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Latest flash from The State (Rag). Columbia City Councilors are succumbing to pressure not to sell the land to the proposed developer.
Most interesting statement was that there is plenty of privately owned land for purchase and development so it could well go forward despite the councilors succumbing and not selling city property for it.
Personally, I hope the city does the deal. If not, I hope a private deal is done and it gets tucked up the citys butt. Teach them not to stand in the way of progress even when one does not personally (nor their backers) like/agree with it such as Ms. Tea Bag Haley (do I hear WalMart) and Amazon.
Local shops, houses and green space space along the creek would be better.
It would be prettier but government makes it very difficult for small businesses to succeed. I still think price is an issue for most local shops and you can forget the residential. It's just not the right location or price. Green space again looks nice, but who wants to pay that kind of money for a green space?
The green space that would flank the creek running through the land in question would be only a part of the overall development. The creek/greenway concept is a significant part of why the city is backing out of the deal. People have to live somewhere and it might as well be in the city, what with the new normal in house prices.
Opinion piece from The State on this new proposed Walmart. While the area in question isn't a nice area, surely something better can be done with the site than Walmart.
City wisely reviews sale, possible Walmart - Editorial - TheState.com (http://www.thestate.com/2011/11/08/2038216/city-wisely-reviews-sale-possible.html - broken link)
Opinion piece from The State on this new proposed Walmart. While the area in question isn't a nice area, surely something better can be done with the site than Walmart.
City wisely reviews sale, possible Walmart - Editorial - TheState.com (http://www.thestate.com/2011/11/08/2038216/city-wisely-reviews-sale-possible.html - broken link)
The City should do a "master plan" for that entire area.. Let people weigh in and be a part of the process on what happens down there.. I would include Olympia and all of the Fairgrounds in planning area as well. That way everyone is at the table, everyone is heard and ideas can be discussed and a plan put out there that is public. This would reduce, but not eliminate any "back door" deals because who ever buys it knows the accepted plan for the area. Its even easier with this site because its City owned and not privately held.. which would be harder to control
I wouldn't place too much weight on what the part of Olympia that's not in the city (most of it) says unless they agree to be annexed as part of the plan.
The green space that would flank the creek running through the land in question would be only a part of the overall development. The creek/greenway concept is a significant part of why the city is backing out of the deal. People have to live somewhere and it might as well be in the city, what with the new normal in house prices.
There is still the oversupply of housing issue. Where are the buyers going to come from? You don't correct an oversupply by adding more housing, especially unaffordable housing and that's what you'd have. It would be an eyesore for years because it would take years to finish. You'd have piles of dirt and construction equipment sitting around there.
BTW, does anyone see the irony of the Realtor arguing against development?
There is still the oversupply of housing issue. Where are the buyers going to come from? You don't correct an oversupply by adding more housing, especially unaffordable housing and that's what you'd have. It would be an eyesore for years because it would take years to finish. You'd have piles of dirt and construction equipment sitting around there.
BTW, does anyone see the irony of the Realtor arguing against development?
You don't see realtor argue against supply often.......do you think apartments would work better? Since there is a creek close by, would a low rise (10 story range) with small retail at the base be a better use for this property?
As homeownership rates return to a more normal average over the next few years in Columbia and nationwide, apartments may work better. Just a thought......
Not sure who said it but, a master plan, even if only a shallow plan, would be beneficial for this area. Would be great to see some of the light industrial developments be moved out over time and replaced with residential/retail. And, in the process, install a train bridge over Assembly, sidewalks and lighting.
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