KCAL group (which many are not a member of) does not seem to want to
acknowledge or respect (an auditors report) or understand last weeks
budget explanation/ business plan.
Even Mr. Glover "gets a fuzzy feeling" about the projects success.
And with respect to the projects budget,its not unusualto underestimate a "concept" as in Anglin Bay.
Until all the drawings and fittings are 90 % on paper, its difficult in any construction project to say it's XYZ dollars.
(Especially, in construction on a LEED building.)
KCAL's presentation at City Hall (the first in 3 years of preparation) left most scratching their heads wondering what the heck he was talking about!!!
Knowing that they (may have) still some positive inputs to the process...their tone or tolerance for this first engagement from behind their screens, came across rudely & hostile.
Their presentation also seemed ill prepared. Their spokesman just seemed to be
rambling on and on on.
And as a result, received little attention from most of the council members.
Lots of hurried info, but no focus or process on anything - specific". And their only coherent point about interest rates with BIA was completely wrong!
Ms. Kennedy verified this.
Frankly, if they truly wished to look like they know what they are talking about...to help the public understand
the LVEC operations, and financial plan they should have
been at least more coherent
and more accommodating to any questions.
Indeed, a more positive and inclusive contribution to the evening would have been a better strategy.
To come out with "guns blazing" is typical to their more than arrogant stance on the subject. Ramming this stuff down our throats in their first public forum was just down right stupid.
Process! They certainly proved a lack at that...
So, who's calling the kettle "Black"? Now?
All I know, from KCAL expensive Anglin Bay move, waisting staff time, new reports required and not enough true experience, KCAL, sure proved tonight the core members cannot make a very good presentation, and thats why they lost.
But, I can hardy wait to read on their web site they hide behind, some of
these council meeting observations..(I have already heard other speak to, read be
seen around town. They really blew it.
But, I am sure of one thing, they will do one of the following..anyways.
Be oh so insulted, or deem us part of the "tax conspiracy" of LVEC.
Or both!
But it's most disheartening to know this groups core members act in such hypocritical ways....
1) To save their "lifestyle" condo on Anglin Bay, from the LVEC, while the rest of us on the streets (or on the street) loose not only the view, but parking, noise and traffic from their condo.
They have more money and retirement pensions than any business person will ever have, and are more "concerned" about keeping it, than helping any marginalized people or areas in the city with their taxes or so called "infastructure fight". Its just about keeping what they have !
But, again to help Educate folks and keep their eye's on the ball....
The original task force report was estimating the LVEC (on Anglin Bay)
@ $ 28,000,000,
An estimate with no drawings, no design and no extras for
i.e.LEED certified, staging, developing the property, environmental
assessments etc. Along with the cost (staff reports) two environmental
assessments - AND to move the facility to the North Block.
The
original business plan - was used to get a "reasonable estimate" on
most of the "known" basic costs and issues, for the success of ones
venture.
It included and identifying risks. i.e building costs at that time, cost associated for the "general project" - only based on Anglan Bay. Which = $ 37,000,000. (Approx.)
Business plans are also NEVER, EVER
a 120% sure outcome of a project or ones business venture.
They are a
guide or road map of project expectations, based on other
facilities (in this case), or businesses in the same industry with
inclusion of local frameworks/information - such as demographics,
population base, usages, facility seating size..etc.
They are also generally built on conservative data.
Ms.
Kennedy's analysis of the business plan, market studies and expenses to
revenue for this project was well done.
Certainly not just because the positive numbers, or because she identified
weaknesses and strengths in the "forecasts". And adjusted
Because it was communicated and made the information (that has been available
to the public for 2 years) more "reasonable to consume" for the lay
folk for most ofKingstonians , & council - instead of local gossip,
or pumped up naysayer
groups it was listen to and better received...Glover even
said - he is withdrawing his support for theLVEC cancel motion. That's how you should treat people with respect and with some honey.
Memories or circumstances from the past are why there is some opposition.
Nothing more.........
(See - 11 points below)
Indeed, it is true the following contributing factors led to such issues...
1) Residential tax increases steadily since 1998. Up 25%
2) residential taxes to low, no allowance for infrastructure (previous 20 years)
3) Reliance of "institutional employment" in the region, general complacency
4)The loss or closing of manufacturing facilities in the area (5000 jobs)
- an indeed the days of 40 year careers with pensions (are over)
5) Block "D" (25 year issue) - pent up development frustrations
6)Grand Theatre (concepts by heritage interest groups) development - of
an old, very risky building, foreseeable budget overruns
7) Market Square - naming rights - closed door agreement - mistrust, not resolved
8) Previous council of business oriented "supporters", new council (lesser)
9) Social discourse relating to accountability, lack of communication
10) To many (pent-up or regulated) projects for the City at one time.
11)No central "point man" to communicate, articulates and liaison public
concerns of the "process", design and scope of (all) of the 7 main
projects identified by the general public 3 years previously.
12) Overrun report in Sept. that possibly the former project manager was fired for. - but no disclosure, confidentiality issues.
13) Newly organised tax groups and residence at the condo on Anglin
Bay (who were instrumental) and generally had the time, money to
organize and to feed the fire of the (lack of communication and
transparency) - the City chose to ignore on the LVEC file. - such
sentiments wished their condo community to have free access to their
panoramic views of the lake, quiet lifestyle and interrupted downtown
lifestyle with no
undue downtown inconveniences, such as development. Along
with the transparency issues developed this atmosphere of suspicion.
I believe to this day that the self interest KCAL group, and some neighbouring residence ...backers of KCAL not only contributed to the cost overruns of the LVEC but indeed its marginalizing in terms of parking, opportunity costs, such as the sqft floor area that is now 30% smaller for the facility at the North Block. (For the same budget)
And I pose to you: Anglin Bay or North Block Site.........
If you had the choice to buy two homes, that are identical in its
features, but one is 30% smaller, has a worse view, less property and
less parking.. (For the same cost?)
And KCAL experts Mary Lou Adams - was also contacted recently and she spoke to the fact - that she had no idea KCAL even used her "google searches" on a 1 billion dollar project in New York's slum , to compare our tiny LVEC multipurpose centre. She also goes on to say "she has no experience with LVEC's either academically or hands on".
And funny enough she is KCAL's main "expert"? Since this was brought to KCAL's attention by Kingston Electors members - KCAL removed Kingston Electors "link" from their website. I wonder what Swift would say about this strategy? (Pernicious or what?)
Here are some real facts to check out:
Check out these web sites for the (real deal) on "multipurpose facilities"...
http://www.canadianspecialevents.com/
http://www.expoworldcanada.com
Its time (for council) to (move on) and focus, ..put our energy and our tax resources on more pressing issues:
Such as:
5000 jobs x $ 50,000 a year salaries leaving our region $ 250,000,000 million ! in LOSS to our local economy.
(As apposed to $ 4 million of investments in our waterfront environment, in
addition to looking at the "Memorial Centre" (which no one atKCAL uses or has been in)
Infrastructure and poverty forum with local agencies and how we can do a better job..
are the next issue, including Federal Support Funding for the LVEC.
Fast Facts:
Did you know, Kingston gets and spends $ 175,000,000 a year on social services?
Did you know, that The Agricultural Society of Kingston has a "permanent lease" of the Memorial Centre?
Did you know that Federal Funding is very likely to happen?
And unlike KCAL we want every ones suggestions, opinions...and our membership is growing fast!
Now you have been LVEC EDUCATED !
acknowledge or respect (an auditors report) or understand last weeks
budget explanation/ business plan.
Even Mr. Glover "gets a fuzzy feeling" about the projects success.
And with respect to the projects budget,its not unusualto underestimate a "concept" as in Anglin Bay.
Until all the drawings and fittings are 90 % on paper, its difficult in any construction project to say it's XYZ dollars.
(Especially, in construction on a LEED building.)
KCAL's presentation at City Hall (the first in 3 years of preparation) left most scratching their heads wondering what the heck he was talking about!!!
Knowing that they (may have) still some positive inputs to the process...their tone or tolerance for this first engagement from behind their screens, came across rudely & hostile.
Their presentation also seemed ill prepared. Their spokesman just seemed to be
rambling on and on on.
And as a result, received little attention from most of the council members.
Lots of hurried info, but no focus or process on anything - specific". And their only coherent point about interest rates with BIA was completely wrong!
Ms. Kennedy verified this.
Frankly, if they truly wished to look like they know what they are talking about...to help the public understand
the LVEC operations, and financial plan they should have
been at least more coherent
and more accommodating to any questions.
Indeed, a more positive and inclusive contribution to the evening would have been a better strategy.
To come out with "guns blazing" is typical to their more than arrogant stance on the subject. Ramming this stuff down our throats in their first public forum was just down right stupid.
Process! They certainly proved a lack at that...
So, who's calling the kettle "Black"? Now?
All I know, from KCAL expensive Anglin Bay move, waisting staff time, new reports required and not enough true experience, KCAL, sure proved tonight the core members cannot make a very good presentation, and thats why they lost.
But, I can hardy wait to read on their web site they hide behind, some of
these council meeting observations..(I have already heard other speak to, read be
seen around town. They really blew it.
But, I am sure of one thing, they will do one of the following..anyways.
Be oh so insulted, or deem us part of the "tax conspiracy" of LVEC.
Or both!
But it's most disheartening to know this groups core members act in such hypocritical ways....
1) To save their "lifestyle" condo on Anglin Bay, from the LVEC, while the rest of us on the streets (or on the street) loose not only the view, but parking, noise and traffic from their condo.
They have more money and retirement pensions than any business person will ever have, and are more "concerned" about keeping it, than helping any marginalized people or areas in the city with their taxes or so called "infastructure fight". Its just about keeping what they have !
But, again to help Educate folks and keep their eye's on the ball....
The original task force report was estimating the LVEC (on Anglin Bay)
@ $ 28,000,000,
An estimate with no drawings, no design and no extras for
i.e.LEED certified, staging, developing the property, environmental
assessments etc. Along with the cost (staff reports) two environmental
assessments - AND to move the facility to the North Block.
original business plan - was used to get a "reasonable estimate" on
most of the "known" basic costs and issues, for the success of ones
venture.
It included and identifying risks. i.e building costs at that time, cost associated for the "general project" - only based on Anglan Bay. Which = $ 37,000,000. (Approx.)
Business plans are also NEVER, EVER
a 120% sure outcome of a project or ones business venture.
They are a
guide or road map of project expectations, based on other
facilities (in this case), or businesses in the same industry with
inclusion of local frameworks/information - such as demographics,
population base, usages, facility seating size..etc.
They are also generally built on conservative data.
Kennedy's analysis of the business plan, market studies and expenses to
revenue for this project was well done.
Certainly not just because the positive numbers, or because she identified
weaknesses and strengths in the "forecasts". And adjusted
Because it was communicated and made the information (that has been available
to the public for 2 years) more "reasonable to consume" for the lay
folk for most ofKingstonians , & council - instead of local gossip,
or pumped up naysayer
groups it was listen to and better received...Glover even
said - he is withdrawing his support for theLVEC cancel motion. That's how you should treat people with respect and with some honey.
Memories or circumstances from the past are why there is some opposition.
Nothing more.........
(See - 11 points below)
Indeed, it is true the following contributing factors led to such issues...
1) Residential tax increases steadily since 1998. Up 25%
2) residential taxes to low, no allowance for infrastructure (previous 20 years)
3) Reliance of "institutional employment" in the region, general complacency
4)The loss or closing of manufacturing facilities in the area (5000 jobs)
- an indeed the days of 40 year careers with pensions (are over)
5) Block "D" (25 year issue) - pent up development frustrations
6)Grand Theatre (concepts by heritage interest groups) development - of
an old, very risky building, foreseeable budget overruns
7) Market Square - naming rights - closed door agreement - mistrust, not resolved
8) Previous council of business oriented "supporters", new council (lesser)
9) Social discourse relating to accountability, lack of communication
10) To many (pent-up or regulated) projects for the City at one time.
11)No central "point man" to communicate, articulates and liaison public
concerns of the "process", design and scope of (all) of the 7 main
projects identified by the general public 3 years previously.
12) Overrun report in Sept. that possibly the former project manager was fired for. - but no disclosure, confidentiality issues.
13) Newly organised tax groups and residence at the condo on Anglin
Bay (who were instrumental) and generally had the time, money to
organize and to feed the fire of the (lack of communication and
transparency) - the City chose to ignore on the LVEC file. - such
sentiments wished their condo community to have free access to their
panoramic views of the lake, quiet lifestyle and interrupted downtown
lifestyle with no
undue downtown inconveniences, such as development. Along
with the transparency issues developed this atmosphere of suspicion.
I believe to this day that the self interest KCAL group, and some neighbouring residence ...backers of KCAL not only contributed to the cost overruns of the LVEC but indeed its marginalizing in terms of parking, opportunity costs, such as the sqft floor area that is now 30% smaller for the facility at the North Block. (For the same budget)
And I pose to you: Anglin Bay or North Block Site.........
If you had the choice to buy two homes, that are identical in its
features, but one is 30% smaller, has a worse view, less property and
less parking.. (For the same cost?)
And KCAL experts Mary Lou Adams - was also contacted recently and she spoke to the fact - that she had no idea KCAL even used her "google searches" on a 1 billion dollar project in New York's slum , to compare our tiny LVEC multipurpose centre. She also goes on to say "she has no experience with LVEC's either academically or hands on".
And funny enough she is KCAL's main "expert"? Since this was brought to KCAL's attention by Kingston Electors members - KCAL removed Kingston Electors "link" from their website. I wonder what Swift would say about this strategy? (Pernicious or what?)
Here are some real facts to check out:
Check out these web sites for the (real deal) on "multipurpose facilities"...
http://www.canadianspecialevents.com/
http://www.expoworldcanada.com
Its time (for council) to (move on) and focus, ..put our energy and our tax resources on more pressing issues:
Such as:
5000 jobs x $ 50,000 a year salaries leaving our region $ 250,000,000 million ! in LOSS to our local economy.
(As apposed to $ 4 million of investments in our waterfront environment, in
addition to looking at the "Memorial Centre" (which no one atKCAL uses or has been in)
Infrastructure and poverty forum with local agencies and how we can do a better job..
are the next issue, including Federal Support Funding for the LVEC.
Fast Facts:
Did you know, Kingston gets and spends $ 175,000,000 a year on social services?
Did you know, that The Agricultural Society of Kingston has a "permanent lease" of the Memorial Centre?
Did you know that Federal Funding is very likely to happen?
And unlike KCAL we want every ones suggestions, opinions...and our membership is growing fast!
Now you have been LVEC EDUCATED !
Labels: KCAL misinformation
posted by LVEC EDUCATED at 2:02 p.m.
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home