QCTimes Editorial: Will River Gulf's lease ever expire?
They're back demanding that one industry (grain transfer) be kicked out of the neighborhood because another industry (newspaper printing) wants a pretty front yard and no dust on their cars.
I hope that the Crescent Warehouse District and the possible "Crossings" project really take off, so 10 years down the road we're demanding that ugly QCTimes building and its trucks full of newsprint be kicked out of our neighborhood.
13 comments:
Wow, this is the most sensible piece I've read on this issue. Bravo!
I agree wholeheartedly.
What amazes me is that Davenport (Lee Enterprises) is letting the Levee Commission kick out taxpaying business. Shame on all three of these groups.
Here's what I wrote in a letter to the editor that the QCTimes published back in 2002:
"I am quite surprised by the City of Davenport's sudden show of dislike for the very industries that support it. The whole reason the Quad-Cities are here is river access for industry.
Some businesses need to be on the river, not out on 53rd street where the City wants everything to be. Builders Sand & Cement Co. and the other businesses in question aren't in the middle of LeClaire Park; they are on what I would consider the eastern fringe of downtown Davenport. If you look to the western side of downtown, you will find dozens of blocks of eyesores that the city isn't obsessed with relocating.
The Quad-City Times seems to be bothered that they have to work across from somewhat messy operations, but the newspaper chose to build there with full knowledge of who their neighbors would be.
I also believe forcing these companies to move somewhere undermines the city's effort to attract new industries to the other industrial parks. If I were considering moving a business into Davenport, I would surely consider the treatment of the existing industries.
I don't see why the demands of a couple businesses � should outweigh the demands of three other businesses. The City should leave them alone and concentrate on beautifying the railroad bridges right in the middle of downtown."
Now, I have somewhat come around on this idea, only because both of the companies have found places in the QC to relocate to. That said, until Davenport has a solid non-secret plan for this land, I don't see the hurry in kicking them to the curb.
And of course I hate newspapers using their editorial platform for personal gain. *cough* RCReader... *cough*
Like I said, I'm kind of ok with it now, partly because downtown is doing better than I would have expected. I can see the possibilities for new construction along 4th, with the former industrial properties as their front yard along the river.
That said, until somebody has people waiting to develop something new, why are we in a hurry to kick River Gulf out?
Personally I like the diversity of having working river businessess on the RIVER. Ever hear of agritourism? We could jump ahead of the pack for once and promote aquatourism. Moving dry materials to and from the river could be a tourist attraction with integrity, but that's too obvious so no one will do it. We prefer FAKE attractions.
Get going River Gulf Grain. There is a plan. The planners are tired of waiting. The businesses negotiated a deal to move so don't rag on those who want the deal met. QCTimes is a commercial media enterprise using itself to promote an agenda; this time it happens to include their own interests. QCI can be jealous the paper uses itself for self promotion but don't be naive or appalled that it does.
see, I like what anonymous said. One of the great attractions of the river is the barge and industrial operations. They have their own, peculiar, kind of beauty. A beauty that the Figge and the Sky Bridge can't match.
There is nothing more fun than watching a barge lock through from the Lock and Dam15 visitors center. It is something to feel that barge bump and slosh in the lock (which you can in the visitor center when you stand downstairs).
Then to hear those engines rev up. Wow!
And in a town with a lousy skyline, to see the machinery of River Gulf rise up, to see the trucks (which my kids love to see) coming and going, reminds us of the industrial history of the river.
The Quad City Times is an ugly low eyesore next to it.
Along those same lines, it's impressive to watch the swing span bridge open. When traffic stops, alot of people get out of their cars to get a view of the river and dam that is wonderful.
To QCI - Your letter in 2002 was very valid. However, now you state that the business will relocate in the Quad Cities. If they are not relocating in Davenport it is a loss to tax revenue.
By the way - who will pay to remove the structures and plant grass?
QCI
The Third Ward makes you an Honorary Againster.
Congratulations.:)
Keith
With the awarding of the Honorary Againster Award, comes one of Jumpin George's City of Davenport Flags. A real 'must have' for downtown againsters.
Those flags might have sold better if they weren't the ugliest things ever...
Also, why couldn't River Gulf have gotten a 1 year lease extension? It seemed like the debate was strictly 0 years or 2 years.
We love your sense of humor Keith. Thanks for keeping us smiling.
There are so many things about the river that are wonderful, including the barges chugging along, when the old steamboats dock w/ the caliope playing, and the eagles out on the ice pack or perched up on the trees along the backwaters along Arsenal Island. Also enjoyable, is the sounds of the train horns echoing through Solo, and it was a real treat to hear the old steam engines with their whistles blowing this summer.
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