Although plans are moving forward for The Little Chicago Development Company's River Street West project, it is keeping many of the details quiet for now. Neil Montgomery, one of the Little Chicago investors, said the reason for the company's discretion when it comes to giving out details is due to ongoing negotiations with other businesses. "Right now, Little Chicago cannot say too much because it is in negotiations with three possible hotels that want to be a part of the project in a very, big way." While he cannot disclose the names of the hotels at this time, Montgomery hopes to release some further information in the fall. In regard to rumours that Little Chicago may be selling some of its property to the multiplex for parking space, Montgomery said these are just rumours. He said all of its land has a purpose and multiplex parking is not one of them. In fact, he said he is disappointed with the multiplex's recently unveiled design. Montgomery said he was hoping to work with the multiplex designers and the city to develop a plan in the way of parking and creating a walkway between the two projects. He said by creating the connection between the multiplex and the River Street project, it will give people a destination point after leaving the multiplex venue. He said it would also eventually take them right to Main Street. "What I would have liked to have seen was the multiplex open up onto First Avenue Northwest and First Avenue be closed from High Street down." He said that space could then be used for parking. At this time Montgomery said he is drawing up a proposal for council in regard to First Avenue Northwest and possible parking solutions. According to the city's plans for the multiplex, the front of the building is on First Avenue Northwest right at River Street West, where the Little Chicago development would be. As for Little Chicago's tourism information bus that was located on the corner of Main Street and River Street West last summer, Montgomery said it will be back on Monday and will be stocked with some new information pamphlets about the River Street project. Lyndsay McCready can be reached at 691-1256.
River Street project in negotiations
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- Published on June 25th, 2009
- Published on July 10th, 2009
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Lyndsay McCready
Times-Herald
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Comments
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- Humberto D
- - September 18th, 2009 at 17:16:33
Basically what this guy wanted was to have all the multiplex traffic funneled to his business. Give me a break dude. Do your homework rather than looking for favourable treatment over restaurants and hotels that have been paying taxes in this city long before you.
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- Al
- - September 18th, 2009 at 17:14:05
Neil Neil!!!
You have always said the Multiplex does not exist in your plans!!!! Please don't do this now!! Let sleeping dogs lie!! Do what you are doing, go for it. It is exciting and I for one look forward to it. You have always said you are going forward no matter what the outcome of the multlplex, so stay to that plan for now.
By the way, love Elizabeth!!! Al -
- Lynn
- - September 18th, 2009 at 16:54:51
unfortunatly even if we feel this idea wouldnt fly council will approve the stupidity anyways!
They dont care about traffic nightmares or parking or anything for that matter! -
- Right
- - September 18th, 2009 at 16:38:31
What I would have liked to have seen was the multiplex open up onto First Avenue Northwest and First Avenue be closed from High Street down.
Closing down a main arterial route in the downtown core would create a traffic nightmare. I understand that a businessman would want every opportunity to drive more foottraffic to their property, but this idea would never fly. Hell it's bad enough when Main is closed for sidewalk days. -
- Humberto D
- - September 18th, 2009 at 16:06:39
I do agree with you in that sense Jim. When they did the poll of businesses, downtown businesses were largely in favour of the quonset about to be built. It would be poetic justice.
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- observer
- - September 18th, 2009 at 15:53:57
In negotiations to be a parkade for the multiplex!
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- jim
- - September 18th, 2009 at 15:50:29
the businessmen in this city have been the push behind the downtown location all along & every dollar that stops in Montgomerys pocket instead of theirs is payback for the stupid location choice. Go Montgomery, power to you
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- B
- - September 18th, 2009 at 15:48:16
How many more surprises in the downtown DUPLEX saga will appear in the next while? Stay tuned, and watch your taxes rise to cover all the hidden agendas.
