The fate of Obici House is left to those that will benefit from its destruction. How convenient that Ronnie Roundtree, the manager of the golf course, is on the planning commission and served while L. J. was a council member representing his borough? Let's also remember that Ronnie owns a construction company that donated to Linda's mayoral campaign. Now add that the Mayor is a prominent real estate agent in that corner of the city and obviously supports the destruction of the Obici House, she has not come up with any solutions to save it. Lastly, Gardy is not only a councilman and law partner with the mayor's husband; he has expertise in real estate law.
What do these citizens have in common? They want the Obici House property developed, not restored. Gardy did suggest memorabilia be preserved in case Suffolk students are taught Suffolk history. Why has the city council moved so fast on the Obici House future, there was no speedy effort when the bridge to Driver went down. Was it because no one could make any money on that deal? The Obici House is a different story…when a Roundtree family member told me Obici House restoration was too expensive they gave away Ronnie’s position. Has the possibility of public/private partnership ever surfaced? What about the issuance of bonds? Condos there would be expensive, waterfront, on the golf course, imagine the descriptive real estate ads. It is perfect and all too convenient, any other development might need help from zoning, planning commission, leases from the city, a private construction company and a connected real estate firm. If Riddick's Folly were in bad shape would it face the same demise?
Two million dollars for restoration in a recession is a lot of money. But Mr. Obici, during a much worse depression, had faith in Suffolk. Had he not stopped and invested, our little downtown would still be a rest stop on the way to Emporia. Anonymous
20 comments:
Interesting that Mr. Rountree was awarded the construction contract for the new Health and Human Services Building and Fairgrounds as well. And now a golf course to boot! It seems as though he benifits quite a bit from this administration's decisions. Perhaps someone should look into his relationship with Ms. Johnson and the rest of the goons on Council a little bit further. What is really going on here???
What these people tend to forget (or perhaps never knew)is that they were elected to serve their constituents, not themselves. Public Service is just that...serving the public you represent. When we elected them (I voted for the opposition) we thought we were electing representatives who would carry out the will of the people...not force their will down our throats, like it or not. They seem to think that they know what is best for us and don't have to consider what the public thinks or wants so long as they do what they do within the letter of the law.
They like to pat themselves on the back for not raising our tax rates but our assessments have gone up and up year after year, even in a declining market. And notice that it is the 'land' portion of your tax bill that has had the most increases, not the dwelling. That's how they get around the question "how can my taxes be going up when real estate values are dropping?". In addition we are now told that we have to pay for services that used to be free such as bulk refuse pick up and recycling. Fees such as court costs (which are now manditory) and fines have risen dramatically and local police have become more aggressive in ticketing motorists for the most obscure and trivial violations. All of this falls on the backs of the ordinary citizen while certain city employees reap exorbitant salaries and perks in exchange for their loyalty.
I find it amusing that the administration that ran on the need for open and transparent government has held more "closed door" sessions and unofficial, off site meetings then any in recent history. We need a major change on Market Street. The mayors seat is secure for now but we can begin to errode their voting block by first giving the boot to Parr and Gardy and Brown and Barlow (who sunk to a new low with his support of the demolition of Obici House) in the next election and then move on from there. One thing is for sure...whoever we elect, will be an improvement over this bunch.
Well said to all these comments. I too do not hold in hihg regaurd the group we now have in the mayor and council. I must say that I am actually quite embarassed to have to say that thye represent me. The only way to deal with this is to get the boot out and kick people like Parr and Grady off our council. Then who will the mighty mouse mayor we have get to vote for her agenda? I agree with comments I have read, that we have a real problem in Suffolk and it is getting worse by the day. A do nothing mayor, a worth nothing city manager and staff of hacks, and a council that looks more and more like the "key-stone Cops" everyday. I do not want to move, but I do want to move them out for better people. Who will run against this crowd? We need some new faces on council to make some new policies that are our needs not their's.
High cost of a do nothing government, always raising taxes.
A mayor who would sell us all down the river for a nickle.
A council that cannot see beyond their own wants and demands over us all and will follow our bad mayor for their own needs and wants, not our's, costly.
An ELECTION to throw the bums out in November, PRICELESS!
Suffolk enjoy the government you elected. Ninety percent of the population doesn't have a clue who Amedeo Obici was nor care. The only Planters they know is the handlful of peanuts they shove down their throats. Thanks again SPS for the outstanding job you've done educating our children about Suffolk's history. Doc Liverman could have done something to get the children involved but he's busy spending our taxes.
Concerning our local politicians many citizens have grown accustomed to them stealing a little here or there as long as they don't steal from them. No investigation is forthcoming as the Commonewealth Attorney is in their right hand pocket.
So go ahead Linda Milpardy tear down the O-House there are no consequences for your actions nor accountability to your consituents. While you're at it tear down the Phoenix Bank and the Old Courthouse and build a few more condos.
In today's SNH Opinion Section we find an interesting letter from Douglas Naismith explaining the virtures of saving the Obici House. Hmmm, is this the very same person that sits on the Obici Foundation Board? Doesn't he and the board members have the resources and unique opportunity to underwrite restoration work of this significant building? Or is it all just weasel words to explain to Sister City friends in Orderzo why the Obici Family Home was lost.
Of course. Mr Naismith seems to love every opportunity to raise taxpayer money without contributions from the very "group" he is on for Mr Standish. Every other organization in town at least solicits funds from its directors/members to manage its operatinbg budget. Why can't this "group" at least donate a personal dollar the "their" project
before demanding to dine from the city trough? Can anyone among this "group" find other organizations where self-appointed "members" don't even make personal donations. Try churches, civic clubs, the SCCA, Riddick's Folly, the Historical Society, etc.
These people don't want just to save the building but seem to be looking for some sort of cheap reason to exist socially and civicly. How many times can the same people plunder the public funds and pretend such money needs were "unforeseen?"
Also, don't we already support the Sister Cities with taxpayer money, so why do they risk public disapproval with such an unsophisticated plan that doesn't even take into account the money needed to preserve the building until they can find mysterious donations and funds not yet available and which, if taken from the taxpayers, would merely pressure the Council to cut back and/or eliminate other programs already in place?
Before we all run off to far astray, keep in mind that is is always simpler to spend someone else's money than thyne own. These kinds of demands as we see from some to now destroy the Obici House, just because they do not want any public money spent on such a project are just a little disengenuious, given the fact that they will call for hundreds of thousand to be spent on the folly of things like the SCCA and other fool's errands.
There is a huge difference here, in that the rush to destroy the home seems to scripted by a hiden agenda. Why destroy the house so quickly? While we have talked about doing something to stableize the home for some time, nothing has been done and that is the fault of the staff! Is the push now to tear it down being done just so a money counter who has a golf course lease can make a buck off our backs? If so then we do have a larger problem to talk about! If the house falls for that reason, I will never go nor recommend to anyone else that they patronize such a golf course. While I do know it is a good-ole-boys hang-out anyway, a boycott of this mizers businesses could do well to establish that we will not take it anymore! I talked personally to the Mayor when she asked me for my vote last year and told me frankly, that she would always protect the Obici House and our historical landmarks. what changed?
Where are you now Mrs. Mayor? Surely you remember me, and will be true to your word! This one issue will define who is whom and if they can be trusted in the future, I am sure you all agree.
The solution is simple. Just make Ronnie give up the 18th hole to the CPOH. He would still have 17, so why let him be so greedy?
Since the Council asks whence cometh the necessary money for the obvious CPOH financial deficiency (how much has the group personally donated so far?), we could close City funding to Riddick's Folly and the Suffolk Museum and terminate all other annual City contributions to the Historical Society, the SCCA, Genieve and all others. I'm sure our children would be proud and we wouldn't have to look to such insignificant organizaions such as the Obici Hospital or the Obici Foundation to honor the Obici name. Who cares if that was what Mr Obici willed?
We could even tear down the Planters building and "restore" the site to its original condition.
Some might not like these ideas, but at least we wouldn't have to be nice to the firemen if we follow these ideas.
This entire mess has been driven by the greedy demands by a lessee to get as much profit as he can from another backroom council deal, that gave him a sweetheart deal for control our public golf-course and the site of the Obici House. I am very saddened at how poorly this issue has been dealt with and how there seems to be just one way precieved by the inept to resolve it, and that is the destruction of a major historical item, valued by many in our community. This all came to a head once the greedy got to work and started his plan to take advantage of his plan for "his" golf-course lease and it has grown to improper proportions that are not in the community's best interests, at all!
After working and living in this city for most of my life, I am ashamed at how this issue has been handled by our leadership and how insensative they have been to the wants of the people, in favor of those of a greedy operator on the prowel for as much profit as possible. It is time to step back and realize that the heratige and history of our city is important to our citizens and I do mean much more than the few favored sites downtown. I would propose that it is in every citizens interest to voice support for this vital issue and call your mayor, councilor, and senior city staffer to let them know of your displeasure with how this "hot potato" has been tossed about! It is time that the interests of the many be heard, over the pofit motive of the few or we are doomed to suffer another poorly planned and executed fiasco by the inept who only ascribe to run it all and only as they see fit.
I hope that all of this would be slowed down and nothing be done that might irrevocably render the issue mote, by destroying the house, just because it is the easiest way to end the dialog and discussion. I and all of Suffolk are watching how this issue is handled and hope that those who ascribe to be our leaders will put forth more than just a passing effort into resolving this important issue, and save the most recognized remaing item left of a great man and family to Suffolk! This is the issue that will define your legacy as a leader in this community, so think hard and long before you render a quick and easy decission that may not be capable of being changed! After hearing some of the comments of councilors' Brown, Parr and Gardy; it would seem clear that they do not have the best interests of Suffolk in mind, they only have a desire to end this issue, because they are lazy, moronic or both. We need a leader to shine on this subject and LEAD, so where are you Mr. Barclay?
Looks like we can stop bickering. It appears the Suffolk News will have a column tomorrow in which one familiar with this project will announce that private funding is available from a "number of people" and the Virginian Pilot will announce that the firemen have now withdrawn their unfinanced proposal.
Now we just need the Council to "forgive and forget" some of the attacks upon themselves, restrict the use of the 18th hole by the golfers, and we have a winner.
Who is this "With full understanding"? He has stated the issues in a manner that shows what is up. We need him to step up to the mic in Suffolk Council, NOW! Could he be an insider who knows what to know? He has the read on Parr and Gardy for sure!
With full understanding should be on the IS team even as anonymous. This person seems to have an inside track and could do much for all of us interested in our city
City Council was only considering the offer by the Firemen and had thrown out CPOH's proposal. They are of the misperception they can have their cake and eat it, if the building is moved to another location. Besides automaticaly negating all state and federal tax credits, the rehabilitation costs would likely triple. Thus we return to the 18th hole quandry to keep it at it's present location, and demolish the O-House so the developer can have his 19th wateringhole, or move the 18th hole to another location at greatly less expense and disruption while keeping the O-House where it is. As we are discussing holes, the writer will refrain from mentioning what type of holes we have involved from the developer, partners and city in this very sad affair.
With the withdrawl of the Fire-Fighters from the proposal process for the O-House has the council now set the stage for the scrapping from the city the site and home of Mr Obici? It would seem that more than five on council now want to destroy this historic home in favor of Mr. Roundtree and his greedy driven plans for the 18th hole and the new commercial building he will build as a clubhouse. Seems a shame that we traded the Obici House for another commercial building that has no claim to our history or favor, other than to define how stupid our council can be, again! The Mayor has made statements and promises that she seems to move away from as easy as one flushes the toliet. This says volumes about her integrity, character and utter lack of ability to lead on this important issue.
I do believe that this is the litmus test of and failure of her tennor as mayor and will not be forgiven easily. Then there is the failure of insight and comments by Pairr, Grundy and Milrat that defines their attitude towards the rest of us. Barclay is perhaps the greatest disapointment. He is a smart guy that could do more than he has to move this issue forward in the critical discussions for policy here. So far, he has sat upon his hands and that is not what I and others had thought he would do as he accerted himself as the new, "gotoguy". So much for his potential, and I hope his failure to lead does not marre his future on council, too. Mr. Barclay, we expect Brown and the rest to be themselves, but did expect more of you! Where are you on this issue?
Without some new direction to slow the bulldozers, it looks like the munchkins of the wicked witch will insure the destrution and scrubbing from the face of Suffolk, the historic home of the most important person to walk within the bounds of our community, Mr. Obici!
What would he think of the actions of our council and mayor? He would most likely forgive them their transgresions, but would frown upon their lack of leadership and the greed that drives all for them, which he never showed anyone, especially the citizens of Suffolk whom he loved like family. It now looks like that love and attitude of acceptance is all that will be left of his legacy. What will the legacy of the likes of our Wicked Mayor and her rats hold when time and the people of Suffolk judges them?
Let us not read more into Ms. De Feo's op ed than was likely meant. In all probibility her reference to the "number of people who are more than willing to take on the financial responsibility of the preservation of the Obici House" refers to the many citizens both inside and outside of Suffolk who would undoubtedly contribute to such a worthy cause once given the opportunity to do so just as they have in the past.
What's more important is her conclusion as part of her Masters Degree studies that "the majority of the damage to the structure is from water leaking into the house. It is obvious that the roof and drainage systems have been in disrepair for many years. The city should have at the very least repaired the leaks in the roof and maintained the gutters. This minimal work would have prevented the water damage to the second-floor plaster and the deterioration of the rear porch". This statement concurs with the structual engineers who examined the house for the CPOH. The scope of the damage, though extensive, is merely cosmetic not structual. So, though Mr. Gardy would have you believe otherwise, the house is NOT going to fall into the Nansemond.
The question then becomes, if the city budgeted more than $200,000.00for care and maintanence of the house, why was not one thin dime spent to try to mitigate the damage over the past 4 years?
Could it be that they wanted the house to deteriorate? Could it be that this was all part of a plan to demolish the house hatched years ago? Given the actions of council of late and its intractable attitude on the matter one would be inclined to think so. If in fact the answer to this question is "yes" then the next question is a resounding WHY?
What is the real plan for this prime property? The mayors relationship with Mr. Rountree has long and well been established. Does he really intend to spend millions to build structures that he will never own...that will revert back to the city once his lease expires in 20 years? These questions beg for answers. We as taxpaying citizens deserve answers.
We should demand those answers!
Please on and all, keep in mind that Ronnie Roundtree witll no be spending his money fo the buildings, he will be spending the forward rent he would otherwise have paid for the golf-course. This makes the financial equation much different than the claim that he would spend his own money to build buildings that would after 20 years revert back to the city. All of the buildings could be built, more than 1/2 of the usefull life or more taken out of them and he pays no rent for the entire golf-course, while occupying it for those same 20 years. A sweetheart deal if there ever was one to be found. The mayor, council and their managers on staff have once again, given away the barn and it hurts. Now they want to follow through and give away to the trash heap, Mr. Obici's house to please this greedy piker. If they follow through with this deal and the house falls, we all msut insure that not one incumbent is left standing at the next election. While I have known Charles Parr of years, I must admit that I am turely disapointed in his conduct in this entire episode. Charles, if you don't make this right, we will spank you at the polls when you ask for our votes. I have helped you in the past, but will not if you fail in this most clear test of character.
I agree with "Suffolk Voter" that we need to make these people pay with their council seats if Obici House falls. However I think that even if the Obici House should somehow escape this unthinkable fate, they all need to go anyway. They are all a disappointment for even allowing the process to get to this point and have overstayed their welcome. Except perhaps for Mr's Barkclay and Bennett, they have all caved in to the influences of the mayor and her sidekicks. New blood, new leadership that responds to the wants and needs of the taxpaying citizens, clean, greed free politics is what we need and have a right to expect. We don't need people who think elective office is a free ride to line your own pockets at the taxpayers expense.
Merely throwing the incumbents out of office is simply not enough if they allow the destruction of the O-House. Some perhaps may pocket a penny or two on the side from their involvement and laugh at how easy it was. However they must be made an example to all. Their businesses must be boycotted to closure. They and their family should treated as persona-non-grata in social circles and are otherwise considered outcasts. They are to be encouraged however strongly to move out of Suffolk. Their homes and commercial offices are to remain vacant. All partnerships and business relationships are to be terminated. Their club memberships, board appointments and A-list invitations immediately withdrawn. To even be seen in public with them would not be acceptable. Sounds a bit harsh to you? It's the only thing they understand.
I also agree with the comments that the mayor and council must be corrected for their lacking, in the handeling of this issue. They should and are by law, required to follow the statutes in how these RFP's are proceeded. They have just "let-er-fly" adhock in this situationa and it shows. To correct their past mis-steps, a formal RFP should be put out and then review under a defined set of requirements for all comers. It now looks like another inside deal has been brokered for the benefit of Mr. Roundtree and that is just wrong! What happened that allows the Mayor to set such lopsided deals? How is it possible that we tell one group one thing that tips over their submission, but others are told entirely different requirements? By such flagent errors, it looks like the process is tainted by either fraud, insider-deals, or just abject incompetence! What is it, one or all?
This episode of the Suffolk version of "The Keystone Cops" on Market Street, shows why it is just wrong when you have so many closed-insider-dealings going on. The Mayor and council could learn from yet another political black-eye, they well deserve by their actions and devious plotting in this issue.
In closing, it appears that once again we have gotten the local governance we deserve! We all must demand that fewer closed meeting be held. Fewer manipulations of the law and process be allowed. And much more forsight be put forth in how the business of the city is run. I place much of how this entire issue failed us all, on the professional person who should know better, our inept City Manager and her senior staff! Even if they are told by the Mayor or a councilman that they want something done that violates law or policy, it just cannot be done thusly. The politicians are supposidly and expected to be inept, but the trained, educated, and professional staffers like Ms. Glenn and company should know better! So has the law been violated? If so what are the ramifications?
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