quote:

Originally posted by Clamato:
As I sat at that meeting last night and they showed the pictures of this project, I thought...hey, those look pretty nice. But that sure is an interesting area for expensive townhomes.

quote:

Originally posted by scribbler:
I'm glad somebody brought this topic up, because I admit, I'm confused. First, I do think that area needs some new development, and I'm OK with townhomes(although these seem way too pricey for the current market, but whatever).

But my confusion surrounds the whole Mews project, too. I don't know anything about it other than when I drive by, I can't tell if anybody's living there (it sure doesn't look like it, because one street-level unit, with big open windows, shows only boxes and extra equipment, it looks like, piled around, so it's obviously not being lived in). So - there's a huge project that looks like it's nearly 100% empty (and if it's not, I apologize, but that's how it looks from the street), and now we're getting another pricey townhome project? Will tons and tons of empty units really help the downtown area?

quote:

Originally posted by scribbler:
I'm glad somebody brought this topic up, because I admit, I'm confused. First, I do think that area needs some new development, and I'm OK with townhomes(although these seem way too pricey for the current market, but whatever).

But my confusion surrounds the whole Mews project, too. I don't know anything about it other than when I drive by, I can't tell if anybody's living there (it sure doesn't look like it, because one street-level unit, with big open windows, shows only boxes and extra equipment, it looks like, piled around, so it's obviously not being lived in). So - there's a huge project that looks like it's nearly 100% empty (and if it's not, I apologize, but that's how it looks from the street), and now we're getting another pricey townhome project? Will tons and tons of empty units really help the downtown area?

quote:

Originally posted by GE Fan:


Re: the Mews. 10 out of the 32 units are under contract. It is my understanding that the Mews suffered some financial and quality issues that are being resolved. The bank is currently in possession of the Mews and is handling the general contracting duties. It is further my understanding that only 15 of the 32 units are even fully completed.

This project on Duane is a lot different than the Mews. Different set-up and different price-point. Is there a risk of the units sitting empty? Yes. But is it really the Village's job to stifle new development buy declining projects based upon market assumptions/risk aversion? I don't think so.

quote:

Originally posted by ronkas:

15 of 32 completed. 10 of 32 under contract. Closings are what counts. How many of those 15 have closed?

quote:

Originally posted by GEmom2:
When you take a few minutes to walk into the Mews' courtyard, it is not as horrible as some make it out to be. A few occupied units look nothing short of fabulous and, if you have any kind of vision, you can easily imagine how attractive the unfinished space inside and the (currently uncared for) common garden spaces outside might look.

IMO, this project was a victim of poor market timing and poorer developer management.

quote:

Originally posted by scribbler:

quote:

Originally posted by GEmom2:
When you take a few minutes to walk into the Mews' courtyard, it is not as horrible as some make it out to be. A few occupied units look nothing short of fabulous and, if you have any kind of vision, you can easily imagine how attractive the unfinished space inside and the (currently uncared for) common garden spaces outside might look.

IMO, this project was a victim of poor market timing and poorer developer management.

Well, that's all very nice, but 1) Most people driving by won't, naturally, be able to walk into the courtyard and 2) Imagination is great and all, but it shouldn't take the place of an actual, real, finished and attractive piece of real estate that, after all, takes up kind of a prominent part of our CBD, but has remained unfinished (and thus relying on this imagination) for far too long.

quote:

Originally posted by GEmom2:
Gee, I'm not sure why you believed you needed all the sarcasm in your reply.

I was simply trying to express my opinion about what I hope will someday be an occupied, positive addition to GE's CBD. As to whether or not it should have been built in the first place, the point is moot. It's there.