National Harbor - News, Events, Updates, Questions and Developments Etc. (Annapolis: bill, Walmart)

[UrbanScholar]

Originally Posted by icebergfella

As many arguments occur about the functionality and capabilities of the National Harbor, I still see it as great that they were able to have success with the area/project in general. To think back 10 or so years it was just uninhabited Woods to now. Things could always be done better, but for where it came from, I'm happy with its current trajectory.

I agree it will succeed. I also think that, once the other waterfronts come online, they will be able to better define their niche and not attempt to appeal to all. Their initial focus was to be an upscale waterfront destination. That theme needs to continue as the move towards closing things out. I am interested in what the area that MGM anchors will look like once 2016 rolls around.

[adelphi_sky]

I knew the quick start date was too good to be true. lol How much you wanna bet if MGM doesn't like it, it won't pass? PG would be a laughing stock if they held up the project. They already have the perception that they are shakedown artists.

Here's a hint PG, MGM isn't the only major construction project in the DC metro area. Contractors should have plenty of work to do with all that's going on in DC, MD, and VA.

Before building permits are issued for construction of the $925 million casino resort proposed for National Harbor, Prince George’s County lawmakers say that they want legislation ensuring that residents get a fair shot at jobs and that minority and local businesses have an opportunity to bid for contracts related to the project. But officials of MGM National Harbor say such legislation could be a “roadblock” that would jeopardize the project’s construction schedule.

Read more: Pr. George’s County and MGM National Harbor at odds over proposal for local contracting - The Washington Post

[UrbanScholar]

Originally Posted by adelphi_sky

I knew the quick start date was too good to be true. lol How much you wanna bet if MGM doesn't like it, it won't pass? PG would be a laughing stock if they held up the project. They already have the perception that they are shakedown artists.

Here's a hint PG, MGM isn't the only major construction project in the DC metro area. Contractors should have plenty of work to do with all that's going on in DC, MD, and VA.

Read more: Pr. George’s County and MGM National Harbor at odds over proposal for local contracting - The Washington Post

It's going to delay the project definitely but don't think for a moment that they won't be pushing earth by June. The last thing that the county wants to be known for is not being able to deliver on a project that benefits them and more importantly the state. There would be a significant backlash if their actions impact the state's ability to generate revenue.

Their efforts are not surprising though, PGC is attempting to put in the same safeguards that were done in Baltimore with Ceasars and MGM in Springfield, MA. As long as they use terms consistent with how the goals are set by the county (e.g. "best effort" instead of "must" or "shall") then it should be okay.

They shouldn't force MGM to hire people that go against the laws imposed by their base state/federal government (e.g. ex-cons or people with really bad credit in positions handling money) which could jeopardize their ability to remain in business, or hire contractors that are not properly bonded, incompetent, or not affiliated with a union(per their agreement with the MD unions), etc.

The latter (construction) is going to be the real issue though since small/minority firms in general and PG specifically often lack the proper bonding/insurance and capacity to support a large scale project and development like MGM. Although I think that they should ensure that MBEs, SBDs, and small businesses get a fair share, those businesses need to be prepared to deliver on a level equal to the "big boys".

It shouldn't be too big of a hurdle for MGM though since they have a history of hiring locally and supporting small business and, from what I understand, they already have a database of vendors interested in working with the property and the same goes for their hires. The only problem I see is the same thing happening to MGM that happened to Tanger. There was a lot of interests from job seekers but almost half of those who received initial offers didn't pass the background check.

As a side not PG Planning still has MGM on the books for April 10 and not May. Also, could they have come up with a better name for the legislation? They also should have created a legislation that would be applicable to all projects/companies coming into the county not just one. What happens when the county gets another major company coming to the county. Will they develop another bill specifically for them. A little short-sighted in my opinion.

My last observation is that the council needs to be careful about impeding the progress of projects coming on board. They don't need to give the farm away but if they add too many barriers they will turn business, and government for that matter, away from considering the county in the future.

[Cmusic29]

Ok guys, so help, what is there actually to do at the National Harbour? Is it just food and shops you can find anywhere (I will pass in that case). Or is there a nice stroll with cool views? Can you maybe find a museum? etc.? I know that odd statue is on the beach but looking for a few more reasons to take that bus from either southern ave or branch ave. (and that is after coming all the way from NW near Chevy Chase MD)

[Cmusic29]

Originally Posted by Khemistry

the same crap that has kept major corporations from wanting to come to the area. Get over it! Geesh!

And that is a bad thing? I will take a cute little town with mom and pop stores over what you have described every single day of the week. Large corps kill the diversity and character of any place they touch and offer less choices.

[adelphi_sky]

Originally Posted by Cmusic29

Ok guys, so help, what is there actually to do at the National Harbour? Is it just food and shops you can find anywhere (I will pass in that case). Or is there a nice stroll with cool views? Can you maybe find a museum? etc.? I know that odd statue is on the beach but looking for a few more reasons to take that bus from either southern ave or branch ave. (and that is after coming all the way from NW near Chevy Chase MD)

Things to Do in Washington DC | National Harbor

[justtitans]

National Harbor is 7 years old today and they announced free parking today.

[icebergfella]

Originally Posted by justtitans

national harbor is 7 years old today and they announced free parking today.

finally!...wait...its only for today...I thought I thought it was permanent *wishful thinking*

[adelphi_sky]

Originally Posted by icebergfella

finally!...wait...its only for today...I thought I thought it was permanent *wishful thinking*

I hope this is not the big announcement urbanscholar was referring to.

[UrbanScholar]

Originally Posted by adelphi_sky

I hope this is not the big announcement urbanscholar was referring to.

Ha ha......it would be a sad sad thing if it was lol....