Leonard

hahahaha! yeah, Yale street traffic does nothing for this Walmart.

I'm looking forward to seeing the sales taxes for the 14 months the Yale Street Bridge is closed. I bet whoever at Walmart did that research doesn't have that job anymore.

What data do you have that the Yale street location is successful? Have you seen that the sales tax numbers meet or exceed the projections? Please share this data with us!

Just because someone doesn't have the ambition or opportunities you have doesn't mean they should be walked on. The strong should protect the weak, not build on their backs. I'm sure, given the choice, anyone would choose the pay and benefits you get with your job over the pay and benefits of a Walmart associate. I kind of doubt that most Walmart associates would qualify for a job that pays points on a mortgage.

I don't really know much about the DC thing, but if the elected leaders think it's a good idea, I'm sure it is. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!

So who is for giving Costco money to build something they would build anyway too? You might guess I'm against it.

Gosh TGM, maybe because you have to take the jobs that are available. I don't know. I don't know why any one would complain about anything, given your logic. That's the way it is, so just shut up. Your City government is making dirty deals with developers, what did you expect? You knew politicians were dirty when you moved here. Keep your head down and shut up. People are going to make statements you disagree with on idiotic forums, there is nothing you can do about it so quit complaining. I have very little interest in what DC is doing. Why don't you move there?

I guess I missed s3mh trumpeting this as good governance.

“We’re going to have fewer options for groceries and commercial retail,” Fisher says. “At least 900 people won’t have an opportuntiy whether it’s full-time or part-time. Whether it’s a student in high school or a senior or a job someone can use as a stepping stone.” Even this Fisher doesn't view these jobs as real jobs for people who are actually supporting themselves and their families. Walmart jobs are suited for people who live with their parents or are collecting social security. i've read that a single Walmart costs taxbayers about $900K in welfare benefits because the jobs are so low paying. And I don't get what this has to do with s3mh or our 380 here, except to ask the question again - why did Parker give Ainbinder $6M?

The problem with the Trinity Steel site was Parker gave the developer $6M to build something they said they would build anyway. And she and her administration lied and lied about it. And the promised infrastructure is super crappy. The question is WHY?

wait - what - you mean you can get to the silber walmart from inside the loop??????? umpossible.

maybe the fire dept?

I wonder how much Parker would have had to spend to make that 50 acres acceptable to Walmart? In other news, stories about what people buy at Walmart and how crappy their cars are compared to the other Walmart shoppers's cars are SO interesting. Please keep these kinds of stories coming, but with more detail - like the enthralling coffee stories of the past. What kind of soap? How long have you been out of soap? How did you feel when you used the last of the soap? Have you washed anything with the soap yet? What did you wash? Did it get it clean? When do you think you will have to buy soap again? If you washed your car with the soap, would you feel less embarrassed?

Red, thanks for your concern for my happiness. I'm touched, but I would not be happier with a bigger 380. The City does seem to have some eminent domain issues with the Washington Heights development. The missing sidewalk where SJS used to be. What is up with that? As far as this DC one goes, Walmart is very skilled at getting governments to pay for their stuff.

walking under major freeway bridges is HAAAARRRRRDDDDD!!!!!

Crony capitalism.

Ross, exactly what do you think the City would have been required to do?

A 380 shouldn't be a requirement to build a freaking grocery or discount store in Houston. The market should determine what gets built. The City will be getting $150K less per year just in property taxes until the 380 is paid off. Less money, not more. And the City still projects a deficit in the current budget. Ainbinder/Walmart would have been required to do a lot of the stuff in the 380. Some of the stuff is just idiotic and designed to get the support of one or two people. Balusters and paint on a bridge that is scheduled for demolition? Idiotic. They remove sidewalks and trees and are getting reimbursed for that. Idiotic. The jogging trail to nowhere? Idiotic. It was a perfectly fine esplanade. The Parks dept. didn't even know about it and strongly objected to being required to maintain it, especially in light of the fact that Parks was hard hit with layoffs and budget cuts when that was going on. Idiotic. HEB building there would not have required a bigger 380. Build or don't, if it's your land, do it or not. Silver, I really don't care about the Walmart. I care about the 380. I'm sorry, I guess I haven't said that before.

Ainbinder and Parker said they would build with or without the 380. The 380 provided no value to the public. They should have built without it.

Actually, this was the question.

Ainbinder did not give the ROW to the City, it is reimbursable plus interest under the 380.

Red, you think HEB had a chance to make an offer knowing about the 380?

Walmart was able to outbid HEB because of the 380.

Red, you're right, I shouldn't believe anything the City tells me. PWE also told me that the fire hydrant will be moved. We will see.

http://www.chron.com/entertainment/arts-theater/article/Walmart-s-Warhol-in-town-4619537.php "They don't kick Brendan O'Connell out of Walmart stores anymore. In fact, since the media began calling him "Wal-Mart's Warhol," the retailing giant has begun inviting him in. He'll be at the 111 Yale location 9-11 a.m. Wednesday." Maybe one of you will be immortalized in oil.