the future of Valley Forward, and Roanoke.
First off, the new revamped "Restaurant on the Mountain" will boast a "destination restaurant", a cafe, and a public meeting room (affectionately called the Fishburn room, in an attempt to win the family's support). They will actively seek $1 million in public support funds to get the ball rolling on this, and when they have it - will turn around and go to the "5 or 6" banks they have lined up to give them loans for the rest of the money. That $1 million is also known as "community investment," or - in this case "a buy-in" program. Gas prices, higher food costs, and the like are all contributing to the drop in funding of worthwhile things like the Salvation Army, the Red Cross, and actual useful and needed services. Those contributions normally come from average folk, poor and rich folk alike. So who will be in the best place to really donate to, and benefit from a restaurant on Mill Mountain?
Wait for it...
Ownership of the physical structure would be by the Mill Mountain Community Foundation. A new Foundation (for profit, or non- has not been specified) consisting of 9 open seats, which will be filled thusly: 1 member of the Fishburn Family (of which there are 4 left), 1 member of the City Council, 1 person from the MMZoo (unclear as to Zoo Board, or Zoo actual), 1 person from the Mill Mountain Committee, 1 person from unknown group, and 4 people selected "at large" by the City Council.
So what they are really saying is, a minimum of 5 people serving the interests of those who support the Restaurant in the first place. And considering the makeup of our current council, I can say with confidence - You would be facing a SoRo, OSW heavy Foundation. Thats a given of course. What really stuns me is the way they intend to operate.
All net profits will be disbursed to the Mill Mountain Zoo, and to improve the trails and greenways. And yet they still claim they will be cash-flow positive in the first year. Must be teaching Enron math at Radford. Let that be a warning to all you parents out there. But here's the "emotional hook." They are basically eluding that if this project fails (due to the public - always the public's fault), the Zoo will not be able to sustain itself. This "Community Restaurant/Cafe/Not An Inn" is the best hope the Mill Mountain Zoo has to survive.
Valley Forward, you're doing it wrong. Usually you show some sort of involvement in something before you go spouting about it's future. Get up there and get to know the folks at the Zoo before you make statements like that. They tend to have more of an impact that way.
The new thing - whatever it's going to be called - will not be visible from downtown. And will have no direct link from downtown. Other than perhaps an ad or two. But it's going to be (at the very least) a tax windfall for the city. I guess in meals tax, or property taxes... if they pay property taxes. If they declare non-profit, there goes that source. Aside from the fact that it is located atop a mountain, with one road access - how often does the city plow that road in the event of a snowfall? No matter what they may claim, it will still cost money to keep this thing open - money from the city, money from the community... Support from a community where you are really engendering none.
And how long before a quicker route is looked for? A back way to get up there. Perhaps something off Yellow Mountain Rd.?
No, something was wrong with this plan. It seemed very thin - rushed. The speeches were obviously very well rehearsed, but the subject was not. They even admitted time was an issue in pulling this together. I wonder if this is the same plan they submitted to the Council back in October, considering they should have had a better concept and presentation in the time allotted. Then again, they have not even bothered to release the actual proposal on their own website. However, you can go and see the original proposal for the Inn, and draw your own conclusions.
So this is it. Valley Forward's path to the future. Talk in a huddle, and expect everyone else to immediately grasp the concept. And pout a lot if you don't get your way. As evidenced by the "Public Park. Public Park. Public Park." statement by Lugar. Although I do give them some credit for trying again. And I still don't mind the idea of having some form of food up there. As long as I don't have to see the golden arches, and proper accommodations were made for the public AT LARGE to get there.
Ah well.. It's worth a shot, right? But maybe Valley Forward needs to take a page from NewVaConnects and engage the public before assaulting them with ideas. Just a thought.
Destination No-where.
Valley Forward does not realize it, but at the press conference last Friday for the "Inn/Restaurant on Mill Mountain", they defined their role in the future. First, the "press conference" was not your traditional press conference. There was no moment during, or after, when they took comments and questions from those in attendance. Well, not on the public scale. Any questions or comments were "off-podium" and decidedly away from the camera's lens. They were quickly surrounded by their well-wishers, and the media were kept at bay for a short time. Only when they spawned off into smaller groups did the news stations get a shot at interviewing Fralin, Lugar, and whoever else would stand still. I know I saw a couple of folks shoot straight for the door when the cameras went mobile.
So it was more of a press release, than an actual conference. But it was the meat of the matter that truly set them apart, and laid the path to the future of Valley Forward, and Roanoke.
First off, the new revamped "Restaurant on the Mountain" will boast a "destination restaurant", a cafe, and a public meeting room (affectionately called the Fishburn room, in an attempt to win the family's support). They will actively seek $1 million in public support funds to get the ball rolling on this, and when they have it - will turn around and go to the "5 or 6" banks they have lined up to give them loans for the rest of the money. That $1 million is also known as "community investment," or - in this case "a buy-in" program. Gas prices, higher food costs, and the like are all contributing to the drop in funding of worthwhile things like the Salvation Army, the Red Cross, and actual useful and needed services. Those contributions normally come from average folk, poor and rich folk alike. So who will be in the best place to really donate to, and benefit from a restaurant on Mill Mountain?
Wait for it...
Ownership of the physical structure would be by the Mill Mountain Community Foundation. A new Foundation (for profit, or non- has not been specified) consisting of 9 open seats, which will be filled thusly: 1 member of the Fishburn Family (of which there are 4 left), 1 member of the City Council, 1 person from the MMZoo (unclear as to Zoo Board, or Zoo actual), 1 person from the Mill Mountain Committee, 1 person from unknown group, and 4 people selected "at large" by the City Council.
So what they are really saying is, a minimum of 5 people serving the interests of those who support the Restaurant in the first place. And considering the makeup of our current council, I can say with confidence - You would be facing a SoRo, OSW heavy Foundation. Thats a given of course. What really stuns me is the way they intend to operate.
All net profits will be disbursed to the Mill Mountain Zoo, and to improve the trails and greenways. And yet they still claim they will be cash-flow positive in the first year. Must be teaching Enron math at Radford. Let that be a warning to all you parents out there. But here's the "emotional hook." They are basically eluding that if this project fails (due to the public - always the public's fault), the Zoo will not be able to sustain itself. This "Community Restaurant/Cafe/Not An Inn" is the best hope the Mill Mountain Zoo has to survive.
Valley Forward, you're doing it wrong. Usually you show some sort of involvement in something before you go spouting about it's future. Get up there and get to know the folks at the Zoo before you make statements like that. They tend to have more of an impact that way.
The new thing - whatever it's going to be called - will not be visible from downtown. And will have no direct link from downtown. Other than perhaps an ad or two. But it's going to be (at the very least) a tax windfall for the city. I guess in meals tax, or property taxes... if they pay property taxes. If they declare non-profit, there goes that source. Aside from the fact that it is located atop a mountain, with one road access - how often does the city plow that road in the event of a snowfall? No matter what they may claim, it will still cost money to keep this thing open - money from the city, money from the community... Support from a community where you are really engendering none.
And how long before a quicker route is looked for? A back way to get up there. Perhaps something off Yellow Mountain Rd.?
No, something was wrong with this plan. It seemed very thin - rushed. The speeches were obviously very well rehearsed, but the subject was not. They even admitted time was an issue in pulling this together. I wonder if this is the same plan they submitted to the Council back in October, considering they should have had a better concept and presentation in the time allotted. Then again, they have not even bothered to release the actual proposal on their own website. However, you can go and see the original proposal for the Inn, and draw your own conclusions.
So this is it. Valley Forward's path to the future. Talk in a huddle, and expect everyone else to immediately grasp the concept. And pout a lot if you don't get your way. As evidenced by the "Public Park. Public Park. Public Park." statement by Lugar. Although I do give them some credit for trying again. And I still don't mind the idea of having some form of food up there. As long as I don't have to see the golden arches, and proper accommodations were made for the public AT LARGE to get there.
Ah well.. It's worth a shot, right? But maybe Valley Forward needs to take a page from NewVaConnects and engage the public before assaulting them with ideas. Just a thought.
12/5/07
Fire up the kettle, this is gonna take a while.
Market building on the Market?
Good god, how much time do they think I have to devote to this stuff? I mean, what's next? City-subsidized townhouses in the tunnels under downtown?
Now I am sorry I have to be in so early, otherwise I could really have some fun with this. But I'll be back later.
Bet on it.
12/4/07
Roanoke's checkbook.
We are gifted to have such a diligent Council, ready and waiting to pay out money for whatever it wants. Unless the Police want it. Or the Fire Department. Or, well.. unless it's the City Manager or the Council - the book stays closed. Our own civil servants need to apply for grants to get funding for certain needed items. Our public buildings are falling to shambles. Even the Municipal Building is creaking away, plagued with problems and pestilence. Back in the 20th Century, the firemen of Roanoke's FD paid for all their own equipment, to the point where they would do repairs to the fire fighting apparatus (read: fire trucks). In 1935, the Roanoke Fire Fighters decided to start the 'Roanoke Virginia Firemen Federal Credit Union,' to offset the high cost ($500) for all the equipment they needed for the job. With the opening of the new Station 1, the old 1 has seen little beyond a good sweeping and a light bulb or two. Forget it if a pipe should bust, or the roof leak - you might as well just grab the duct tape and pray a lot.
Old Firehouse #6 (the other historic fire station in Roanoke), which the city bought in 1910 for the princely sum of $1,050, has for lack of a better word, been destroyed by the lack of maintenance by the City. Aside from a major boiler bust which makes the basement look like wreckage from the Titanic (once you begin to descend the cast iron spiral stairway, an antique in itself), there's a lovely bunch of water & damage from it - all due to the brilliant strategy of using a piece of plywood to block rainwater and air conditioner drip from a low window. And the damage is major. Several times the basement has had to be pumped out due to standing water over a foot deep. Contractors have said the basement will never really dry out, and the foundation is possibly damaged because of the "lack of repairs."
Is this a problem limited to this one lone firehouse in Southeast? If you have followed the city's recent Parks & Rec news then you would know it has not. Villa Heights, Buena Vista, Mountain View. All places which cost the city nearly nothing - but the city ignored the basics of Home Maintenance and cost itself dearly. On the other hand, for items which the Council itself directly uses. Like SUV's - 3 of them. Long distance towing services? Not a problem. Heavy bodywork and repair to said SUV? No problem. Artwork to hang in Council chambers, or the managers office? Well - we don't have a Picasso yet, but we are getting there. The Roanoke City "Municipal" Art collection contains some outstanding works - the appraised value of the collection must be a nice number. I am sure on any public market the collection would fetch a tidy sum. And no, not all of the works were "donated." But still, the City Council has to show something for it's spending. Right?
Well - put that question to a certain recent city employee, with a heck of a nice salary, who does not even live in Roanoke. The job in question is one with no quantifiable result. There is no set goal, no actual result. It's more of a "feel good" idea for the city. Imagine that, having a job where all you have to do is make a city you don't live in feel like it's doing something. And you don't even have to convince the whole city either. Just a very small portion of it. You get to make good money, organize events as you wish, play with new technology, and never have to show hard proof. But it makes the Council feel like they are doing something, and they can turn to the citizens (who will understand the illusion even less) and say "Look, we are doing something."
So what can we, the citizens, actually see real money being spent on? Studies. Consultants. Infrastructure, in certain regards. Oh, and let's not forget the $880,000 going to the (former) Grand Building so it can become apartments. But all that money thats going towards consultants and such, could it not be better spent on.. oh - I don't know. More police? Improved streets? Lower taxes? Improving the schools??? Well, perhaps in a different city, with a more intelligent council that actually gives a rat's ass - but it's best not to engage in pipe dreams.
Ever think maybe the citizens could ask to see the checkbook? I think we can, and should.
Old Firehouse #6 (the other historic fire station in Roanoke), which the city bought in 1910 for the princely sum of $1,050, has for lack of a better word, been destroyed by the lack of maintenance by the City. Aside from a major boiler bust which makes the basement look like wreckage from the Titanic (once you begin to descend the cast iron spiral stairway, an antique in itself), there's a lovely bunch of water & damage from it - all due to the brilliant strategy of using a piece of plywood to block rainwater and air conditioner drip from a low window. And the damage is major. Several times the basement has had to be pumped out due to standing water over a foot deep. Contractors have said the basement will never really dry out, and the foundation is possibly damaged because of the "lack of repairs."
Is this a problem limited to this one lone firehouse in Southeast? If you have followed the city's recent Parks & Rec news then you would know it has not. Villa Heights, Buena Vista, Mountain View. All places which cost the city nearly nothing - but the city ignored the basics of Home Maintenance and cost itself dearly. On the other hand, for items which the Council itself directly uses. Like SUV's - 3 of them. Long distance towing services? Not a problem. Heavy bodywork and repair to said SUV? No problem. Artwork to hang in Council chambers, or the managers office? Well - we don't have a Picasso yet, but we are getting there. The Roanoke City "Municipal" Art collection contains some outstanding works - the appraised value of the collection must be a nice number. I am sure on any public market the collection would fetch a tidy sum. And no, not all of the works were "donated." But still, the City Council has to show something for it's spending. Right?
Well - put that question to a certain recent city employee, with a heck of a nice salary, who does not even live in Roanoke. The job in question is one with no quantifiable result. There is no set goal, no actual result. It's more of a "feel good" idea for the city. Imagine that, having a job where all you have to do is make a city you don't live in feel like it's doing something. And you don't even have to convince the whole city either. Just a very small portion of it. You get to make good money, organize events as you wish, play with new technology, and never have to show hard proof. But it makes the Council feel like they are doing something, and they can turn to the citizens (who will understand the illusion even less) and say "Look, we are doing something."
So what can we, the citizens, actually see real money being spent on? Studies. Consultants. Infrastructure, in certain regards. Oh, and let's not forget the $880,000 going to the (former) Grand Building so it can become apartments. But all that money thats going towards consultants and such, could it not be better spent on.. oh - I don't know. More police? Improved streets? Lower taxes? Improving the schools??? Well, perhaps in a different city, with a more intelligent council that actually gives a rat's ass - but it's best not to engage in pipe dreams.
Ever think maybe the citizens could ask to see the checkbook? I think we can, and should.
12/2/07
To Valley Forward,
PUBLIC PARK!
PUBLIC PARK!
PUBLIC PARK!
Sorry - could not resist. Be back later, with even more incendiary devices.
PUBLIC PARK!
PUBLIC PARK!
Sorry - could not resist. Be back later, with even more incendiary devices.
11/30/07
The plotz thickens....
This just in..................
This Monday, a petition for scheduling a public hearing on the matter of giving tax-exempt property status for the Art Museum downtown.
I understand they are well within their rights to request this, but seriously now. And it's not just that alone. It's 110 Salem Ave. SE and the storage building at 302 Campbell Ave. SE
Does not one negate the need for the other?
The city has gifted the land under the Art Museum to them, and now they ask for a break on property taxes. Could it be because they are running short on funds, and know that the property taxes would break the bank?
I don't know - maybe it's just me, but it seems fishy. I might be willing to give them one property, but not both.
Untested and unproven revenue from the "tourists" who will come to see the new art museum do not assure the city of any monetary growth. I would think considering all the "bending over backwards" the city has done during the construction of the museum, the least the museum could do is pay property taxes - as an assurance. Even if they asked for reduced taxes, that I might be ok with. But an exemption?
I'm personally not too keen on the idea of giving them anything more without SOME assurance (or insurance) for the city.
My 2 cents.
Eagerly awaiting the Valley Forward press conference, although it is dubiously timed.
That is all....................
This Monday, a petition for scheduling a public hearing on the matter of giving tax-exempt property status for the Art Museum downtown.
I understand they are well within their rights to request this, but seriously now. And it's not just that alone. It's 110 Salem Ave. SE and the storage building at 302 Campbell Ave. SE
Does not one negate the need for the other?
The city has gifted the land under the Art Museum to them, and now they ask for a break on property taxes. Could it be because they are running short on funds, and know that the property taxes would break the bank?
I don't know - maybe it's just me, but it seems fishy. I might be willing to give them one property, but not both.
Untested and unproven revenue from the "tourists" who will come to see the new art museum do not assure the city of any monetary growth. I would think considering all the "bending over backwards" the city has done during the construction of the museum, the least the museum could do is pay property taxes - as an assurance. Even if they asked for reduced taxes, that I might be ok with. But an exemption?
I'm personally not too keen on the idea of giving them anything more without SOME assurance (or insurance) for the city.
My 2 cents.
Eagerly awaiting the Valley Forward press conference, although it is dubiously timed.
That is all....................
11/29/07
I knew I liked that man...
"There are, in the body politic, economic and social, many and grave evils, and there is urgent necessity for the sternest war upon them. There should be relentless exposure of and attack upon every evil man whether politician or business man, every evil practice, whether in politics, in business, or in social life. I hail as a benefactor every writer or speaker, every man who, on the platform, or in book, magazine, or newspaper, with merciless severity makes such attack, provided always that he in his turn remembers that the attack is of use only if it is absolutely truthful."
-Theo. Roosevelt, President of the U.S.
Think about that for a moment. And look around.
I think I see some muck over there.. anyone have a rake handy?
-Theo. Roosevelt, President of the U.S.
Think about that for a moment. And look around.
I think I see some muck over there.. anyone have a rake handy?
New toys
Go ahead. Scroll down a bit and look to your right.
Harass me all you want. If I am here, I will get right back to you.
I know posting has been light - but I have been active lately. More on that eventually.
Harass me all you want. If I am here, I will get right back to you.
I know posting has been light - but I have been active lately. More on that eventually.
11/21/07
The Sentinel reveals himself.
And no longer is the City alone, listening to one voice.
The Roanoke Star Sentinel has launched.
If you are one of the lucky 30,000 who received the first issue - congrats. If not, hit the link and read it via .pdf online.
Things just got very interesting.
The Roanoke Star Sentinel has launched.
If you are one of the lucky 30,000 who received the first issue - congrats. If not, hit the link and read it via .pdf online.
Things just got very interesting.
11/20/07
Wiley Coyote
Once again, black wins over white - and 2 dimensional thinking succeeds in the face of the future.
Wiley Drive will be closed.
Which is understandable, considering the nature of the issue. However, there is always a middle ground.
Yes, the park - the picnic area - the low-water bridge, all of it - is now off limits to the disabled.
I think we could have done better than that.
Parks and Rec is still going to use some sort of road to get to the inner parts of the park - be it the greenway, or a remnant of Wiley - we should keep that option open for the Handicapped. We do it on Mill Mountain, with the access road to the zoo open as an option for the handicapped, we can damn well do it in the parks.
And we need to. The closest someone in a wheelchair can get to the water itself is the low water bridge.
I'm not disappointed, I actually find myself still hopeful that at some point during the process of the bench cut, someone will speak up and the access needed by the handicapped will be kept.
If not, well - then I'll be disappointed.
Wiley Drive will be closed.
Which is understandable, considering the nature of the issue. However, there is always a middle ground.
Yes, the park - the picnic area - the low-water bridge, all of it - is now off limits to the disabled.
I think we could have done better than that.
Parks and Rec is still going to use some sort of road to get to the inner parts of the park - be it the greenway, or a remnant of Wiley - we should keep that option open for the Handicapped. We do it on Mill Mountain, with the access road to the zoo open as an option for the handicapped, we can damn well do it in the parks.
And we need to. The closest someone in a wheelchair can get to the water itself is the low water bridge.
I'm not disappointed, I actually find myself still hopeful that at some point during the process of the bench cut, someone will speak up and the access needed by the handicapped will be kept.
If not, well - then I'll be disappointed.
11/19/07
Lame. Just Lame.
Roanoke City Council to discuss Mill Mountain and Victory Stadium site in private
City land will be discussed -- legally -- behind closed doors.
I get it. Really, I do. What business would want plans openly debated, for the special interests to rip apart?
In the case of the missing Amphitheater, I really don't care what they discuss behind closed doors. The city will use it's secondary official mouthpiece (the Roanoke Times) to release whatever they want you to see. Pretty images, and little else.
But the Mill Mountain issue is far more important to the future of Roanoke than the Amphitheater. It's the difference between meeting behind closed doors because you need to, and because you can. The definition of "public good" is not all that wide, and in a situation like this I think the benefits of having an open process (especially when the process has been viewed as tainted as this one is) far outweigh any illusionary need for secrecy. One proposal, thats all you have. That's a pretty clear indicator that no other business thinks this is a good idea. As a matter of fact, I would not be surprised if no other business was strong enough to bear the ill will it would receive should it build atop Mill Mt.
Disposition of public property is one thing, disposition of public parks? Well, now thats another thing entirely.
Dear Prudence.... teach these mortals what they cannot know. How to be effective governors.
City land will be discussed -- legally -- behind closed doors.
I get it. Really, I do. What business would want plans openly debated, for the special interests to rip apart?
In the case of the missing Amphitheater, I really don't care what they discuss behind closed doors. The city will use it's secondary official mouthpiece (the Roanoke Times) to release whatever they want you to see. Pretty images, and little else.
But the Mill Mountain issue is far more important to the future of Roanoke than the Amphitheater. It's the difference between meeting behind closed doors because you need to, and because you can. The definition of "public good" is not all that wide, and in a situation like this I think the benefits of having an open process (especially when the process has been viewed as tainted as this one is) far outweigh any illusionary need for secrecy. One proposal, thats all you have. That's a pretty clear indicator that no other business thinks this is a good idea. As a matter of fact, I would not be surprised if no other business was strong enough to bear the ill will it would receive should it build atop Mill Mt.
Disposition of public property is one thing, disposition of public parks? Well, now thats another thing entirely.
Dear Prudence.... teach these mortals what they cannot know. How to be effective governors.
11/9/07
Oh Ward...
It seems that Valerie Garner, from The Countryside Neighborhood Alliance, has uncovered a slice of the past.
She has laid her hands on an article from Nov. 5th, 1997 about the voting down of a potential Ward system in Roanoke.
You can read the article here, with accompanying map.
What's really interesting is the fear-mongering and dis-information that led to the Ward system being voted down (at least as reported by the article).
"More than any city campaign in years, the wards vote brought the city's establishment into open conflict with scrappy, populist types such as the Roanoke Education Association and the NAACP. Powerful lawyers, wealthy Roanokers and business executives worked hard against wards. They noted that voters who now get to cast ballots for all seven council members would have had just three votes under a ward system - ones for the candidate from their ward and one each for mayor and vice mayor.
Ward detractors also called forth an image of Chicago in the days of ex-Mayor Richard Daley - a city of back-room deals and corrupt, cigar-chomping, ward-healing politicians. They warned that council members would be fighting over provincial matters within ward borders instead of promoting the larger interests of the city."
Well - the only good thing is now we need not worry about the Mayor Daley references, as we are rife with back room deals even without the ward system. But I am saddened to hear the twisted math of 7 votes vs. 3. 7 votes that gain you little, vs 3 that might actually accomplish something.
Must be some of that new math that makes 3 useful votes seem like a bad thing.
You know as well as I do, Roanoke needs some form of locality based representation. This "at large" system is only playing to those with "vested areas." Like SoRo, Old SW, and even to a certain extent NW.
10 years later, maybe it's time to do it all again?
She has laid her hands on an article from Nov. 5th, 1997 about the voting down of a potential Ward system in Roanoke.
You can read the article here, with accompanying map.
What's really interesting is the fear-mongering and dis-information that led to the Ward system being voted down (at least as reported by the article).
"More than any city campaign in years, the wards vote brought the city's establishment into open conflict with scrappy, populist types such as the Roanoke Education Association and the NAACP. Powerful lawyers, wealthy Roanokers and business executives worked hard against wards. They noted that voters who now get to cast ballots for all seven council members would have had just three votes under a ward system - ones for the candidate from their ward and one each for mayor and vice mayor.
Ward detractors also called forth an image of Chicago in the days of ex-Mayor Richard Daley - a city of back-room deals and corrupt, cigar-chomping, ward-healing politicians. They warned that council members would be fighting over provincial matters within ward borders instead of promoting the larger interests of the city."
Well - the only good thing is now we need not worry about the Mayor Daley references, as we are rife with back room deals even without the ward system. But I am saddened to hear the twisted math of 7 votes vs. 3. 7 votes that gain you little, vs 3 that might actually accomplish something.
Must be some of that new math that makes 3 useful votes seem like a bad thing.
You know as well as I do, Roanoke needs some form of locality based representation. This "at large" system is only playing to those with "vested areas." Like SoRo, Old SW, and even to a certain extent NW.
10 years later, maybe it's time to do it all again?
11/6/07
Addendum
It is with a heavy heart that I take down the Jean Shepherd Odeo Player - hopefully temporarily.
Due to the rising cost of gas around here - I brought back the VirginiaGasPrices.com Gas Buddy.
With oil topping $97 bucks a barrel today, and gas hitting $2.99 on Electric Rd. I thought I would try and help out with finding some deals on gas.
Looks like the Roanoke ShareBike program could not come at a better time. I just do not look forward to attempting to pedal home with Christmas presents.
Due to the rising cost of gas around here - I brought back the VirginiaGasPrices.com Gas Buddy.
With oil topping $97 bucks a barrel today, and gas hitting $2.99 on Electric Rd. I thought I would try and help out with finding some deals on gas.
Looks like the Roanoke ShareBike program could not come at a better time. I just do not look forward to attempting to pedal home with Christmas presents.
11/2/07
A few loose ends
I know I know.. I have been lax in executing my duties here. I swear it's with good cause (causes including preparing for an arrival in Jan, which takes precedence over nearly everything else). But rest assured I have been working behind-the-scenes.
The body may stop, but the brain rattles on folks.
First question - Is there any way we can get involved in a 3 way trade for City Managers? Nothing personal, uh.. Hillary Burcham, but seriously. It's time to retire and leave the game to someone more willing to play ball and actually FOLLOW the job description. You are not CEO (despite your self-adornment with that title), you are merely an administrator. But I guess this is what comes of leaving a Human Resources administrator in a role for too long. We are getting a touch laughable at this point - now aren't we?
That is not to say the city is one big steaming hot cup of FAIL lately. By far, the best thing to hit this city in a long time is one example of how the city can partner properly with an outside agency.
(point 2)The Greenways. Specifically, the new one nearing completion along the SE stretch of the Roanoke River. It took being out today, in the warm midday sun and standing overlooking the shallow Roanoke River, then up at the changing leaves on the mountains and hills, to really get it.
I considered it to be just another greenway. But when I realized I can walk (you remember how to do that right?) from SE to SoRo in less than an hour (River's Edge to Wasena Park takes roughly the same amount, at a speedy amble) I was convinced. An evening stroll along the river.. especially in the fall. Not that you could not do that before - but it was a bit more difficult and buggy.
Now what I would really like to see is a use put to the bench cut on the opposite side of the river. A mile long park perhaps, only a few hundred feet wide - but open to the public. Maybe another low-water bridge to stroll over from one side to the other. Or perhaps using the space for something.
(topic 3) Something is a great label for the Art Museum. Recently I had family in town, and the first remark on the design of the building (from someone who appreciates both modern and classical design) was "Oh no."
That's right. "Oh no."
If only we could attract thousands of visitors here so they too could say "Oh no." Wait, maybe thats why it looks like it does! Everyone loves looking at a car wreck, not that anyone would admit it, but everyone looks over when we see an accident on the side of the road. So that must have been the idea all along. Pity. Pity this poor city, to have such a tragic museum jutting like a shard of glass from it's face. Shame. *tsk*
Moving on to more pleasing-to-the-eye items. Hawks! We gots HAWKS!
Oh - but the male's a biggun.. When I get the photos I shall post them, but for anyone on Evan's Mill yesterday around 3-3:30pm.. if you didn't see it you were not looking. Right next to the Consultants in Cardiology parking garage entrance - big hawk. Real big. Eating.. something... bloody with feathers.
Amazing animal, and right there at ground level. Like I said - as soon as I get one of the photos I'll post it.
Oh, and stupid (pseudo-)gang violence in Southeast, but don't worry. What happens in Southeast will be dealt with BY Southeast. Can OSW use the hook they have with the city to pass a law stating that all miscreants and thugs must be appropriate to the history of the area in both look and speech? Make the thugs wear wool pants and jackets with ugly hats, and see how long it takes before they move on.
I wonder what a 21st century thug would think of a late 19th century one? And how fast he would find out about laughing at a 19th century thug.
There's an idea! Let's get the City Council to dress like 19th century thugs! They are fast becoming little more than that anyway. Oh look - I just received the next Council agenda... be back later folks.
Oh - 2 more things.
1. Roanoke Game Fest For those of you so inclined to sit around and snipe at things (hey.. wait - nevermind) this sounds pretty promising.
And B. Anyone seen whats happening out at Towers lately? Pretty soon, the way things are going - it will be Fresh Market and Kroger, and no one else.
3 stores down... who is next?
The body may stop, but the brain rattles on folks.
First question - Is there any way we can get involved in a 3 way trade for City Managers? Nothing personal, uh.. Hillary Burcham, but seriously. It's time to retire and leave the game to someone more willing to play ball and actually FOLLOW the job description. You are not CEO (despite your self-adornment with that title), you are merely an administrator. But I guess this is what comes of leaving a Human Resources administrator in a role for too long. We are getting a touch laughable at this point - now aren't we?
That is not to say the city is one big steaming hot cup of FAIL lately. By far, the best thing to hit this city in a long time is one example of how the city can partner properly with an outside agency.
(point 2)The Greenways. Specifically, the new one nearing completion along the SE stretch of the Roanoke River. It took being out today, in the warm midday sun and standing overlooking the shallow Roanoke River, then up at the changing leaves on the mountains and hills, to really get it.
I considered it to be just another greenway. But when I realized I can walk (you remember how to do that right?) from SE to SoRo in less than an hour (River's Edge to Wasena Park takes roughly the same amount, at a speedy amble) I was convinced. An evening stroll along the river.. especially in the fall. Not that you could not do that before - but it was a bit more difficult and buggy.
Now what I would really like to see is a use put to the bench cut on the opposite side of the river. A mile long park perhaps, only a few hundred feet wide - but open to the public. Maybe another low-water bridge to stroll over from one side to the other. Or perhaps using the space for something.
(topic 3) Something is a great label for the Art Museum. Recently I had family in town, and the first remark on the design of the building (from someone who appreciates both modern and classical design) was "Oh no."
That's right. "Oh no."
If only we could attract thousands of visitors here so they too could say "Oh no." Wait, maybe thats why it looks like it does! Everyone loves looking at a car wreck, not that anyone would admit it, but everyone looks over when we see an accident on the side of the road. So that must have been the idea all along. Pity. Pity this poor city, to have such a tragic museum jutting like a shard of glass from it's face. Shame. *tsk*
Moving on to more pleasing-to-the-eye items. Hawks! We gots HAWKS!
Oh - but the male's a biggun.. When I get the photos I shall post them, but for anyone on Evan's Mill yesterday around 3-3:30pm.. if you didn't see it you were not looking. Right next to the Consultants in Cardiology parking garage entrance - big hawk. Real big. Eating.. something... bloody with feathers.
Amazing animal, and right there at ground level. Like I said - as soon as I get one of the photos I'll post it.
Oh, and stupid (pseudo-)gang violence in Southeast, but don't worry. What happens in Southeast will be dealt with BY Southeast. Can OSW use the hook they have with the city to pass a law stating that all miscreants and thugs must be appropriate to the history of the area in both look and speech? Make the thugs wear wool pants and jackets with ugly hats, and see how long it takes before they move on.
I wonder what a 21st century thug would think of a late 19th century one? And how fast he would find out about laughing at a 19th century thug.
There's an idea! Let's get the City Council to dress like 19th century thugs! They are fast becoming little more than that anyway. Oh look - I just received the next Council agenda... be back later folks.
Oh - 2 more things.
1. Roanoke Game Fest For those of you so inclined to sit around and snipe at things (hey.. wait - nevermind) this sounds pretty promising.
And B. Anyone seen whats happening out at Towers lately? Pretty soon, the way things are going - it will be Fresh Market and Kroger, and no one else.
3 stores down... who is next?
10/30/07
From high atop a windy mountain, it waits
It watches. Always vigilant, always seeking...
The Sentinel awaits.
But not for much longer.
The Sentinel awaits.
But not for much longer.
10/17/07
Gang meeting tonight
Agenda:
Sharks V. Jets: Is the dancing really worth it?
Actually, and in all reality, tonight we get an update from the Roanoke PD on (pseudo-)gang activity in the city itself. It should be interesting.
It's at the Belmont Christian Church, 7pm. If anyone is interested in coming.
Also, Renovate Roanoke is coming up - which promises to be interesting in a wholly different aspect. Seems like the kind of thing that might put a bit of a hurt on Black Dog's business. And improve the call rate for contractors, as those who half paid attention during the classes suddenly find themselves with the need for professional help.
But more important than all that...
It's going to rain.
So forgive me as I have the last bit of quiet time before the busy season and keep my mouth shut for a day or so. I know blogging has been a bit light lately, but that shall not remain so for long.
"So much time, and so little to do." - w.w.
Sharks V. Jets: Is the dancing really worth it?
Actually, and in all reality, tonight we get an update from the Roanoke PD on (pseudo-)gang activity in the city itself. It should be interesting.
It's at the Belmont Christian Church, 7pm. If anyone is interested in coming.
Also, Renovate Roanoke is coming up - which promises to be interesting in a wholly different aspect. Seems like the kind of thing that might put a bit of a hurt on Black Dog's business. And improve the call rate for contractors, as those who half paid attention during the classes suddenly find themselves with the need for professional help.
But more important than all that...
It's going to rain.
So forgive me as I have the last bit of quiet time before the busy season and keep my mouth shut for a day or so. I know blogging has been a bit light lately, but that shall not remain so for long.
"So much time, and so little to do." - w.w.
10/12/07
Woulda... Shoulda.. Coulda..
I was going to post something the other day about a poor dead horse that keeps being kicked. When the Times ran it's cover story on the close of the RFP (request for proposals) for Mill Mountain, I laughed heartily - and really wanted to sit down and type out a massive response, but today I am vindicated.
Read this, and laugh along with me.
Valley Forward, who ostensibly had no financial interest in ANYTHING being built on Mill Mountain, was key in the development of the SINGLE proposal that came in.
Lugar: "We were in contact with two major regional firms and a smaller, respected local firm, all of which had interest and had the wherewithal to consummate something on the mountain," Lugar said. But "because of the [political] climate, they lost interest."
It's not the political climate, you lazy minded yuppie. It's the socio-economic climate. Despite all your flawed and skewed surveys, you still failed to realize that your concept is not something the people want. Granted, you would probably have more support from the masses were you to suggest a Mexican Restaurant or a Red Lobster.
You folks over at Valley Forward need to exit your glad-handing circle for a little while and see how the rest of the world lives. Not all of us own moving companies, work as pharma-reps selling to politically connected doctors, or are able to have both a wife and child, and a mistress or two.
Best case scenario? Drop the Mill Mountain thing, and choose a battle that would actually accomplish something. Raise funds for testicular cancer or something, but stop trying to be civic leaders when you live in a world of your own. You do not speak for everyone, work for everyone, or know whats best for everyone. But such is the conceit of the idle class.
Saving the world is a tiring job, let someone else do it.
In short, regroup and come back with something useful. We don't mind you - we just don't like you.
Read this, and laugh along with me.
Valley Forward, who ostensibly had no financial interest in ANYTHING being built on Mill Mountain, was key in the development of the SINGLE proposal that came in.
Lugar: "We were in contact with two major regional firms and a smaller, respected local firm, all of which had interest and had the wherewithal to consummate something on the mountain," Lugar said. But "because of the [political] climate, they lost interest."
It's not the political climate, you lazy minded yuppie. It's the socio-economic climate. Despite all your flawed and skewed surveys, you still failed to realize that your concept is not something the people want. Granted, you would probably have more support from the masses were you to suggest a Mexican Restaurant or a Red Lobster.
You folks over at Valley Forward need to exit your glad-handing circle for a little while and see how the rest of the world lives. Not all of us own moving companies, work as pharma-reps selling to politically connected doctors, or are able to have both a wife and child, and a mistress or two.
Best case scenario? Drop the Mill Mountain thing, and choose a battle that would actually accomplish something. Raise funds for testicular cancer or something, but stop trying to be civic leaders when you live in a world of your own. You do not speak for everyone, work for everyone, or know whats best for everyone. But such is the conceit of the idle class.
Saving the world is a tiring job, let someone else do it.
In short, regroup and come back with something useful. We don't mind you - we just don't like you.
10/2/07
Slob Art
One question to the City Council, and the architects who did these designs:
ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND?!
What a way to start a day folks.. this one nearly had my cereal bowl flying off the table.
Seems to me we have been here before, friends. Anyone remember the idea for a concrete staircase descending into Market Square from.. oh, what - about a year ago? Artist's concepts and all?
In a conversation a year ago, with a recently departed person from a very important Downtown organization, I clearly remember bringing up the idea of the stone staircase (which I had read about in the Times). The reaction was not quite so supportive. But still, the more I thought on the idea - the more I came to like it.
A sweeping stone (or concrete) staircase descending from the pedestrian walkway, depositing people neatly at the base of the city market area would not have been a bad thing. With appropriate lighting and railing, it might even blend with it's surroundings.
Plus - sweeping staircases have a way of becoming public meeting spots. Hang-outs for the local "youts," places for "arteests" to practice their craft, and even a simple place to squat and gobble lunch on a nice day.
But no... not this.
What brains we have leading us, what grand vision for the future of our fair city. To have the foresight to allow the "Wreck of the Hesperus" monument and Art Museum to be built, so it would not look so out of place alongside this.
I guess we should re-name Salem Ave. between Jefferson and Williamson "Slob Art Row."
Of course, this is being done in an attempt to create a European-style Plaza. But whats being missed (and this is an issue I take mostly with the architects, and only deride the council for not being better educated on the subject) is that most Euro-plazas are.. how to say it, vintage? They are simple in design, fairly open with one or two large features. A staircase and fountain, or a statue and seating. The artists, concessions, and all the rest come in time - they aren't programmed in.
To be honest about it - the best example I can think of for a true Euro-style plaza in the USA would be Washington Square Park in NYC. It has a mix of both concrete and green space, and the population one would expect of Greenwich Village. A population which supports the park, and gives it life.
These are things you cannot program in, you cannot pre-plan for.
But far and above, my favorite moment from the article is the sudden redefinition of the "buzzword du jour" for the City Council. Amphitheater. All 3 designs displayed for the council have "amphitheater functions." Well, that and the sudden appearance of a fishing pier in the midst of Downtown Roanoke (see the $3.5 million dollar concept if you wish).
I do appreciate the fact that Hillary Burcham is advertising in advance the "healthy discussion on the markets future in December", but Alfred "I'm not Carlton" Dowe let loose a head-scratcher.
"In general, I really do like the concept" said Councilman Dowe, "but frankly, the balance that I and the rest of the council will have to deal with is wether or not the timing of the use of the funds is the most expedient thing versus the enhancement of, say, the actual market building itself or incentives to lure another hotel downtown (?!? -rf), or a grocery store - some of the things we already know we need versus something we'd love to have."
WHADDA'YA TALKIN' ABOUT MACK?
And our Vice-Mayor and Vice-President of the Vague and Confused branch of the City Council, Mr. Trinkle added this: "I'm a supporter of the concept of doing something that creates more usage of that space and funnels people into the market area, wether this should be done before or after the Market building is something we should probably all need to address."
And some of you folks voted for these people? How did you understand them?
But kudos to Bus-Drivin' Bev for laying out in the open. The Plaza "is a public space that never had any focus. Any way we might go here we're way ahead of where we've been."
I'll provide further clarification on the "Slob Art" concept, should you need it. Just ask. But between these designs and the AMWV - I'd say that pretty much takes care of everything.
I need to go take some Rolaids now, my stomach is still churning.
I wonder if the council realizes the light at the end of the tunnel they seem to see is really New Jersey?
ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND?!
What a way to start a day folks.. this one nearly had my cereal bowl flying off the table.
Seems to me we have been here before, friends. Anyone remember the idea for a concrete staircase descending into Market Square from.. oh, what - about a year ago? Artist's concepts and all?
In a conversation a year ago, with a recently departed person from a very important Downtown organization, I clearly remember bringing up the idea of the stone staircase (which I had read about in the Times). The reaction was not quite so supportive. But still, the more I thought on the idea - the more I came to like it.
A sweeping stone (or concrete) staircase descending from the pedestrian walkway, depositing people neatly at the base of the city market area would not have been a bad thing. With appropriate lighting and railing, it might even blend with it's surroundings.
Plus - sweeping staircases have a way of becoming public meeting spots. Hang-outs for the local "youts," places for "arteests" to practice their craft, and even a simple place to squat and gobble lunch on a nice day.
But no... not this.What brains we have leading us, what grand vision for the future of our fair city. To have the foresight to allow the "Wreck of the Hesperus" monument and Art Museum to be built, so it would not look so out of place alongside this.
I guess we should re-name Salem Ave. between Jefferson and Williamson "Slob Art Row."
Of course, this is being done in an attempt to create a European-style Plaza. But whats being missed (and this is an issue I take mostly with the architects, and only deride the council for not being better educated on the subject) is that most Euro-plazas are.. how to say it, vintage? They are simple in design, fairly open with one or two large features. A staircase and fountain, or a statue and seating. The artists, concessions, and all the rest come in time - they aren't programmed in.
To be honest about it - the best example I can think of for a true Euro-style plaza in the USA would be Washington Square Park in NYC. It has a mix of both concrete and green space, and the population one would expect of Greenwich Village. A population which supports the park, and gives it life.
These are things you cannot program in, you cannot pre-plan for.
But far and above, my favorite moment from the article is the sudden redefinition of the "buzzword du jour" for the City Council. Amphitheater. All 3 designs displayed for the council have "amphitheater functions." Well, that and the sudden appearance of a fishing pier in the midst of Downtown Roanoke (see the $3.5 million dollar concept if you wish).
I do appreciate the fact that Hillary Burcham is advertising in advance the "healthy discussion on the markets future in December", but Alfred "I'm not Carlton" Dowe let loose a head-scratcher.
"In general, I really do like the concept" said Councilman Dowe, "but frankly, the balance that I and the rest of the council will have to deal with is wether or not the timing of the use of the funds is the most expedient thing versus the enhancement of, say, the actual market building itself or incentives to lure another hotel downtown (?!? -rf), or a grocery store - some of the things we already know we need versus something we'd love to have."
WHADDA'YA TALKIN' ABOUT MACK?
And our Vice-Mayor and Vice-President of the Vague and Confused branch of the City Council, Mr. Trinkle added this: "I'm a supporter of the concept of doing something that creates more usage of that space and funnels people into the market area, wether this should be done before or after the Market building is something we should probably all need to address."
And some of you folks voted for these people? How did you understand them?
But kudos to Bus-Drivin' Bev for laying out in the open. The Plaza "is a public space that never had any focus. Any way we might go here we're way ahead of where we've been."
I'll provide further clarification on the "Slob Art" concept, should you need it. Just ask. But between these designs and the AMWV - I'd say that pretty much takes care of everything.
I need to go take some Rolaids now, my stomach is still churning.
I wonder if the council realizes the light at the end of the tunnel they seem to see is really New Jersey?
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