The city is trying to unload the Sleepy Hole golf course but will not reveal part of the deal concerning Obici House. Does it surprise you that important city officials prefer not to have ordinary citizens involved for fear they will do exactly as they are doing? A few interested people are concerned the transfer could include the destruction of the old home of Amedeo Obici and want to know now. The house has great Suffolk historical significance and may deserve to be restored where it is located or moved, at great cost, to a better city site. A serious wrangle could stall or end any ongoing discussion with a potential new owner whose interest is primarily profit. Most taxpayers want the best arrangement for the city coffers and believe what the Obici family did for Suffolk is already memorialized by the hospital. Council has been challenged by those would preserve Obici House and are waiting for answer.
http://www.suffolk.va.us/bids/files/982_sleepy_hole_RFQ.pdf
12 comments:
Mayor Linda Johnson has long looked at the Obici Golf Course along the Nansemond for condo townhouses. The Suffolk Nansemond Historic Society also coveted the house, the adjacent carraige house and landscaping. So lets sit this one out and watch the nail scratching, biting and hair pulling as the ladies fight it out. Just like the WWF, we already know who is the winner and that's political patronage.
Poor Amadeo there is no rest for him and his wife. The hospital they gave to Suffolk was demolished and the replacement quickly sold off by the well aged Board of Directors. Now his family estate is about to experience the same disgrace. This should be an example for all of us that no one's legacy is safe. I hope our council understands that.
With the Mayor and council we voted into power, why would we expect it to workout any differently? It has been and will always be about money. That is why Centerpoint was approved and why most of these decisions are made as they are.
Tear-it-down and move on, this is going to happen as they want anyway so why even argue about it?
One legacy will be rememberd..The mayor and her council.
OBICI HOUSE
http://www.suffolk.va.us/bids/bid_search...
The above link is the notice to receive bids from the city of Suffolk It's a very informing read.It appears that this has been in the works since Sept 2007 and its now May 2009. Whats the rush all of a sudden? Could it be that the real estate market is down, so it makes it a good deal for someone who buys it and then in a good market can make a killing? Time to see who the bidders are and what LLC's are involved. This isnt going to help the air quality around Market Street. Remmember the mayors own words, the promise OPEN AND TRANSPARENT GOVERNMENT
Suffolk has a thing for tearing down gifts and families. The city adminstrators sold the hospital for profits, they tore down two gifts from two famlies, Sold property that was a part of the foundation that the Obici family left the city. that land deal has been questioned many times and the city adminstrators have failed to provide honesty in its answers and actions. How much money was earned by the Obici foundation adminstrator when it was "sold" torn down. The arrogance of this cities leaders reminds me of the golden calf in D.C.. He at least promised treasures to those who came to his alter. Our city leaders over the last 8 years or so made no such promise to those who supported their ideas. The only promise that could be made is I promise to obtain treasures...How ironic that the word verification when I posted this was CONzy
Excuse me...you tore down the BIRDSONG RECREATION CENTER and now the city once again shows no concern regardign how they honor this man and family? I truly hope that Susan Blair is able to intervene and the city has to drop any negotations untl they go public with what is their idea of what they are seeking to do with the home and property.This must become that part of goverment that the mayor promised as being open and transparent. If not hopefully a judge can intervene and see that the entire process is delayed so that Susan can obtain the PRIVATE financing that would be needed to save the home/landmark.
The city says it will make no comment because of ongoing negotations. I see a pattern here that reminds me of the SCCA, Centerpoint and now this. Its time to start connecting the dots. The city says they are in meetings "closed door" private meetings. Silly me I forgot this is a golf course..Time to investigate city adminstration expense reports and travel reports that can be directly related to this so that the public can see what developers both local and non local groups that may be involved. This includes others who are involved in the real estate market.Again connecting the dots isnt a kids game anymore.What was the article in the paper regrding the city's air quality yesterday? Could it be that city hall is a contributing factor to that report?
There is only one person on council we can trust with the Sleepy Hole Golf Course and Obici House. Charles Brown has demonstrated time and again his sincere interest towards improving Suffolk through his development company while improving his lot in life. Sadly one on his close associates Mr. Smith was caught DUI on I264 recently and will be busy avoiding court instead of helping Mr. Brown's great cause. Perhaps his friend Ms. Lucas could come to the rescue with plans for a hotel on the Nansemond.
Blair and Woodward may have the best interest of the Obici House in mind. The REALLY BIG concern is the ladies creating another SCCA money pit forcably funded by the public dole. If they can save it with donations or private investors we can live with that. But NOT ONE RED CENT of our tax dollars.
As usual, Council members, at least one of them, is confused as to what is going on with bids for Sleepy Hole golf course. And those who would prefer restoring Obici House are flummoxed. Same old same old.
Kudos to the newest member on Council, Councilman Barclay. Councilman Barclay has asked an appropriate question - that of asking for a history of what has been going on with the property - and more importantly, wanting to ensure that citizens understand that history as well.
Please keep the questions coming!
Whats Barclay trying to do? Get on the wrong side of her highness? You Go Guy Go Guy. I think we might end up liking this guy..
Barclay and Johnson aren't talking can be summarized in a Casablanca moment; I'm shocked, shocked to hear there's gambling in this establishment. Round up the usual suspects.
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