To the Editor:
So, the Robinson's Terminal developer cannot see making money building his hotel despite all the concessions he got from the city. How come I am not surprised? Several letters were published by very smart people outlining the economic folly of the whole endeavor but, no, the city wanted its hotel. “We need the revenue,” bleated the councilors.
How about reducing expenses first? Did it ever occur to any of them? The next step will be for the developer to bring out the begging bowl, asking for more concessions; at our expense. Why don't the council members use the threat they used against the Old Dominion Boat Club (for no reason, in my book) of eminent domain and take over the land to create a park for the Alexandria residents, something most want.
And the money? A new concept, though most of us will recognize it: how about reducing expenses before spending future revenues? There are a lot of very smart people, often retired from the government, the military,
law firms, used to managing large projects/budgets/manpower living in the city who would be happy to help.
Thank you for your attention.
Francois Duret
Alexandria