So whatever project was planned for Powell Square is probably long dead at this point (someone correct me if I'm wrong). The result is that a building sitting at the confluence of several highways - a high profile location - is going to sitting open, exposed to the elements and vandals. Truly an eyesore.
Now, I've never been cited by the City for peeling paint on my house or garage but I know people who have. What kinds of citations/fines is the City levying against the owner(s) of Powell Square? My (educated) guess is...none. Another potential revenue stream gone to waste.
In reality, the owner wouldn't likely pay any levied fines but it would force them to either minimally maintain the property (cover up the graffiti and secure the premise) or unload it, fire-sale like. Maybe sell it to the LRA for $1 or something.
Or, in lieu of cash fines, the City could do something creative (ohh sh*t, here come the detractors)...like, say, offer a deal where the owner allows the City to lease the prominent sides of the building for large banner advertisements. I'm sure that Lumiere would buy a side. Revenue for the City, an eyesore covered up and the owner gets to hang on to the property sans fines until things improve and financing for their project is realistic. Plus, if the banners were large and tasteful enough, we might actually feel a little more like a bigger thriving city to all those summer travelers passing through.
I've got lots of ideas like this and feel that, perhaps, I should pursue a desk at SLDC. Are they hiring? Ohh, wait I think we're in a depression...nevermind, I guess.
Now, I've never been cited by the City for peeling paint on my house or garage but I know people who have. What kinds of citations/fines is the City levying against the owner(s) of Powell Square? My (educated) guess is...none. Another potential revenue stream gone to waste.
In reality, the owner wouldn't likely pay any levied fines but it would force them to either minimally maintain the property (cover up the graffiti and secure the premise) or unload it, fire-sale like. Maybe sell it to the LRA for $1 or something.
Or, in lieu of cash fines, the City could do something creative (ohh sh*t, here come the detractors)...like, say, offer a deal where the owner allows the City to lease the prominent sides of the building for large banner advertisements. I'm sure that Lumiere would buy a side. Revenue for the City, an eyesore covered up and the owner gets to hang on to the property sans fines until things improve and financing for their project is realistic. Plus, if the banners were large and tasteful enough, we might actually feel a little more like a bigger thriving city to all those summer travelers passing through.
I've got lots of ideas like this and feel that, perhaps, I should pursue a desk at SLDC. Are they hiring? Ohh, wait I think we're in a depression...nevermind, I guess.
