I know George, and some of the things that are being said here are borderline slanderous, and at their best untrue. While it's true that he has several jobs in process for differing periods of time, in certainly isn't by his choice. Economically, that just doesn't make any sense, simply by the factor that time=money. My understanding is that his divorce took quite a toll as well. I can tell you that he is working his best to complete these projects.

As far as the Duane Street Project goes, it won't have these issues. It is not his project only and has a majority partner that controls the finances and there are no issues with funding or anything that would impede the building process. If you have been to any of the meetings on this, there are probably going to be milestones for completion imposed by the city that would have to be met. From the drawings that have been shown, these have a very classic look to them and would be a a lot better than what is sitting there now.

As far as building along the railroad tracks, there are quite a few projects that are going up along the tracks these days. As far as townhomes go, there is a project in Wheaton off of West Street that is 67% presold and the remaining units are listed at over 1,000,000. They are just pouring the foundations now Just drive along the trainlines and look at how many nice places are built along the tracks. It isn't at all uncommon.

If you're going to drag someone through the mud, at least have something to back up your "facts". I see people bringing up the allegations that he doesn't pay his subcontractors, issues with liens (by the way, they are not cumbersome and expensive to file), and sinking porches, without any evidence. All it is is rumor mongering. And even when untrue, it can still be damaging. There's no problem with having an opinion on his architecture or irritation with the manner in which his projects are completed, but leave the cheap rumors out of it.

quote:

Originally posted by KW:
... some of the things that are being said here are borderline slanderous ...

I think you mean libelous or defamatory, instead of slanderous.

Or were you at the message board party during a discussion of C. George Builders?

quote:

Originally posted by KW:
I know George, and some of the things that are being said here are borderline slanderous, and at their best untrue. While it's true that he has several jobs in process for differing periods of time, in certainly isn't by his choice. Economically, that just doesn't make any sense, simply by the factor that time=money. My understanding is that his divorce took quite a toll as well. I can tell you that he is working his best to complete these projects.

As far as the Duane Street Project goes, it won't have these issues. It is not his project only and has a majority partner that controls the finances and there are no issues with funding or anything that would impede the building process. If you have been to any of the meetings on this, there are probably going to be milestones for completion imposed by the city that would have to be met. From the drawings that have been shown, these have a very classic look to them and would be a a lot better than what is sitting there now.

As far as building along the railroad tracks, there are quite a few projects that are going up along the tracks these days. As far as townhomes go, there is a project in Wheaton off of West Street that is 67% presold and the remaining units are listed at over 1,000,000. They are just pouring the foundations now Just drive along the trainlines and look at how many nice places are built along the tracks. It isn't at all uncommon.

If you're going to drag someone through the mud, at least have something to back up your "facts". I see people bringing up the allegations that he doesn't pay his subcontractors, issues with liens (by the way, they are not cumbersome and expensive to file), and sinking porches, without any evidence. All it is is rumor mongering. And even when untrue, it can still be damaging. There's no problem with having an opinion on his architecture or irritation with the manner in which his projects are completed, but leave the cheap rumors out of it.

You mean libelous. Slander is an oral statement, libel is the written word.

Thank God I didn't say anything bad. I am not intimate with his projects other than noticing that his were seemingly responsible for the unfortunate resurgence of turrets and moats in Glen Ellyn. Wait. Scratch that. There were no moats. Just turrets.

Strictly my architectural review, it's a damn shame what is happening to that once beautiful ranch on Turner west of Park. But I suppose I'll wait for the finished product. I hope when all is said and done that I am not shaking my head at it as I am now. But I suppose that I am not a visionary.

libelous, defamatory; not slander. Thanks.

Not much architectural knowledge. What is a turret?

I can't say that I love the style of all of his homes (and I'm not really familiar with everything he has built), but I can tell you that the Duane Street Properties look good on paper. At one of the meetings, one of the neighbors, (I believe it was Joe Maude), who originally wrote a letter against the project, came out and endorsed it.

quote:

Originally posted by KW:
At one of the meetings, one of the neighbors, (I believe it was Joe Maude), who originally wrote a letter against the project, came out and endorsed it.

You sure about that?

quote:

Originally posted by KW:
I know George, and some of the things that are being said here are borderline slanderous, and at their best untrue. While it's true that he has several jobs in process for differing periods of time, in certainly isn't by his choice. Economically, that just doesn't make any sense, simply by the factor that time=money. My understanding is that his divorce took quite a toll as well. I can tell you that he is working his best to complete these projects.

Where you apparently see slander (or libel or defamation) and untruth, what I see is people expressing their dissatisfaction with the impact several of this guy's projects have had on their neighborhoods, and questioning whether, given this track record, the village should be eager to allow him to begin another large project in the middle of town.

If you have not had one of his terribly messy worksites in your neighborhood for years on end, you might well wonder what the carping is about. In my opinion and experience, it is always easy to tell one of this guy's projects, simply because his worksites are messier than any other builder's. Minor example, the project on Turner W of Park had a large dumpster overflowing with trash on X-mas morn. Merry X-mas, everybody! But if I were a neighbor paying 5 digit annual taxes, I migt resent such a view. That, in my opinion, is not being a good neighbor to existing residents. Don't take my word for it, start paying attention yourself. What state are his worksites in, and how long do they last?

I have no doubt this individual may be a fine fellow to have a beer or shoot the breeze with. But when someone is causing multiple blight upon neighborhoods, I really couldn't care less about his personal life, the state of his marriage, his finances, or what have you. Moreover, I have always taken pains to express my opinon that this guy - and any other developer - is only as bad as our village allows them to be.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by KW:
Not much architectural knowledge. What is a turret?[QUOTE]


Clam is right, it's all the rage right now. All the prurient households have'em.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by KW:
Not much architectural knowledge. What is a turret?[QUOTE]

A turret is where Rapunzel lived.

quote:

Originally posted by GE Fan:

quote:

Originally posted by KW:
At one of the meetings, one of the neighbors, (I believe it was Joe Maude), who originally wrote a letter against the project, came out and endorsed it.

You sure about that?

Yes.

quote:

Originally posted by Dinsdale:

quote:

Originally posted by KW:
I know George, and some of the things that are being said here are borderline slanderous, and at their best untrue. While it's true that he has several jobs in process for differing periods of time, in certainly isn't by his choice. Economically, that just doesn't make any sense, simply by the factor that time=money. My understanding is that his divorce took quite a toll as well. I can tell you that he is working his best to complete these projects.

Where you apparently see slander (or libel or defamation) and untruth, what I see is people expressing their dissatisfaction with the impact several of this guy's projects have had on their neighborhoods, and questioning whether, given this track record, the village should be eager to allow him to begin another large project in the middle of town.

If you have not had one of his terribly messy worksites in your neighborhood for years on end, you might well wonder what the carping is about. In my opinion and experience, it is always easy to tell one of this guy's projects, simply because his worksites are messier than any other builder's. Minor example, the project on Turner W of Park had a large dumpster overflowing with trash on X-mas morn. Merry X-mas, everybody! But if I were a neighbor paying 5 digit annual taxes, I migt resent such a view. That, in my opinion, is not being a good neighbor to existing residents. Don't take my word for it, start paying attention yourself. What state are his worksites in, and how long do they last?

I have no doubt this individual may be a fine fellow to have a beer or shoot the breeze with. But when someone is causing multiple blight upon neighborhoods, I really couldn't care less about his personal life, the state of his marriage, his finances, or what have you. Moreover, I have always taken pains to express my opinon that this guy - and any other developer - is only as bad as our village allows them to be.

I wasn't referring to your posts as of those that are libelous. Anyhow, the city does have the ability to impose deadlines on project completion and that has been brought up in the meetings. In those meetings, C. George's history has been discussed extensively and the developers didn't seem to have a problem with having to work with cities deadlines. I, as well, wouldn't want to see a project hanging over there, but in this case, it looks like the city is taking steps to make sure that doesn't occur. Issues of workspace tidiness were addressed also, and all indications is that the city is dedicated to making sure that this building project is completed in a timely and neat manner.

quote:

Originally posted by Fish:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by KW:
Not much architectural knowledge. What is a turret?[QUOTE]


Clam is right, it's all the rage right now. All the prurient households have'em.

Isn't that a picture of Gus' turret?

Aiming you know where...

quote:

I wasn't referring to your posts as of those that are libelous. Anyhow, the city does have the ability to impose deadlines on project completion and that has been brought up in the meetings. In those meetings, C. George's history has been discussed extensively and the developers didn't seem to have a problem with having to work with cities deadlines. I, as well, wouldn't want to see a project hanging over there, but in this case, it looks like the city is taking steps to make sure that doesn't occur. Issues of workspace tidiness were addressed also, and all indications is that the city is dedicated to making sure that this building project is completed in a timely and neat

City of Glen Ellyn?

quote:

Originally posted by KW:

quote:

Originally posted by Dinsdale:

quote:

Originally posted by KW:
I know George, and some of the things that are being said here are borderline slanderous, and at their best untrue. While it's true that he has several jobs in process for differing periods of time, in certainly isn't by his choice. Economically, that just doesn't make any sense, simply by the factor that time=money. My understanding is that his divorce took quite a toll as well. I can tell you that he is working his best to complete these projects.

Where you apparently see slander (or libel or defamation) and untruth, what I see is people expressing their dissatisfaction with the impact several of this guy's projects have had on their neighborhoods, and questioning whether, given this track record, the village should be eager to allow him to begin another large project in the middle of town.

If you have not had one of his terribly messy worksites in your neighborhood for years on end, you might well wonder what the carping is about. In my opinion and experience, it is always easy to tell one of this guy's projects, simply because his worksites are messier than any other builder's. Minor example, the project on Turner W of Park had a large dumpster overflowing with trash on X-mas morn. Merry X-mas, everybody! But if I were a neighbor paying 5 digit annual taxes, I migt resent such a view. That, in my opinion, is not being a good neighbor to existing residents. Don't take my word for it, start paying attention yourself. What state are his worksites in, and how long do they last?

I have no doubt this individual may be a fine fellow to have a beer or shoot the breeze with. But when someone is causing multiple blight upon neighborhoods, I really couldn't care less about his personal life, the state of his marriage, his finances, or what have you. Moreover, I have always taken pains to express my opinon that this guy - and any other developer - is only as bad as our village allows them to be.

I wasn't referring to your posts as of those that are libelous. Anyhow, the city does have the ability to impose deadlines on project completion and that has been brought up in the meetings. In those meetings, C. George's history has been discussed extensively and the developers didn't seem to have a problem with having to work with cities deadlines. I, as well, wouldn't want to see a project hanging over there, but in this case, it looks like the city is taking steps to make sure that doesn't occur. Issues of workspace tidiness were addressed also, and all indications is that the city is dedicated to making sure that this building project is completed in a timely and neat manner.

I'm not so sure that anyone in the VILLAGE has endorsed and/or approved this project yet. FWIW.

How the hell would you know?

I have been reading this C. George post for several months and decided to chime in. I have known George for a long time. I would agree that projects need to be completed timely and there is absolutely no excuse for abandon homes and code violations. If codes are violated or projects take too long then fines need to be levied and builders need to be made accountable for the inconveniences and issue they caused in a neighborhood. I am no fan of teardowns.

In reference to the homes George builds you need to give him some credit for not building cookie cutter homes and making an attempt to try to build homes that look good. I can not speak of the quality except that they look nice and all seem to be somewhat unique. He could have easily built cookie cutter, gigantic, snout homes. I lived in Elmhurst and the crap that is going up there is a travesty. I could go into detail on what I had to live with until I moved to GE and was is much worse than what I read on this site ( 9 teardowns on my block ). Take a look at this site and cringe http://www.buildersgonewild.com/ .

So before you decide to pile on and criticize C. George and his projects take a ride through Elmhurst and realize it could be MUCH MUCH worse.

quote:

Originally posted by JMR:
If codes are violated or projects take too long then fines need to be levied and builders need to be made accountable for the inconveniences and issue they caused in a neighborhood.

Please show me any portion of the local code that allows for "fines" and other measures of accountability as you suggest are "needed." In fact, let me save you a trip to the codes - such fines do not exist.

C. George - in my opinion - does a terrible disservice to our community. However, he and his kind are only as bad as our village allows them to be.

BTW - clam, you've never given my your opinion on the roofline on that addition to that stone cottage on Turner just W of Park.

quote:

I lived in Elmhurst and the crap that is going up there is a travesty.

JMR, I couldn't agree with you more about Elmhurst. I've worked here for many years and we almost bought a great older home there about 8 years ago, but backed out and bought in Glen Ellyn...even then, the neighborhoods were changing into a cheesier version of Hinsdale. I'm glad we bought what we bought and stayed in GE.

Elmhurst has become an architectural travesty. Nothing at all as a remember it from my youth. Which is sad. All of their new housing stock makes me proud to live in GE.

I don't know George from Adam. He did introduce himself to me one day a few years back while we awaited our turn to buy donuts. I recall him being my height...perhaps shorter.

My architectural criticism is nothing against the man personally. Again...don't know him. That said, I find his home designs not to my liking. Some details I like, but I find most to be completely out of scale with their surroundings. End of story really. My opinion and $2 will get you a cup of coffee at Starbucks.

I have watched that project on Turner. That was a home that I truly liked. Unfortunately, and I am not trying to pile on...but I think it has been ruined.

Well, I think I'm responsible for starting this string a few months ago and now I feel compelled to chime in. First of all, my comments weren't at all directed towards C. George's home's quality and style; and I wasn't attacking the guy personally. If someone understood it that way, I'm sorry, but you're wrong. My comment was and continues to be that C. George Builders started construction on a bunch of sites around town and has left them completely abandoned! Not only are the new construction sites abandoned, but also the renovations where they've left entire homes open to the elements for years! I love Glen Ellyn. Its my home. Its where I'm raising my young family and where I pay $20K+ in taxes each year so that school system is top notch and that the services which we all demand are available for all our use. But to have parts of the village look neglected, abandonded and filthy because of one particular builder is a travesty.

Whoever said it was right, its not C. George, he's just existing within the framework of the rules established by the village. The village should do something! I'm reminded of my arguments with the Planning Commission people a few years ago when I completed my renovation: they refused to refund my construction bond because my landscaper missed putting down sod on a 2 1/2 foot section of the parkway after we completed re-sodding the entire 73X50 front yard and even the parkway across the street (to accomodate the water service upgrade). I wonder if George has gotten his bond money back for all the abandoned projects he's left around town?

Elmhurst is a completely different story. I lived in Elmhurst for 10+ years prior to moving to Glen Ellyn. Elmhurst was (and continues to be) an incubator for every Joe Public who THINKS they can be a builder and put up a new house. This is/was the product of easy credit. There's no creativity in Elmhurst. They have standard 50X150 lots where the only thing builders are willing to put up are "L" shapes with s brick front and aluminum siding for the rest. Major props to Pete Ladesic, Patrick J. Murphy and the Rite-Way folks for coming up with new and exciting designs!

The "Room to Grow"/C. George House on Turner W of Park looks terrible. The addition looks to be a dutch colonial style, while the original house is a traditional ranch. The only way they could make it work is if they do a gambled roof on the original structure to make it look like a dutch. Possible? Not sure. Something tells me that it'll just sit .... for who knows how long.