This
man might.
His
name is Bruce Thompson, whose reputation as a developer far exceeds
his reputation as a man.
Mr
Thompson has been seen, according to some observers, prowling the
streets of downtown Norfolk.
Could
it be that he's inspecting his next project?
Could
it be that he's estimating the cost (and the money he will receive
from the city of Norfolk) for renovating, refurbishing and ultimately
disfiguring some downtown Norfolk properties?
Mr
Thompson, who got rich selling time to tourists, is the man, the
money and the mouth behind Norfolk's hotel and conference center.
It
could be said that Mr Thompson is prowling the streets of
downtown Norfolk inspecting
two properties that city staffers have decided to put on the market.
The properties offered are
the Selden Arcade
and a row of storefronts in
the 100 block of Granby St.
Both
properties are within spitting distance of Mr Thompson's hotel and
conference center, courtesy of the city of Norfolk tax payers.
The
city published the request for proposals Dec. 31, New Year's Eve.
This
announcement said Norfolk “is experiencing tremendous redevelopment
in its downtown and throughout the community...These achievements are
the result of comprehensive plans that identify the best urban design
concepts and commitment to quality...As part of this redevelopment,
the City seeks to enhance the use of two downtown properties...”
Just
suppose a developer, such as Mr Thompson, submits a proposal.
Just
suppose, since these properties dwell (or will) in the shadow of his
hotel and conference center, Mr Thompson, a man of ingenuity and
integrity, would like to enhance these properties to enhance his
hotel and his conference center.
Just
suppose he wins the hearts and minds of city staff and elected
officials with his proposal, presented in glossy renderings that will
never bear any relation to the finished product.
Just
suppose Mr Thompson suggested, quite innocently to someone in the
right circle, that the two properties would be a “quality enhancing
achievement” for Norfolk and for his behemoth on Main St.
Just
suppose, city officials, quite accommodating because they were told
to be accommodating, said to Mr Thompson, Mr Thompson, that is a very
exciting and quality enhancing idea, but first, just to follow rules
and regulations and to ensure our continued existence as public
employees, we must issue a request for proposal, just so everyone has
a chance to submit something, Mr Thompson.
Mr
Thompson, knowing how government operates, and also knowing how mean
The Virginian-Pilot can be to developers, smiles politely and
afterward telephones a few very important people.
Everyone
saves face (and their jobs) and the RFP is issued.
On
New Year's Eve.