Galtier may show films again

[Scott Simon]

Who read that article today about Californian Republican Party renting the Guthrie (in the "612") for their party during RNC and Puerto Rico has a hold on one of the theaters at Galtier, but they have yet to come through with the deposit. Looks like even they don't want to stay in Downtown St. Paul a minute more than they absolutely have to.

Who can blame them? This is what I've been saying all along. The light rail to St. Paul is THE TRIP TO NOWHERE!®

[Just the facts]

That's a party, and how much do you want to bet all the venues in St Paul are booked? They would be holding an event in Minneapolis only because they have to, not because they want to.

Of course, you wouldn't have thought of a logical explanation like that.

[Millett]

I agree with much has been said as far as subsidies are concerned. This building has had dollar after dollar thrown at it since inception. The taxpayers sure put up one of the most gorgeous structures in the state, and certainly unrivaled by any similar complexes in either of the two cities.

I concur with a statement I read here about how Galtier is the most successful of the mixed-use breed in the Twin Cities. However, that really isn't saying a whole lot. While it certainly does have a higher occupancy than any of the other developments in Minneapolis, the reason Galtier et al have struggled is because these buildings were not geared towards the marketplace, they were geared towards tax incentives.

It is not wise for our cities to be guaranteeing loans to Twins and Vikings stadiums, bailing out Galtier Plaza, or investing in any more public money to construct the new Mall of America expansion. These projects should sink or swim based off of their own merit and accord. If they were meant to be, people will flock to them in droves without any sort of subsidy.

Really, the only part I would strongly disagree with you on Scott is the train, for it is not to directly transport people between the two downtowns, but rather to provide some relief to the most heavily-used transit route in the Twin Cities. However, that's a discussion for another time.

[Scott Simon]

Just the facts wrote:

That's a party, and how much do you want to bet all the venues in St Paul are booked? They would be holding an event in Minneapolis only because they have to, not because they want to.
Of course, you wouldn't have thought of a logical explanation like that.

I think you meant to write ""you want to bet that BOTH the venues in St. Paul are booked?" (wink)

From what I hear, the partying will take place in Minneapolis and Bloomington. The RNC and the Daily Show in St. Paul, and jonathan Padelford is rented every night, but otherwise, St. Paul will --as usual-- shut down by 10:00pm.

[Scott Simon]

Millett wrote:

It is not wise for our cities to be guaranteeing loans to Twins and Vikings stadiums, bailing out Galtier Plaza, or investing in any more public money to construct the new Mall of America expansion. These projects should sink or swim based off of their own merit and accord. If they were meant to be, people will flock to them in droves without any sort of subsidy.

Where have you been all my life? Finally another voice on this discussion who understands and concurs with the foolishness of public funding for private ventures ---stadiums, malls, and movie theaters. You and I are in complete agreement on the topic of NO MORE SUBSIDIES. Many of the readers and writers on this discussion don't like it when I take shots at Downtown St. Paul. But I've said it many times, I'm against SUBSIDY --no matter where it happens. I don't oppose improvement and maintenance of public infrastructure roads, bridges, schools and hospitals etc. But enough of the subsidy for sports, retail and the arts ... especially in tough times like we are experiencing currently and in the immediate future.

As for the train. I like the Hiawatha run even though I recognize that many of the people riding are not paying for tickets ... so in a way, we are subsidizing their free rides to MOA. I'd like to see a crack down on that. I especially like the way that the Hiawatha line connects true destinations like Downtown Minneapolis, The HHH MetroDome, The New Twins Stadium, The airport, the MOA, the West Bank of the U of M etc. This was all good planning and great execution. My problem now is with limited funds, what would be the most cost-effective use of the available Federal transportation money? I maintain that it would be to connect the light rail to the East Bank of the U of M and to extend down Cedar Avenue and connect to Dakota County and the Cedarvale/Gateway area of Eagan. I think these two extensions of the light rail would be far more effective for ridership and reduce thousands of cars from even entering Hennepin County with a park and ride in Eagan and at MOA (as exists currently). My contention is that there is no "Destination" in Downtown St. Paul or along University Avenue for that matter. If St. Paul were to "get their act together" and develop real reasons to visit St. Paul, then and only then would there be justification for the light rail. If St. Paul could become "Somewhere" instead of being "nowhere", then I could back it. But aside from a few hockey games or concerts, there are no reasons for someone in Downtown Mpls. wanting to ride the rails to St. Paul. I can understand why people in St. Paul want to go to Minneapolis, but I can't figure out why someone in Minneapolis would want to go to St. Paul. Bars? Nightlife?Macy's? Target? Museums? Asian Food?--- I just don't see it as a Destination.

[K of the Milky Way]

Minneapolis isn't even much of a destination. Mostly the only people who go to Minneapolis already live there! The only others truck in from the suburbs. Isn't that why you live in Eagan?

Nice try, sweetie pie.

[Torin]

John, how go proceedings? Any new news?

[Doubting thomasI]

WOW a city of about 300,000 people will now have 3 theaters thats just dandy.

[John Palumbo]

Torin,
We're still working on a lease. Slow going! Nothing new.

[Scott Simon]

K of the Milky Way wrote:

Minneapolis isn't even much of a destination. Mostly the only people who go to Minneapolis already live there! The only others truck in from the suburbs. Isn't that why you live in Eagan?
Nice try, sweetie pie.

I go to Minneapolis AND to St. Paul. However, far more often to Minneapolis than St. Paul because there is so much more to do and such a vibrant, alive atmosphere. I go to St. Paul to visit Twin Cities Magic and the Ordway and the Fitz occasionally (I'll be there for Idina Menzel in August) and to the Meritage as I've mentioned previously. Oops. Also to Artist's Quarter. But that is it for St. Paul. Nothing else to do but watch paint dry, government geezers grow older and property values continue to slide downward.

[K of the Milky Way]

You're right Scott - it is pretty alive down there, around 5 o'clock when everyone gets off work to get the hell out of that concrete jungle.

[Scott Simon]

Obviously you've never been downtown Minneapolis at 10:00pm at night on Nicollet Mall or First Avenue because there is nowhere to park your horse and buggy.

[K of the Milky Way]

Well, little boy, there isn't much point in me going there to get shaken down by the panhandlers, or getting shot for no good reason by Block E, is there?

Nor do I wish to become a Fag Hag for some feminine college student whose loins are aching.

Those are the only folks you will find there on any given evening. I guess that's why you are there.

[Scott Simon]

K of the Milky Way wrote:

there isn't much point in me going there to get shaken down by the panhandlers, or getting shot for no good reason by Block E, is there?

Actually, and I think I speak for the majority here, we DO want you to go to Block E for just exactly the reason you describe. People with your overall attitude and tolerance of diversity level should be ready at a moments notice to meet their maker and if going to Downtown Minneapolis would speed up the process, I'm all for it. The problem is that it may take awhile. Could you dress distinctively or wear a sign of some sort to help speed up the process?

[Scott Simon]

K of the Milky Way wrote:

or getting shot for no good reason by Block E, is there?

Or, one more thing. You're wrong about you being shot for no good reason. It would be a good reason. Something about eliminating your kind.

[K of the Milky Way]

Scott Simon wrote:

<quoted text>
Actually, and I think I speak for the majority here, we DO want you to go to Block E for just exactly the reason you describe. People with your overall attitude and tolerance of diversity level should be ready at a moments notice to meet their maker and if going to Downtown Minneapolis would speed up the process, I'm all for it. The problem is that it may take awhile. Could you dress distinctively or wear a sign of some sort to help speed up the process?

People going to their -ahem- "themed" bars to be with other individuals who have the same proclivities isn't "diverse". Birds of a feather flock together.

Scott Simon wrote:

<quoted text>
Or, one more thing. You're wrong about you being shot for no good reason. It would be a good reason. Something about eliminating your kind.

I love you too, peanut.

[Lynne]

Scott Simon is sort of a pompous douche, I mean really, is this how you spend your days Scott? Degrading Saint Paul? How repulsive your life must be. Next time I will write it with more vigor too. hardeeharhar

[Scott Simon]

K of the Milky Way wrote:

<quoted text>
People going to their -ahem- "themed" bars to be with other individuals who have the same proclivities isn't "diverse".

I see. It has nothing to do with diversity and tolerance. You just hate gay people. Is that about it? Are you Catholic and from St. Paul?

[Scott Simon]

Lynne wrote:

Scott Simon is sort of a pompous douche, I mean really, is this how you spend your days Scott? Degrading Saint Paul? How repulsive your life must be. Next time I will write it with more vigor too. hardeeharhar

How long have you been reading this thread? I'm not degrading anyone. I'm practicing BRUTAL HONESTY. It is a part of TOUGH LOVE; the MOST important part. When cities and governments are prepared to throw taxpayer dollars at things like failed movie theaters and light rail lines to nowhere; it is the duty of all citizens to bring these flaws in common sense to the forefront. That is how I spend part of my day. What do you do for the common good?

[K of the Milky Way]

Scott Simon wrote:

<quoted text>
I see. It has nothing to do with diversity and tolerance. You just hate gay people. Is that about it? Are you Catholic and from St. Paul?

Oh dearest Scotty, I don't hate them. I choose not to hang out with them. And they choose to hang out at gay bars shaking their groins around in each others faces. How is it diverse if they are only being with others of their type? And weren't you the one slamming gay films and granola earlier? Alright class, let's all say the word 'hypocrite'!

And sweety, I don't wish death on anyone as you do. Or was that a conveniently "botched joke"? When it comes to diversity of anything more than someone's proclivities, but TRUE diversity - DIVERSITY OF THOUGHT - you seem to go nuts.

As far as "majorities" go around here, the only majority you are talking about is your multiple personalities.

Regarding the light rail, it is known far and wide that the Route 16 bus route that it is replacing is the least subsidized and most heavily ridden route in the Twin Cities. Given it's history as being the least subsidized heavily used route with guaranteed strong ridership, I'd think you'd be in support of it. Imagine Scotty growing up and turning into a Big Boy, riding the Choo-Choo to his McDonald's change-counting class!

The only public service you are doing is shooting yourself in the foot by wishing death upon others, shmoopy.

I WUV U PUMPKIN SEED!