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Log inPier-bid loser back in the mix
Pier-bid loser back in the mix
by Outspoken on Thu Nov 20, 2008 5:13 am
Pier-bid loser back in the mix
Ocean Properties has said it's still interested in the pier project, and it plans to meet with city officials.
By ELBERT AULL
Staff Writer Portland Press Herald
City officials plan to meet with the company that lost the fight to develop the Maine State Pier, now that the winner has walked away from the table.
Portland City Manager Joseph Gray, Councilor Jill Duson and Ocean Properties President Tom Walsh could discuss the pier project as early as next week, city and company officials said Wednesday.
The conference comes as councilors debate how to proceed in the wake of Monday's vote to end contract negotiations with The Olympia Cos., the developer picked last year to build a $100 million hotel, retail and office complex on the pier and land nearby.
City officials are seeking confirmation that Ocean Properties – the loser of a contentious, two-way contest to develop the publicly owned pier – is again interested in the project.
A company official has stated publicly that Ocean Properties still wants a shot at redeveloping the property.
Duson, who begins her term as mayor Dec. 1, said she wanted Ocean Properties to officially reiterate its interest.
"We need to have the answer to that pretty clear," Duson said.
She said the meeting will precede a council workshop on the pier, tentatively scheduled for Dec. 8.
Councilors have different ideas on how to proceed now that Olympia is out of the picture.
Councilor John Anton said the community needs to draw up a vision for the pier and then choose a developer to build that design – not vice versa, which was the case during the first pier exercise.
"We need a community dialogue on the Maine State Pier itself, the intensity of development we're willing to tolerate," Anton said.
He said that despite having sided with Olympia in the past, he would be willing to support Ocean Properties if the company emerges as the best choice for a city-designed project.
http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=223069&ac=PHnws
Ocean Properties has said it's still interested in the pier project, and it plans to meet with city officials.
By ELBERT AULL
Staff Writer Portland Press Herald
City officials plan to meet with the company that lost the fight to develop the Maine State Pier, now that the winner has walked away from the table.
Portland City Manager Joseph Gray, Councilor Jill Duson and Ocean Properties President Tom Walsh could discuss the pier project as early as next week, city and company officials said Wednesday.
The conference comes as councilors debate how to proceed in the wake of Monday's vote to end contract negotiations with The Olympia Cos., the developer picked last year to build a $100 million hotel, retail and office complex on the pier and land nearby.
City officials are seeking confirmation that Ocean Properties – the loser of a contentious, two-way contest to develop the publicly owned pier – is again interested in the project.
A company official has stated publicly that Ocean Properties still wants a shot at redeveloping the property.
Duson, who begins her term as mayor Dec. 1, said she wanted Ocean Properties to officially reiterate its interest.
"We need to have the answer to that pretty clear," Duson said.
She said the meeting will precede a council workshop on the pier, tentatively scheduled for Dec. 8.
Councilors have different ideas on how to proceed now that Olympia is out of the picture.
Councilor John Anton said the community needs to draw up a vision for the pier and then choose a developer to build that design – not vice versa, which was the case during the first pier exercise.
"We need a community dialogue on the Maine State Pier itself, the intensity of development we're willing to tolerate," Anton said.
He said that despite having sided with Olympia in the past, he would be willing to support Ocean Properties if the company emerges as the best choice for a city-designed project.
http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=223069&ac=PHnws
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