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Massive Riverfront Project

GRDadof3

By GRDadof3
in Grand Rapids

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dbrok Hamlet

dbrok

Posted
Posted

I didn't catch what was said on channel 8, anyone have the cliffs notes?

nm I see they listed projects that were similar in cost.

Here's the article from WOODTV this morning probably summarizing last night's report. It gives a few comparisons of costs of other projects around the country to determine what $1-2b will buy. They mention Ford Field costing $350m, Freedom Tower in NYC $1.5-$2b and the Wynn Casino in Vegas, $2.7b.

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GRDadof3 Ecumenopolis

GRDadof3

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The National LamdaRail project and Internet2 were apparently merged in 2005. They are part of this dark fiber revolution, and link top research universities around the country:

http://www.nlr.net/

Forgive me guys. My brain doesn't work in the way to try and discover "what it is", it works to discover "why" and "who". Then, the "what" will just fall in place when the other two are explained. :blush:

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GRDadof3 Ecumenopolis

GRDadof3

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Is all this speculation based on that video that I just watched that was on Channel 8? Or has someone else come out independantly and said if someone was after that property?

It's based on numerous articles, rumors, gossip, bits of leaked information, and a host of other talk around town :lol:

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monsoon Gigalopolis

monsoon

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It's based on numerous articles, rumors, gossip, bits of leaked information, and a host of other talk around town :lol:

Seems odd that nobody has any idea what it might be. I've seen this type of thing before and real announcements have enough meat behind them were there is a good idea as what it is going to be.

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GRDadof3 Ecumenopolis

GRDadof3

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Seems odd that nobody has any idea what it might be. I've seen this type of thing before and real announcements have enough meat behind them were there is a good idea as what it is going to be.

There may be people here who do know the whole truth and are afraid to say. Congratulations on reaching the Megalopolis status monsoon :shades: I like it!

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localtalent Hamlet

localtalent

Posted
Posted

Seems odd that nobody has any idea what it might be.

Plenty of people do.

And there's plenty of fairly accurate information buried amidst the insanity in this very thread.

But anyone with explicit knowledge has either:

1) A severe legal disincentive to disclose

or

2) An appealing economic incentive to withhold information at this time

All will be revealed in due time.

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Kib Unincorporated Area

Kib

Posted
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It has been pointed out in the past that 30 acres is too much for 200,000 square feet. If you take a look at the existing Googleplex you will see that they dont have a high density of square footage per acre. Also, they just bought 30 acres in Oregon close to a river : http://www.webpronews.com/news/ebusinessne...nOregonHmm.html

In the interest of accuracy, that river is the mighty Columbia.

Also worth noting, that area of the Columbia River Gorge is one of the best wind surfing places on the planet. World-class "boarders'" and Kite surfers have taken up residence in the towns of Hood River and The Dallas.

DSC00009.jpg

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john_denver Hamlet

john_denver

Posted
Posted

I wonder if this non-disclosure contract only pertains to the English language?

If one of the people involved spoke a second language...say French or Spanish, they could release tidbits in that second language?

Or maybe if one of the people in the know is not a US citizen, they would not be liable?

Well as you can see I am not an Attorney...just trying my best to find a loop-hole.

--This pot roast need a little more gravey!!--

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Picture Michigan Unincorporated Area

Picture Michigan

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I'm thinking that it could not be a school or gov't-backed project because it would have to be open access. A private school would not be bound to open access, but could not finance such an aggressive project.

Notably, I'm a little surprised that even the Mayor has signed a confidentiality agreement. I'm sure he consulted legal advice before doing so, but I image it could be challenged. Was he acting on behalf of the city or on behalf of himself personally?

I recall a while back the GR Press challenged a township board for emailing amongst themselves matters that are supposed to be open to the public and press.

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Rizzo City

Rizzo

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I doubt if Mayor was on the job when he signed that agreement. We all have to remember that this developer hasn't really made formal communications to the City of Grand Rapids. I'm sure the developer went to Mayor Heartwell and expressed a vision to him and just wanted to see what he has to say, hell they could have had a Saturday lunch somewhere for all I know. Unless he was contacted and agreed to sign the agreement while in the capacity of Mayor I wouldn't see this as a big issue. Anyone agree?

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tringr Whistle-Stop

tringr

Posted
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Google's little hiccup today could easily be reversed with an announcement that they are diversifying in a collaberative R&D effort with a major auto manufacturer and a major environmentally focused University.

Maybe today's announcement is just a setup for the local revelation. My money is on that scenario.

"But even after Reyes' comments Tuesday, some think Google still kind of resembles the CIA and the Kremlin in their Cold War heyday ... except that Google is even more tight-lipped than those spy agencies ever were when it comes to secrets."

Read More... http://money.cnn.com/2006/02/28/technology...rce=yahoo_quote

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PBJ Burg

PBJ

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Another thing with google. They've been growing EXTREMELY fast, and that pace isn't infinate, it had to slow sometime, I don't see this announcement as having a negative effect on google long term, they are still a very profitable company.

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tringr Whistle-Stop

tringr

Posted
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Rizzo, I agree with you that the Mayor could easily have been engaged in an informal discussion with the investor without a conflict of interest when signing a confidentiality agreement. Companies don't have to get permission to buy property, but it would be helpful to have someone from the city to bounce ideas off of to make sure there is a decent chance of the whole project being supported. Nothing official, just somebody who can review the laws, rules, regualtions and guidelines and let them know. Keeping it secret would be easier if the Mayor was the only/main contact for such exchange of public information.

Closest similar issue I could find so far.... http://www.cfac.org/Attachments/berkeley_secrecy_ban.htm

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Phizzy Hamlet

Phizzy

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I might be the only guy here that will say this, but this project is big enough for me to just "look the other way." If a project creates or can bring this many jobs and this much investment...

Same here. I'd hate for Grand Rapids to lose a project of this magnitude (if it is truely of large magnitude) because someone was blabbering...

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1000 posts!

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