As people know who have been following the story of our collaboration with Genview whereby a temporary sales office has been permitted in our Museum facility in return for critical physical enhancements and repairs I have been a huge supporter of this arrangement. But, my enthusiasm is fast waning given Genview’s request for a second extension in their occupancy. It was reported at Council that they have asked for an additional 6 months past the current termination date of 2/28/14. Given that we have approved a Museum Strategy which has us developing this asset to be a lively cultural hub in the Township I am frustrated at the thought of a further delay in beginning to fully work on this. And clearly, the lack of firm plans & commitment to date on the part of Genview to exit is worrisome. I was happy to hear the Council as a whole give Genview the clear message that i) we need to hear from the Museuem Board; ii) there needs to be a firm plan to exit; and iii) for there to be any extension there will need to be incentives.
Hi Debbie
It is a great disappointment to hear that an apparent cooperative and businesslike arrangement between Counsel and a developer has soured. My distrust of developers has been once again reinforced.
My question is, have the “critical physical enhancements and repairs” being completed. If not why would we want to extend the agreement we have? The original commitments of both parties have not yet been met under the old arrangement. It is essential that we have this work done before we enter into amendments or extensions. Otherwise Genview could just string us along as long as they need us and then deliver whatever they view is appropriate, or nothing at all.
Thank you for the update.
Hans martin