The George (proposed)

[Jezebella]

Thanks, Skook. You are sooo right about impact, the caution necessary, and the tendency to grasp at this project. So many of us are fearful that the careful scrutiny will not be there because of the grasping. The business/developer folk have successfully spread this notion of a moribund economy here. Actually, at an economic forum held several months ago, an economic consultant described where the real strengths in our economy lie, and despite the hysterical “Gibsons is dying! The George will save us” mantra, the town is not doing badly. For instance, professional services are a hugely growing sector, not always visible because people can often work these jobs with a computer from home. Retail isn’t doing great maybe, and sometimes that’s because people aren’t very good at it, had an idea, but not a business plan. Real estate I don’t have to tell you. To my simple mind it looks like lots of build-out at prices people, young ones especially, can’t afford. (You can set me straight!)
And the thing you are really really so right about is that it will be the people, lots of them, who can save the waterfront. The developer has been using a huge PR campaign. Lots of us are seduced. The rest of us are dismissively, and derisively, labeled naysayers. So we have our work cut out for us.

Jezebella

(11-17-2013, 02:46 PM)Skook Wrote: Excellent post, Jez.

A development of this magnitude cannot help but have a dramatic impact on the character of lower Gibsons and the whole Bay area. It certainly merits extreme caution and intense study by the town council. The greatest fear is that the town leaders grasp at the proposal as a means to turn around a moribund economy and rush the processes. It will take vigilance and involvement on behalf of the public to ensure this doesn't happen.

I look forward to following your updates.