Developer Stewart Beal seeks extension to block lanes of Depot Town intersection
The westbound lane of Cross Street at its intersection with North River Street could remain closed for another 45 days.
Tom Perkins | For AnnArbor.com
In the nearly 90 days since the Thompson Block building burned, traffic has been diverted around the beams at Cross and River streets that prop up the building’s facade.
If Beal has his way, that detour may remain in place another 20 to 45 days.
Business owners in the area say the detour has significantly thinned traffic through the small business district. And the city has threatened legal action to force Beal to remove the beams from the roadway.
Beal, who owns the Thompson Block building, plans to go before the council Tuesday to ask for a 45-day extension to the 90-day, city-issued traffic control order that allows him to block part of the roadway with beams and scaffolding to support the structure’s walls.
Two westbound lanes on Cross Street and a northbound lane on River Street are temporarily closed.
Beal told the city he needs more time to figure out how to stabilize the historic structure’s remains and will present a plan for the council’s consideration.
“We’re asking for the 45-day extension so we can come up with a good, solid plan,” he said.
Beal said a similar project in Detroit took Beal Properties LLC 15 months to plan and finds it “odd” people think his company should have done more to stabilize the building in the last 90 days.
“I can understand why more people have demanded more action be taken, but it’s an unreasonable request,” he said.
Several scenarios are possible under the extension request. If the council approves it, the beams will likely remain in the road for roughly 20 days before being pulled back to the sidewalk while Beal determines how to stabilize the building.
“It’s certainly an olive branch if it’s granted by council,” assistant city attorney Karl Barr said.
Council Member Pete Murdock, who represents the 3rd Ward in which Depot Town is located, said the council is interested in hearing definite and immediate plans for either demolishing or stabilizing the structure without the beams.
“It’s untenable the way it is, and it just can’t go on like this forever,” he said. “We want to know what his plans are specifically, what he’s going to do, and we’ll proceed from there.”
Beal said his company plans to move the beams from the road to the sidewalk, but not to fully stabilize the building without them.
“It’s a $3 million construction project, so we haven’t even thought about doing that,” he said.
Barr recommended to the council that an engineer present a plan showing how the building will be modified and also wants assurances it's in no danger of collapsing.
“The paramount concern here is the safety of the residents,” Barr said.
Should the council reject the extension, Beal could comply with the orders to clear the roadway by the Dec. 23 deadline by demolishing the building or demonstrating
to the city that it can safely stand without the support beams currently in the road.
Beal said the building won't be demolished, and it can't stand without the beams.
His other option would be to defy the city’s order, which would likely result in the city taking Beal to court.
Barr said Fire Chief Jon Ichesco sent a letter to Beal on Nov. 9 ordering the building be permanently stabilized or demolished. Beal responded in a letter to Ichesco four days later that the beams constituted a permanent fix, and he considered the order met.
Barr said the city was considering taking Beal to court for non-compliance with the order until he requested an extension.
If the council rejects the extension and Beal fails to clear the roadway, Barr said the city would likely sue Beal to either stabilize or demolish the building.
“The crux of the issue is it’s clearly a temporary fix to everybody but the property owner,” Barr said. “As of now, the property owner has yet to offer any kind of specific plan that says ‘This is what we’re going to do.’”
Beal views the situaiton differently.
“We came up with what we thought was a great plan and executed it perfectly,” he said. “Only two weeks ago did anyone from the city tell us otherwise.”
While the city and Beal decide on the future of the Thompson Block, some business owners in Depot Town say they're hurting because east to west traffic no longer travels through the district.
The posted detour on Cross Street instead directs traffic south to Michigan Avenue, then west past Depot Town.
Dennis Runyon, who owns Dennis’s Music, estimates his sales have dipped an additional 15 percent in the nearly 90 days since the Thompson Block building burned.
“I’ve got my customers telling me they’re going to Fast Eddie’s because they can shoot straight up Michigan Avenue,” Runyon said. “We’re taking a big hit. Honesty, this is a bad situation.”
For Jim Karnopp, owner of Café Luwak, the fire was particularly ill-timed. Depot Town is between a large residential zone to the east and the bulk of Ypsilanti’s employers and the university to the west.
The day after Karnopp launched a breakfast menu in which he invested $20,000 to renovate his kitchen, the Thompson Block burned.
“Our morning business is pretty much totally gone because most of the traffic in the morning is east to west and now there’s the detour,” he said.
Beal said he spoke to Karnopp Saturday about moving the beams to the sidewalk sometime in January, and Karnopp was amenable to the idea.
Beal added he sympathizes with the business owners, but believes they should take the long view and see saving the Thompson Block building can only improve the district.
“The Thompson Block has been around 150 years and it’s going to be here another 150 years from now, so I think people need to not get so excited about what’s happening today and look down the road,” he said.
Tom Perkins is a freelance writer for AnnArbor.com. Reach the news desk at news@annarbor.com or 734-623-2530.
Comments
Tina
Thu, Dec 17, 2009 : 9:29 a.m.
How about individuals who are close to this Beal man STOP trying to defend him and THINK of the residents!
Tina
Thu, Dec 17, 2009 : 3:54 a.m.
This is how Beal operates.. putting everything off last minute and doing everything half ass!!!
DepotMom
Wed, Dec 16, 2009 : 10:58 a.m.
I also live in Depot Town - on the same block. Tear it down and open up the street. It is a inconvenience not just for drivers but for pedestrian traffic. One that I would be willing to overlook if a rehab project had any chance of succeeding. The writing is on the crumbling brick walls - knock it down.
annarbor28
Tue, Dec 15, 2009 : 9:11 p.m.
Have Stewart PROVE he has the financing IN HAND before granting an extension. Otherwise he can demolish it, as he is big into that business. I think you may not be particularly surprised that he does not have the money. He may be waiting for insurance money, but has the cause of the fire been determined, and will this impact the insurance settlement?? There is a big difference between buying foreclosed and condemned houses and fixing them up for low cost housing, and coming up with cash or other financing to build higher end condos, business properties, etc, in today's climate. Have Stewart put the money where his mouth is.
Doodles
Tue, Dec 15, 2009 : 5:21 p.m.
Why is it Ann Arbor.com ask for comments only to delete them, but not all?? Rip the building down it has been an eye sore for at least 15 years and with Beal at the helm it will be an eye sore for 15 more.
Captain Magnificent
Tue, Dec 15, 2009 : 4:39 p.m.
malorie- You should check your facts- Rome wasn't built in 90 days either! Also, just because he hasn't done it in 90 days doesn't mean he won't be able to do it now that he has another 45 days. All he's asking is that we deal with 50% less road so he can have 50% more days. Have some compassion for the man.
M.
Tue, Dec 15, 2009 : 4:05 p.m.
loudgazelle - I agree, things can't happen in a DAY. But he has had 90 of them. He received a "city-issued traffic control order that allows him to block part of the roadway" for 90 days with nothing being done in that time, yet he expects to fix the problem within a 45 day extension period, so I assume he could have carried out the plan (or came up with one!) within the original 90 days.
Captain Magnificent
Tue, Dec 15, 2009 : 2:54 p.m.
Malorie- The fire got us in this mess, not Stewart Beal! If it weren't for the fire we wouldn't be in this mess. Might I remind you that Rome wasn't built in a day and if it had caught on fire you can bet it wouldn't have been repaired in a day either. Stewart Beal is a lot like Julius Caesar in this regard.
tdw
Tue, Dec 15, 2009 : 11:40 a.m.
Many people mysef included have stated that Beal has owned the building for years and has done nothing with it(true)Personally I would have liked it to stay that as long as it was still a building.It's not a building any more,it's just a burned out semi-shell now
Pjohn3
Tue, Dec 15, 2009 : 11:38 a.m.
What an immature kid. Probably thinks he can make outrageous and insensitive comments because of his family's company. I think he lost his financing and is just postering until he can find some investors. Knock it down and lets move on. There is absolutely no market for this project today anyway.
M.
Tue, Dec 15, 2009 : 11:05 a.m.
loudgazelle - More developers like this? HE'S OWNED THE BUILDING FOR YEARS AND DID NOTHING WITH IT! He is forced to take some kind of action now that the fire damaged it so badly; he isn't trying to make it "beau-ti-ful". And how does having a job have anything to do with it? Do you realize that most people have to travel along roads to get to and from work? Like, maybe the road that is being referred to?
ypsituckian
Tue, Dec 15, 2009 : 10:40 a.m.
I think this is a funny statement that Kmacker made. "In 5 years from now - one or many of us will be standing in the Thompson Block building and reminiscing about how they almost tore the building down... " I think in five years, if this building is still standing, we will be looking at the rest of Depot Town and see empty boarded up store fronts with "Office Space for Lease" signs everywhere. Businesses will not be able to survive. Will we still be proud of this structure? I guess we'll see.
Go Blue
Tue, Dec 15, 2009 : 8:46 a.m.
When one rides on the shirtails of those before you that made the company name (grandfather and father) one tends to develop a certain attitude, often incorrectly, that you are of the same stature. Unfortunately, when projects sit idle and the most activity is promise after promise that something will be done and blowing smoke to waylay others when questioned about the inactivity of projects undertaken or the long overdue completion of yet another project, respect is lost. As the saying goes "the proof is in the pudding" - live up to the commitment, respect the communty, get the job done. In the alternate, be honest enough to admit when you're in over your head, do not have the resources to tackle the project, or just do not have a solution. This is about more than just one person's ego - both sides need to show consideration and a commitment towards a common goal that benefits the community - find the solution and carry it out. Quit the back and forth bickering and nonsense and just get the job done - finish the project or tear the buiding down. It shouldn't have to take another 5 years..............
Cash
Tue, Dec 15, 2009 : 6:21 a.m.
Ryan, I don't know Mr Beal so I can't tell you his intentions. I can plainly SEE the results. I might ask you this though: Suppose that I ("investor") bought a junky house next to you, let it fall into further and complete disrepair, homeless people hung out inside of it, I plastered "lofts for rent" banners across it for YEARS while the building further deteriorates....all the while the building continues to fall part and look like something left over in Berlin after WWII. Then a FIRE strikes (of unknown origins) and leaves only a shell, part of the walls falling and then the "investor" takes half of your street and puts up 2X4s to hold it up and LEAVES it for months with NO plans to take it down. This is how the residents of Ypsilanti feel today. This building brings shame to Depot Town businesses but it also endangers the residential area all around it. And this is where government steps in to enforce the laws that protect the citizens...to have a decent safe city. In closing, you say this gentleman has "investments" in the city. So does EVERY single homeowner. But they do not get income from their investments. They pay their taxes and spend their money to support the city. For years now that eyesore has hung over Depot Town.....the Hunchback of Ypsi....ugly and now frightening too. When you are harming a group of people, even if you have noble intentions, it's wrong. It's time to give it up.
Ryan Johnson
Tue, Dec 15, 2009 : 1:49 a.m.
A few points: First, it is my understanding that Beal has multiple investments in town and has fought incessantly for the rejuvenation of the city one house at a time, project by project.. The fact that he now wants to apply his drive and ambition towards the redevelopment of this historic building should be something that is praised not criticized. His demeanor is really not the issue here, his actions are let that be the focus. Secondly, The current economic climate has not been welcoming to any developers, especially those looking to invest in multi-million dollar developments. I know for a fact that there have been at least 3 different banks that have fallen through while development plans have been underway. In this economy I question why anyone would want to demolish a building that obviously has a developer interested in it. There is a huge amount of empty lots to attract developers, what is the harm on working with an interested party until they either succeed or concede. There have been leases signed and tenants acquired. This housing crunch has affected everyone, especially the Michigan economy. There is an active dialog happening in regards to this building how many other sites can you say that about? Third, as previously mentioned there are tax credits involved in this project it should be noted and recognized that most tax credits require that work not begin prior to their approval. Since approvals were granted demolition work on the interior has happened as well as continued stabilization. This building is a piece of Ypsilanti history. There was a time in the not so distant past when we raised buildings versus trying to save and preserve them we now call that Urban Renewal and it is considered one of the biggest planning mistakes of the last century It is unfair to come out both barrels blazing going after Beal when in all reality he is trying to accomplish the same ends as the community. Let us look for compromise more pedestrian / motor access. Preserve history for future generations while creating a better community for today. Perhaps a more structured plan of actionit seems like everyone wants the same outcome but it is just being approached from different angles.
glennsha
Mon, Dec 14, 2009 : 11:44 p.m.
Depot Town Business Owners, fight with all your might. I am horrified that you have to suffer at the hands of Stewart Beal and the City of Ypsilanti, what a horrible mess this is that reflects our fine town and community that a road has to be blocked and business owners have to suffer because no one can make a deccsion and move on, come on people dont you realize what an embarrasement this is for our community that city officials and courts cannot move faster to either knock this bldg. down or force Stewart to find financing now. What a trajic event!!!
tdw
Mon, Dec 14, 2009 : 10:02 p.m.
Kmacker the fire demoished the buildig.I've seen pictures of buildings in better shape after Berlin was bombed in WWII.Five years from now people will be thinking " why did'nt we get rid of this five years ago"
kmacker
Mon, Dec 14, 2009 : 9:50 p.m.
We, as a community, should be disgusted that the city where we live wants this 150 year old building demolished because it has been an inconvenience for 2 months! Streets didn't even exist when this building went up - it is a part of Ypsilanti's history. In 5 years from now - one or many of us will be standing in the Thompson Block building and reminiscing about how they almost tore the building down... in complete disbelief that anyone thought that that was an option.
tdw
Mon, Dec 14, 2009 : 9:28 p.m.
loudgazelle Developers only help when they develop.Not to be redundant but that place has been sitting there for years Beal has done nothing, nada,zip to it.If anyone out there has ever seen someone working (ie..employed )on it I'm sure myself and others would like to know when
Captain Magnificent
Mon, Dec 14, 2009 : 9:09 p.m.
You people are ungrateful and should be ashamed for yourselves. We need more developers like this. There are plenty of roads in Ypsi, and I say "block 'em all" if it makes our town more beau-ti-ful. Plus, if you people would get jobs like the rest of society it wouldn't be a problem because you'd be TOO BUSY WORKING to get inconvenienced by a little detour.
Ypsimom
Mon, Dec 14, 2009 : 9:02 p.m.
I too live in the Depot Town area and I saw take it down! I would like to be able to walk my children to the park with out having to side step this mess! and yes it has been sitting waiting for renevations for YEARS!!! I frankly and tired of it and want it torn down and some thing new but historic looking will suit me just fine. Hey, look how well the old high school was redone, it looks fab!
Ypsidweller
Mon, Dec 14, 2009 : 8:39 p.m.
I live in Depot Town and I want it gone as soon as possible. I really can't think of anyone that wants it to stay at this point. The closed intersection is dangerous. Its not a matter of inconvenience, its a matter of safety.
Cash
Mon, Dec 14, 2009 : 8:26 p.m.
Terrin, Do you know that "most people in Depot Town want this building saved?" I would be SHOCKED if that were true. It has been a pathetic eyesore to Depot Town for years now. It is beyond saving. The lot itself might have some value when the new Amtrak stop is added. But the amount of investment it would take to completely rebuild that building....someone tell me WHERE those funds would ever come from please. And....was it arson or not? What happened to the investigation?
Terrin
Mon, Dec 14, 2009 : 8:16 p.m.
I will also say with all due respect to Karnopp, I think the building has little to do with your lack of business. The new breakfast is nice, especially the Sunday brunch. However, the only reasons I knew about it was because I walked in one morning. I do not how you are letting people know about the new breakfast efforts, but I try something different because the current effort isn't effective.
Terrin
Mon, Dec 14, 2009 : 8:13 p.m.
I think Beal is stuck between a rock and a hard place. Tearing the building down would be the most cost most cost effective thing to do. Yet, I think most people in Depot Town would want the Building saved. It most likely takes more then a couple of months to have an architect example the damage to the building plan the repairs. Further, he most likely has insurance issues that he is still working to fix. THe closed intersection stinks. However, I can't see it effecting business that much. It takes all of two minutes to take a detour.
annarbor28
Mon, Dec 14, 2009 : 7:14 p.m.
His mother is the company attorney, and his father is a developer. They are all in this together. They will try very hard to do what is best for their profits. Stewart has never been a humanitarian. I have had business dealings with him, and his sense of time goes at his own pace, without regard for others. I am trying to say this as cautiously as possible so it doesn't get yanked off, but maybe you could guess what I mean!!
tdw
Mon, Dec 14, 2009 : 6:51 p.m.
Is the Dahlman Depot the one across the street? if so,I kinda like it.It does'nt look that bad and after all it is called Depot town
Paul the Malcontent
Mon, Dec 14, 2009 : 6:10 p.m.
Further corrections to this article are needed: "A westbound lane on Cross Street and a northbound lane on River Street are temporarily closed." Should be westbound "lanes" as per the previous correction to the headline. "Depot Town is between a large residential zone to the west and the bulk of Ypsilantis employers and the university to the east." East and west are mixed up here.
Woman in Ypsilanti
Mon, Dec 14, 2009 : 6:01 p.m.
I have very mixed feelings about this. On the one hand, it is a real pain in the neck that the road is closed. On the other hand, I really love that old building and would love to see it saved. In truth, I would happily put up with the inconvenience of the road being closed if I were confident that the building was actually going to be saved. I think the council should extend the permit by no more than 90 days. If no progress is made in that time, the building may just have to come down (sad as that may be).
Cash
Mon, Dec 14, 2009 : 5:08 p.m.
Dad R, I'm not seeing his efforts to restore anything. The building sat in a state of disrepair for years now. There's no restoration. And I don't see millions of dollars suddenly falling down on the company or the town to rebuild it. It's clear from the interview, there is NO plan to renovate it or even make it safe. Every day when I drive by I fear it will crumble as I pass. I can't wait to get past it!! I'm all for historic preservation...I am a work of historic preservation myself! :-) But this building is beyond disrepair now,and it's a serious hindrance to Ypsilanti. It is unfair to allow one person to negatively impact an entire shopping and entertainment area. It's gone on too long already. I'm 65 and my entire life the building has been a hideous monstrosity....and now it's a danger besides. Please tear it down now.
old east sider
Mon, Dec 14, 2009 : 4:51 p.m.
I think that the city should reduce the taxes of those that live in the River St. area. They have helped to create a "ghost town" with the deserted buildings on Michigan Ave., the Beal/Thompson block and the depot. We are ashamed to have people come to visit us. Our property values and our neighborhood environment have been greatly affected by these "development projects" gone wrong. It is not fair to those of us who have invested so much money, time and energy in maintaining our homes. Unless this is changed I suggest that we make Ypsilanti a "ghost town" for tourists with legalized prostitution. Then, perhaps, our very high property taxes could be reduced. I am firmly committed to historic preservation but this shell of a burned out building, the vacant depot and the buildings on Michigan Ave. have to go. Old Eastsider
DadR
Mon, Dec 14, 2009 : 4:46 p.m.
I would hope the City and nearby business owners would accept the temporary inconveniences and look forward to a bigger and better Depot Town. Mr Beal's efforts to save a great historic structure should be met with accolades instead of complaints. He seems committed to rehabbing the structure at a cost of several million dollars. Any money lost now by merchants will be more than made up when the building is once again occupied nad bringing more activity to the area. I hope Mr Beal does not take the easy way out and give up the effort.
pseudo
Mon, Dec 14, 2009 : 3:49 p.m.
@Alan, the city has worked with Mr. Beal, he is respected and will continue to be. That said, this is a problem and it needs to come down.
jchoi
Mon, Dec 14, 2009 : 3:38 p.m.
So Mr. Beal had 90 days to come up with a plan to stabilize the walls how come we are not hearing about what the options are? If Mr. Beal was serious about saving the building, then he and his team should have worked around the clock to come up with a workable plan and execute it. I would understand if they needed additional time to finalize the execution of the plan and wrap things up, but it seems they have yet to come up with a workable plan. Sounds like they are dragging their feet on this one
treetowncartel
Mon, Dec 14, 2009 : 2:56 p.m.
Yes, the Dahlman Depot and the Beale Thompson Block have gone nowhere over the last decade. Freeing up these properties for others to work with would be great for the area.
M.
Mon, Dec 14, 2009 : 2:52 p.m.
@Allen: I don't see that he's trying to invest in anything. His company already owns the building and now he's trying to figure out the cheapest way to fix the damage without losing the whole thing. They already own a large number of commercial and residential properties in Ypsilanti.
tdw
Mon, Dec 14, 2009 : 2:47 p.m.
Alan Goldsmith how is it "investing" when the property has been there for many years,nothing has been done with it,its causing problems with traffic and business and is a total eye sore.If Beal was or had been doing something with it,then it would be a diffrent argument but that has'nt happened
Ypsidweller
Mon, Dec 14, 2009 : 2:27 p.m.
Typo in the title: should read "lanes" not lane.
SemperFi
Mon, Dec 14, 2009 : 2:15 p.m.
To appease the merchants and make for better traffic control, couldn't the detour allow for west-bound traffic in the morning and east-bound traffic in the afternoon? Yes, a directional signal would have to be installed to direct the traffic. Perhaps Beal could pay for that to accomodate the inconvenienced merchants of Depot Town, while he has the street blocked for the extended period he requires. Beal is in this for the profit, so talk to him in a language he understands. He can pay for a lawsuit or pay to have the situation rectified. The latter paints him as a good neighbor and the former as a money-grubbing slumlord. He can make the choice.
Tevbeast
Mon, Dec 14, 2009 : 2:12 p.m.
So what started the suspicious fire in the first place? Do we know that yet? What are these businesses dcrying about, I drive down there everyday it hasn't altered anyone's route. The Sidetrack is packed as usual everyday. But c'mon tear it down and get it over with.
SMAIVE
Mon, Dec 14, 2009 : 2:10 p.m.
Accomodate is one, but to let it drag on while impacting current business is not being understanding. Of course, most developers are looking at their bottom line, using whatever resources, lawyers or back-pocket politicians to save their ass(ets).
Anne
Mon, Dec 14, 2009 : 1:50 p.m.
I live in a 1927 bungelow on the west side of Depot Town. I greatly appreciate the historic nature of this city. I do not however, appreciate Beal's arrogant attitude. The blocking of Cross street has been an imposition to those of us who live on the west side. I too think the businesses who are up and running in Depot Town need our counsel's protection. I can only assume Beal hasn't come up with the money to do anything with the Thompson Block (or else it would have been done already) and the city of Ypsilanti can't wait for him to come up with the funding to save a shell of a building that contributes nothing to the community. It's time to say good-bye to those old bricks. Don't wait 15 months.
Ignatz
Mon, Dec 14, 2009 : 1:26 p.m.
He considers that mess a permanent fix? Who's he fooling? That place was going nowhere and if he can't submit a viable plan to rehab the whole structure and open something there within a year, he needs to tear it down.
tdw
Mon, Dec 14, 2009 : 1:25 p.m.
Maybe Beal should " look down the road "ie..west down Cross st. at the other businesses
pseudo
Mon, Dec 14, 2009 : 1:25 p.m.
I think the building should come down. It should have come down in the 80s, again in the 90s and its time to put it to rest. Great story, wonderfully documented at the historical society and in various other place. Move on, bring it down, clean it up, put something solid in its place.
girlChris
Mon, Dec 14, 2009 : 1:20 p.m.
I can't tell you how many times I've driven through Depot Town just to see what's happening on my way home and someone has nearly slammed into me coming eastbound on Cross St. because they somehow didn't realize their side of the street was completely closed!!! This is a nuisance, an eyesore and a hazard to the businesses and residents in the area. Mr. Beal has owned this property for YEARS, was slated to have residential units ready for lease LAST FALL and has done nothing substantial with the building until the fire. Sad as it would be to see such a landmark go, the council cannot for one second believe he's going to do anything until he's being severely fined or forced. He considers blocking the lanes of these streets a permanent fix. Nothing like a little arrogance to brighton up a Monday afternoon.
Justavoice
Mon, Dec 14, 2009 : 1:16 p.m.
Enough is enough. I really would like to see this building saved, but Beal has been given far too long to do something with it. It's now impacting other businesses in a bad economy. It's time to fix it or let it go. I do believe our history is important, but sometimes we just have to let things die to move forward. You certainly can't have your dream when your starting to crush other hard working people and making a mess for the community in the process. I've understood you've struggled hard to keep this landmark, but it wants to die, so its time you let it in the name of your neighbors and fellow businesses.
Whither Detburger
Mon, Dec 14, 2009 : 12:40 p.m.
I do wish Mr. Beal would choose his words more carefully and take a more conciliatory tone because I would really like to see the Thompson Block saved. It sounds like he is talking to the business owners, which is good, but he needs to clear the street ASAP. I hope council gives him a little more time, but they need to be clear that there will be no more extensions. If they don't hold his feet to the fire, nothing will happen, just like the last several years of this poor building's life.
Ypsidweller
Mon, Dec 14, 2009 : 12:36 p.m.
When there is an accident/injury at that intersection and there is a lawsuit against the city we can thank council for more legal bills if they approve Beal an extension. Beal has no money for this project, has bitten off more than he can chew. And ought to worry about his taxes on his numerous rentals before he starts losing those. I agree with Midtowner, I expect him to do nothing and the streets blocked for months, if not years. The bracing isn't going to hold up to well to salt and piles of snow pushed all over it. Then the bracing will be a hazzard as well. I wouldn't give him another minute.
Dot
Mon, Dec 14, 2009 : 12:30 p.m.
"I think people need to not get so excited about whats happening today and look down the road" "Get so excited"? This seems rather insensitive to his fellow Ypsi business owners - Small businesses are experiencing a direct financial hit due to the redirection of traffic. That's NOT exciting. Beal Construction has the financial means to "look down the road". Some small businesses are already wondering what's "down the road" in this economy.
annarbor28
Mon, Dec 14, 2009 : 12:26 p.m.
The best solution is to put stiff daily fines on his company, $10,000 a day until he repairs this enough to open up the street. Use the fines to reimburse business owners for lost business.
Pete Bigelow
Mon, Dec 14, 2009 : 12:24 p.m.
A comment has been removed from this thread because it contained false information.