Professionally I have assessed a number of transloading facilities for chemical transfers, and I personally think it is a mistake not to proceed with the terminal.
The "Farm" guy is starting to bug me. http://www.johnstoniannews.com/104453/2390/321-lassiter-responds "There is a difference in economic growth and SMART economic growth and using eminent domain to take people's farms and businesses for a private company to do a project doesn't seem to smart to me." Eminent domain as nothing to do with SMART growth. An example of not SMART growth is what Clayton did on Hwy 70. Growth is good, but when it causes more problems down the line that require continued tax dollars to fix those problems...that is not SMART growth. To be perfectly honest, in my opinion the CSX hub couldn't get any more smart in regards to growth. Absolute perfect location and in an area that needs jobs. Aaaaand, this is not some ordinary private company taking the land. Railroads are not much younger than our government, largely built our country's economic prosperity and continue to do so. If Trump Inc. wanted to buy his land for a casino, then 'yes' I'd agree with him. Apparently on the farm they grow apples AND oranges.
I understand what you're saying Harvey, but he's no different than you and hundreds more around the county. He just don't want it in his back yard kinda like you continually complaining about growth due to traffic concerns here. Growth and prosperity is always great in the big picture view but often painful in the close up view. BTW, I think it's a travesty if we lose this project. I'm for it.
I can't help wondering how many people that Lassister/The Farm "bullied" into supporting his fight (and I say "his" fight -- notice that everything is Fight for the Farm). I have a feeling that many land owners would be just fine with selling their land for 3-4 times its value.
Yeah, all about him and The Farm, and not the big picture. If I was in his shoes, I probably wouldn't be happy either, but I can see this project being a big plus for the area.
If he(the farm) is paid enough to buy the same amount of land, recreate the facilities he now has, and pay for his down time, then he should not have an argument. Do what's best for the county, which in my opinion is to proceed with this project.
Once again, you miss the whole point. SMART growth is not cramming as much into one area without the slightest hint of proper planning for said growth until traffic comes to a stop and trax payers are forced to foot the bill for continued correction. I think you must work on his farm growing apples and oranges.
From the information which was presented on the level of the offers, that would seem to be in the ballpark.
If you draw long enough, three 2's beats a pair of aces. CSX has enough stack to keep drawing if they want to. They also have eminent domain ( I was scared to say E.D.). I don't blame Mr Lassiter for raising the bet, but it could backfire.
That would make the offer for The Farm in the 3 million neighborhood ..... nice little neighborhood too.
I remember when crossroads shopping center was being built in Cary. A hold out was waiting for more money, they ended up building around them.
I know somebody that pulled the same stunt. Finally eminent domain kicked in. They lost the big money due to court costs and time wasted which was subtracted.
