Having had the opportunity to meet, talk to, and listen to Neil Simon, Partner Of Venture West, and David Malin, Project Manager of Vestar, I feel I can justify my opinion of the two developers, and the individuals named.
Neil Simon has not only impressed me, but those who spoke about him at last night's council meeting, as being a man of high integrity, who is certainly trustworthy.
On the other hand, Mr. Malin came across as what he turned out to be: someone not to be trusted as he continues to show total disdain to Oro Valley citizens.
As for the proposed Venture West development, we would share some of the concerns enunciated at the meeting where they received unanimous approval. We're not sure if much of the Innovation Park area to be developed should be used for retail entities but rather for Hi Tech operations and office space. We also wonder if ball fields for the new workers is a necessary use of the limited amount of space.
Having said that, what might be the most impressive part of last nighty's presentation was the fact of Venture West not asking for any kind of subsidies or giveaways. Now, isn't that in itself refreshing!
We wish Venture West a long and prosperous relationship with Oro Valley.
5 comments:
I disagree. You say they did not ask for any giveaways!
Actually they did ask and it was granted.
Council rolled over for the developers once again. If the past is any indication of things to come look forward to this developer asking for and receiving all kinds of exemptions, variances and requests.
There is no guarantee that this area will be developed as they say it will.
Not sure what speaker it was but one of them kept using the word "unique" in their presentation.
We should all remember Vestar throwing the unique word around as they promised us something they had no intention of delivering.
Council members did their routine of asking a few questions, stating that for the record they have problems with this change and then they voted Yes.
Face it Oro Valley is controlled by developers.
After listening to the council meeting last night I think they should all be recalled!
Vestar and the council members that were "influenced" by them have poisoned the water for any developer in OV.
I did cringe last night when I heard the word unique being thrown around, but Venture West is based in Tucson (unlike the carpetbaggers Vestar) and has produced quality work.
I wanted to share Neil Simon's response to my email I sent him advising of the posting.
His response:
Art—
Thanks for the message. Paul Oland of WLB gave the initial presentation—he does a great job of presenting a project and addressing questions—and then I spoke about my vision for the project.
I do read your blog regularly and find the postings to be very valuable. It has helped me, on behalf of my company Venture West, to understand and anticipate the concerns of OV citizens. As I said at the meeting last night, our successes in Tucson have come from working with, not against, the local constituencies. We look forward to a successful project of which we can all be proud. Thanks again for your email, and for providing an engaging forum for Town issues.
Neil Simon
Could Mr. Simon provide a web site for his company. Some of these development companies have ties to each other and the names are similar.
If a developer could be trusted to honor his or her word it might be a first!
I will believe it when I see it .
very few would object to a nice business complex that blends in, if that is possible with our surroundings.
We really don't need or want any more strip malls!
www.venturewest.net is the web site
if anybody is interested.
Remember good neighbors are not going to be open 24/7 like our new neighbors at the OVM.
Good Neighbors will respect the fact that some of us live in Rancho Vistoso
Rancho Vistoso is my home, you will just work here.
Our home for now we are seriously looking at moving!
Post a Comment