(Above) Realtor Karen Sorenson, Landmark Title owner Mike Staeck and City Development Director Brian O'Connell meet in O'Connell's office on Monday afternoon. Staeck was delivering a check from Developer Tom Tousis to secure an option on land at the corner of Washington Avenue and West Boulevard in West Racine.
Tousis intends to build a grocery store, gas station and restaurant on the site. His plans were delayed, however, when it was discovered a stormwater pipe was bisecting his proposed building. The city's Redevelopment Authority, which technically owns the property, voted last week to give Tousis until Monday at 4:30 p.m. to make a $5,000 payment to secure the option. The check was delivered Monday at 4:10 p.m.
Tousis' proposal now heads to the City Council for approval. It's scheduled to go to the Access Corridor Review committee, which will evaluate the merits of the project. O'Connell said Monday it's unclear when Tousis' proposal will be taken up, because changes are likely coming to the project.
This is a PR opportunity? For what the kind of person Tom is?
ReplyDeleteFight the city tooth and nail Tom, go get em!
ReplyDeleteJim Spangenberg must be pissed now. Tell him again Jim, "He doesn't know who he is messing with." Show Tom who is the King of West Racine. Don't forget to let your assistant "Jim's People" out of his cage in your basement and prepare him for a holy war!
ReplyDeleteJim throw heavy things now!
ReplyDeleteIf I built a car wash on a vacant piece of land, would be considered a 'Developer" also?
ReplyDeleteJim angry! Jim smash!
ReplyDeleteAnon 6:22,
ReplyDeleteIf you had paid attention to this project from day one you would know the only one refering to Tom as a developer has been the JT and the City. From day one Tom and his group has let it be known that Tom is a businessman, a developer builds then sells, this is not Tom's intent. Why is it that you can't face the fact that Tom's proposal is the best WR will ever have ?
Did I hearith correct "King James the III of Spangenberg" was wrong? The evil "Better Day Clan" is not a lying hord and came through as they had promised! I give this guy credit to put up with what he has and still he has an interest in building in West Racine. Good luck Tom I hope only the best for you and your team!
ReplyDelete6:22 if I sold a cup of coffee would I be considered a coffee shop owner?
ReplyDeleteTom is a quality guy. You can tell by the quality title company he uses. Tom we are wishing you lots of luck!
ReplyDeleteHow much $ will he have to pay to educate his real estate agent and PR neophyte?
ReplyDeleteThey blame the city entirely for how this came down. Having watched this very closely, I have not seen anyone for Team Tousis take any responsibility for how this came down. At minimum, Karen knew about the pipe.
I, for one, applaud Jim S's critical review of this sordid affair. Shouldn't an alderman protect his ward from "businessmen" who put together a team of clowns who enrage the neighborhood, trash all the local officials, circumvent the process, and take no responsibility for their own actions?
That said, I want the project to work. It would be helpful for everyone if both sides would begin to cooperate.
6:31, You are obviously a rather intelligent man, but it is not Jim's "Ward"! That is one of the Tousis camps complaints. "The King of WR" should worry more about his furniture business then our property. And yes I say our property because our tax dollars flipped the bill for Spanky's idea to remove buildings that need not be removed!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThe reason the opposition to capitalism ("Progressives")keep making false statements in the face of facts is explained in an old Abraham Lincoln quote.
ReplyDelete"A LIE TOLD A THOUSAND TIMES IS EASIER TO BELIEVE THAN THE TRUTH HEARD JUST ONCE."
The only "ward" that Alderman Spangenberg should be worried about is the "ward" with the padded walls and bars on the windows that he should be living in. He obviously is a man with mental health issues. He is a control freaks and an ego maniac with a hint of schizophrenia. He has no business reaching into the districts of other aldermen, but yet he believes he has every right to do so. Did someone ruin your grand plan for that site Jim? That is the true reason that you opposed Tom's project, not the pumps, farmers market, cigarettes or the coffee competition for you pal from Wilson's. You are not "hired",and I repeat "hired", to make deals that will benefit you financially.That is wrong!
ReplyDeleteWe, as in former supporters, are watching you.
It is entirely appropriate for an Alderman whose district is across the street from this property to work in conjunction with other Aldermen. Also, he is on the Authority, so he will be involved at some point anyway.
ReplyDeleteWatch him all you want, that is your responsibility as a resident of his district. In the end, will you really vote (be part of the new solution) or complain and no show at the voting booth.
10:15 the actual alderman for this piece of land is Terry McCarthy and he is in favor of the project. That is the purpose of the little lines between the districts, to keep the aldermen on the appropriate side of the street. Is Jim just mad that Terry won't listen to him? Get used to it Jim, none of us care to listen to you anymore.
ReplyDeleteThis neighborhood is full of people who enjoy walking. They would prefer a grocery store. A gas station just does not fit in. It is a shame we cannot have a place in the city for those who don't want to drive their cars. No cars no need for gas or gas stations.
ReplyDeleteO'Connell looks pissed.
ReplyDeleteO'Connel don't look pissed he looks like O'Connel; confused!
ReplyDeleteO'Connell was neither pissed nor confused. He accepted the check and is ready to move on to the next step.
ReplyDeleteDustin,
ReplyDeleteYou have delt with O'Connel in the past, you can't tell me that he doesn't always have that confussed look about him?
REMEMBER Jim Spangenberg's own words in the Journal Times Opinion Page Titled Setting the record straight on West Racine development....Quoting Jim "The statement that the land has too many easements so it has limited use is not true."
ReplyDelete"is not true."
"is not true."
"is not true."
"is not true."
"is not true."
Would you say that Jim Spangenberg is Misleading????????????????
No I would say Spanky is just an idiot!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.jsonline.com/blogs/business/84228297.html
ReplyDeleteGee looks like a nonrefundable deposit is standard in option deals.
"O'Connell was neither pissed nor confused. He accepted the check and is ready to move on to the next step."
ReplyDeleteWhy does the Post keep carrying water for this guy?