Sugar House Granite Block ScoopMay 15th, 2008
Craig Mecham talks about the stalled progress on the Granite Block and why he believes Utah media outlets have been unfair in their treatment of the project.
 |
|---|
| Snelgroves in Sugar House, image by Rurik on flickr |
Sugar House- Salt Lake City, Utah Stories spoke to Criag Mecham about the progress (or lack thereof) on the Granite Block redevelopment. We were hoping Mecham could give us a rough timeline for how things will progress in the coming year, however he said that every time he does this plans change. Mecham did state that he is currently in negotiations with another landowner (he wouldn't specify who) about building a common wall between his property and another which would allow for a pedestrian North-South Corridor. Mecham believes this corridor will open up the project for more pedestrian access and allow a better final result.
Mecham was much more reluctant to divulge of the specifics of the revisions on advice from his attorneys. Mecham made clear how he believes the treatment his project has received by the local newspapers and media has been very one-sided and unfair.
Mecham is likely referring to a story that recently appeared in the Salt Lake Tribune entitled "A Sour Taste in Sugar House" the article contains several quotes from area residents and merchants upset over the lack of progress and the unsightliness of the gaping hole left behind from demolition.
Utah Stories: Can you give us the specifics of the revised plans or allow us to photograph the modifications?
Mecham: We have found that when we get involved in these things it never comes out in an equitable way so we have been advised by our attorneys to keep the changes private until we are ready to release them. The problem is that [the press coverage] never comes out the way the interview goes. They are more interested in selling papers and creating controversy.
Utah Stories: What problems in particular have you had in dealing with the media?
Mecham: What I don't understand is they go and interview and these people off the street and once in a while they interview a tenant or two and they always talk in a discouraging way. If they could just see the potential of what we want to put in there it has noting but win win-win written all over it. Its mind boggling they can't see that.
What [the newspapers] do is they come in here and seek out these people who really don't understand the process or see the potential. I do want to say though we have had lots of inquiries and other letters from area residents that have been very positive.
Utah Stories: What do you have to say to the merchants Sugarhouse business district and residents who are complaining about the negative consequences of the project?
We don't like this hole and ugly mess that is there. We want to get started on construction soon, but we want [the corridor] to be settled so that we can have the best plan in place for when we start. Of course right now businesses are struggling with the construction and the slow down in the economy, but their businesses will absolutely explode after this project is completed.
Utah Stories: Do you now have all of the permits you need to begin building?
Mecham: We will have to go before the Planning Commission and get our final plans approved. I don't want to say six weeks because last time I said six weeks I was wrong, so I think I better just say I don't know. Obviously, we want to start as soon as possible.
Utah Stories: Can you tell me what tenants in particular are criticizing the project?
Mecham: None of my tenants have criticized the project. When we presented the plans to the Sugarhouse Merchants they all saw how it was nothing but win win. I think its more of those ma and pa stores going down 21st. [the media] seems to seek them out, there is one woman in particular in Rockwood. She frankly can't see past her nose, her name is Lorie or Laurie.
[Utah Stories] has been the one media outlet that seems to be fair. The reason why I'm talking to you now is because you are presenting the complete picture. I'm not talking to any other newspapers or media members.
Utah Stories: Do you know when you can release the revised plans?
Mecham: Likely within the next month we will let [Utah Stories] be the first to report on our revised plans.
Last Friday the Deseret News also did an article on the stalled progress of the Granite Block. Mecham didn't return the phone calls to comment on the story. Writer Jared Page found City Councilman Soren Siomonson who claims that Mecham used a loophole in his development process to get the early demolition approval. According to Simonson, the loophole is one by where a developer is given a demolition permit without a construction permit as long as the developer will being landscaping soon after demolition. The intent of the law was to allow for dilapidated structures to offer an immediate spruce up to their neighborhoods by taring down structures then planting trees, shrubs etc. This spruce up was unneeded in the case of the Granite Block. However, it is very unlikely that Mecham foresaw the delays that he has run into and would intentionally plan such a disservice to his neighbors.
