Galtier may show films again

[John Palumbo]

Moi,
I appreciate your enthusiasm, curiosity, and the personal interest you have shown in our venture. Unfortunately, until pen hits paper, my lips have been sealed. Think of it as the first thriller we'll screen, minus the audio/visual aspects. Sorry, I know that's lame as hell, but it's all I've got right now. Keep the faith. I can say that relationships are very friendly.

Thanks!

[Scott Simon]

John Palumbo wrote:

Moi,
I appreciate your enthusiasm, curiosity, and the personal interest you have shown in our venture. Unfortunately, until pen hits paper, my lips have been sealed. Think of it as the first thriller we'll screen, minus the audio/visual aspects. Sorry, I know that's lame as hell, but it's all I've got right now. Keep the faith. I can say that relationships are very friendly.
Thanks!

TRANSLATION: I haven't yet been able to con the GRANT money out of the city that I need to start my business.

[Scott Simon]

Moi wrote:

Again, you didn't read it. They are still in St Paul. Do you know where Plato is? It is a short walk from the building they are currently in.... Moving 3 blocks away is hardly "running away from St Paul".

Moi, please tell it like it really is, will you. Of course I know what I am talking about. PLATO BOULEVARD is hardly a short walk from the former WEST building. IT IS ACROSS THE RIVER FOR GOD'S SAKE. It is NOT in Downtown St. Paul. It is closer to West St. Paul and LaCucharacha. People and businesses continue to exit Downtown St. Paul and yet you think a Light Rail and a subsidized movie theater are just what the 8000 residents (your numbers?) need.

God help us all. I think you should run for office in the city or county at the next election. Your sense of reasoning is as least as good as the existing politicians. And this means none of you have any sense of reasoning.

Have any of those market driven businesses that you named for Galtier started to move in yet? Travel agency, lawyer (that was a really good one!), floral, etc.? Maybe they are lined up around the building waiting to lease space. Then again, more likely they are over at City Hall kissing the rings and the butts of council members while hoping to get a STAR GRANT to start their version of the next Circus School. Puh-leeze God help us all.

[Moi]

Well, I must say that I am very excited. It sounds like probably are pretty happy with how things are going right now, which is definitely a good thing! I must say that I am glad to hear that management is working with you and that they are being friendly!

While they have been known to drag their feet, I do have to give them credit where credit is due: they really have cleaned the place up since the days the former SG was there.

[Moi]

Scott Simon wrote:

<quoted text>
Moi, please tell it like it really is, will you. Of course I know what I am talking about. PLATO BOULEVARD is hardly a short walk from the former WEST building. IT IS ACROSS THE RIVER FOR GOD'S SAKE. It is NOT in Downtown St. Paul. It is closer to West St. Paul and LaCucharacha. People and businesses continue to exit Downtown St. Paul and yet you think a Light Rail and a subsidized movie theater are just what the 8000 residents (your numbers?) need.
God help us all. I think you should run for office in the city or county at the next election. Your sense of reasoning is as least as good as the existing politicians. And this means none of you have any sense of reasoning.
Have any of those market driven businesses that you named for Galtier started to move in yet? Travel agency, lawyer (that was a really good one!), floral, etc.? Maybe they are lined up around the building waiting to lease space. Then again, more likely they are over at City Hall kissing the rings and the butts of council members while hoping to get a STAR GRANT to start their version of the next Circus School. Puh-leeze God help us all.

Those buildings the article mentions are on the EDGE of downtown, RIGHT BY THE RIVER. Short walk to Plato, I have done it. In fact, a buddy of mine walks to work every day from Galtier Plaza, across the river to US Bank. About the same distance.

The way the article reads too, most are simply going to be relocated around downtown, as they need to be close to the courts. Hardly the "mass exodus" you describe. You are really pulling at straws here. Keep digging that hole.

Scott, you wouldn't even share what made you such an expert, why would you expect Mr. Pallumbo to share details of his lease agreement with you? I am glad to hear things are going well though.

I may be wrong, but the original article sounded more like Dave Thune would see if he can get some money from the STAR Grant. It sounds to me like he is doing it as a favor, but that regardless of if the grant came through or not, the Galtier Cinema would be reopening. So much for "subsidized theater".

Once again, your points are null and void.

Your hole just keeps getting deeper, son.

[Moi]

I suppose I should also mention that there is a lawyer in Galtier Plaza. Third floor.

And yet again, you prove that you haven't done your research. OH SNAP!

[Scott Simon]

there's a lawyer on every floor and every street corner in St. Paul. That is why your comment is so stupid.

[Scott Simon]

Moi wrote:

<quoted text>

I may be wrong, but the original article sounded more like Dave Thune would see if he can get some money from the STAR Grant. It sounds to me like he is doing it as a favor, but that regardless of if the grant came through or not, the Galtier Cinema would be reopening. So much for "subsidized theater".
Once again, your points are null and void.

Moi,

Finally we're getting to the point where your lack of knowledge combined with a healthy dose of naivete comes into play. You wrote the above paragraph, so let's just see how this plays out, shall we? I maintain that if Mr. Palumbo opens the theater WITHOUT subsidy, I will support him. In fact, I'll be there with bells on. But at the same time, I'm pretty confident that he needs the grant to make this fly. And I'm sure he will be overspending no matter how it works out. This will contribute to a tough go. But, since you've come around to my way of thinking and have said that you feel the subsidy will not be needed, I think we're all in the same boat, finally. No subsidy and the theater gets thumbs up from all of us!
Thanks for your support.

[Just the facts]

Scott -

You only pick and choose to respond to "moi", but only a select few of his/her points.

You don't even try to rebut any of the fallacies you have made to clarify them for us and fix them so that we may actually consider the point you're attempting to make.

You spout incessent nonsense. One wonders why you pick on the Galtier Cinema 4 to spout your anger about subsidies when there are so many more HUGELY subsidized projects with the majority of funding and majority of quanity of those being built in the "612". Stop picking on Galtier - why not the 5 different mixed use flops Minneapolis has decided to build. Then compare Galtier to those, and Galtier looks like a sparkling jewel -- unless you like the stabbings, shootings, and crime that occur at Block E, or the City Center with drywall covering 90% of the vacant storefronts.

John Pallumbo will do quite well serving the Eastern Twin Cities in a location that doesn't take forever and a day to get to. I live in Woodbury, and the theater that he is reopening and repositioning will be welcome to those of us who live east of the Mississippi.

[Moi]

Since there is a lot of heat from Scott about the STAR program, it seemed to be important to outline what it is. Since he isn't paying for the STAR program anyways, one would wonder why he is getting so heated about it?

----------
Sales Tax Revitalization (STAR)

The Neighborhood STAR Program Overview


* The Neighborhood STAR Program awards loans and grants for capital improvement projects in Saint Paul Neighborhoods, and is funded with 50 percent of the sales tax proceeds.
* Of that 50 percent, program allocation goals are sixty for loans and forty percent for grants. Funds are awarded annually through a separate competitive application processes.
* One process is held for small grants and one for large grants and loan / grant combinations.
* 25 percent of the annual available loan pool will be accessible year round, which allows application for loans to be submitted at any time.
* Proposals must be neighborhood-based projects designed with neighborhood representation to strengthen Saint Paul neighborhoods and address perceived and actual problems, needs and opportunities.
* Proposals can be a project, program, or strategy that results in capital improvements in Saint Paul. Innovative proposals are encouraged, and these proposals may be generated by neighborhood and civic leaders, organizations, and businesses.

Key features of the Neighborhood STAR Program include, but are not limited to:

* STAR funds must be matched on a 1:1 basis with eligible resources.
* Eligible activities include any physical components of strategies, programs, and / or projects which strengthen and/or improve the neighborhoods of Saint Paul.
* Capital improvements must have an expected life of seven years.
* Examples of eligible activities include: Improvements of residential, commercial and industrial property, Economic development efforts; Minor public improvements.
* Eligible applicants include any public, private, or non-profit entity located in or doing business in Saint Paul.
* Funding recommendations are made to the Mayor and City Council by the 21-member STAR Board, which is appointed by the Mayor and approved by the City Council.

http://www.ci.stpaul.mn.us/index.asp...
----------

So will you please stop pissing and moaning about this now Scott? You aren't paying for the Star program, it has NO EFFECT whatsoever on you, it is going to improve the Downtown/Lowertown neighborhood of St Paul.

Sometimes the BRUTAL HONESTY hurts.

But your "naivety" and "lack of knowledge" shine through once again, buddy boy.

[Kathy]

I jumped for joy when reading the article about the plans to reopen Galtier as an independent theater. I too am tired of driving to Minneapolis and usually don't bother - just easier to wait for the DVD. I would gladly make the trek to downtown St. Paul though. There are a good things happening down there - the Artist's Quarter being one of the best, and an independent theater would be so great to have. If the Strip Club can thrive where it is (and it seems to be so far) there seems likely to be a market in St. Paul for independent films too.

[gary st paul]

Please ban Scott from this site He uses up too much space He does not even know which city he lives in, he claimed he lives in Eagan but write St Paul
Let St paul tax- payers worry about the subsidy.

[Scott Simon]

gary st paul wrote:

Please ban Scott from this site He uses up too much space He does not even know which city he lives in, he claimed he lives in Eagan but write St Paul
Let St paul tax- payers worry about the subsidy.

Dear Gary the Genius NOT. I live in Eagan. I put down my zip code when I signed up. It is 55121. The software assigned my hometown as St. Paul. I had nothing to do with it. And I pay for the STAR program everytime I buy something that requires sales tax in the city of St. Paul. So, I do pay for the STAR program. I am in effect, a part owner of the Circus School.

And please don't talk about banning anyone from this site. This is why we live in America and not China.

But I can see how you and several others don't want my postings on this thread. I clearly rub people the wrong way and tend to touch some topics that they would rather not see the light of day. I view this as my responsibility. I'm doing everything I can to eliminate unnecessary and wasteful subsidies wherever they occur. Did you read that I'm against The Twins and Gopher Stadiums too? And last I looked they are located in the 612. So Gary, think before you write. Perhaps, write your thoughts out long hand and let them rest for 12 hours before posting them. I think you'll find that you are then able to make more accurate points and participate in the debate/conversation on a level that is closer to mine. That will make for a better discussion. Give it a try. Please.

[Scott Simon]

Moi wrote:

----------
So will you please stop pissing and moaning about this now Scott? You aren't paying for the Star program, it has NO EFFECT whatsoever on you, it is going to improve the Downtown/Lowertown neighborhood of St Paul.

What are you talking about? Of course I pay for the STAR Grants and Loans every time I buy something in St. Paul and pay sales tax. And I don't like it.

But the good news, the business receiving the STAR money has to last 7 years. That will never happen at the Galtier Theatre, so I can rest easy. Thanks for bringing that requirement to me attention.

[Scott Simon]

Just the facts wrote:

Scott -

You don't even try to rebut any of the fallacies you have made to clarify them for us and fix them so that we may actually consider the point you're attempting to make.

Really? Please name one such fallacy? More if you can?

And BTW, this discussion is about Galtier and Downtown St. Paul. It is not about Block E or City Center. For what it is worth, I think subsidies in Minneapolis are equally wasteful and I'm against them. Does that make you feel better? If the business is sound and it is market driven, it won't need subsidy. Could it be more simple?

[Bill Shake]

Full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.

[Just the facts]

Scott Simon wrote:

<quoted text>
What are you talking about? Of course I pay for the STAR Grants and Loans every time I buy something in St. Paul and pay sales tax. And I don't like it.
But the good news, the business receiving the STAR money has to last 7 years. That will never happen at the Galtier Theatre, so I can rest easy. Thanks for bringing that requirement to me attention.

It lasted 14 years prior to that, smart stuff.

[Just the facts]

Scott Simon wrote:

<quoted text>
Dear Gary the Genius NOT. I live in Eagan. I put down my zip code when I signed up. It is 55121. The software assigned my hometown as St. Paul. I had nothing to do with it. And I pay for the STAR program everytime I buy something that requires sales tax in the city of St. Paul. So, I do pay for the STAR program. I am in effect, a part owner of the Circus School.
And please don't talk about banning anyone from this site. This is why we live in America and not China.
But I can see how you and several others don't want my postings on this thread. I clearly rub people the wrong way and tend to touch some topics that they would rather not see the light of day. I view this as my responsibility. I'm doing everything I can to eliminate unnecessary and wasteful subsidies wherever they occur. Did you read that I'm against The Twins and Gopher Stadiums too? And last I looked they are located in the 612. So Gary, think before you write. Perhaps, write your thoughts out long hand and let them rest for 12 hours before posting them. I think you'll find that you are then able to make more accurate points and participate in the debate/conversation on a level that is closer to mine. That will make for a better discussion. Give it a try. Please.

But you yourself state that you almost never come and visit St Paul because nothing actually happens here.

For what it's worth, the taxes are a lot higher in Minneapolis, and the flops are a lot bigger. When you compare St Paul to Minneapolis, and the subject is mixed use development, it is prudent to compare Galtier with City Center, Block E, Riverplace, Gavidae, the Conservatory, and Calhoun Square. Galtier definitely is the sparking gem of them all.

We know you're against subsidy... but this is a program that hardly ever affects you in any way, since you have stated time and time again how superior you feel Minneapolis is.

PS: Scott: This is a PRIVATE website. Topix can ban whomever they please -- your right to free speech ceases to exist on the Internet.

Most websites ban trolls such as yourself. Feel glad that moderation here is just about non-existent.

[StPaulNative]

Scott,
You make fun of the concession offerings and the "gay" movies, but say you will attend if they don't receive a subsidy. I don't get it.

I think it is the lawmakers who put the STAR program in place that you need to attack. The Palumbo family did not create this program. If they qualify, they should use it. If they don't, so be it. Complain to the mayor and City Council - not the small business owner who is taking a risk whether he gets subsidy funding or not. He is trying to make St.Paul a better place by DOING something about it. There are many people out there who are not willing to give up on St. Paul. It looks like Mr.Palumbo is one of them.

[Scott Simon]

StPaulNative wrote:

Scott,
You make fun of the concession offerings and the "gay" movies, but say you will attend if they don't receive a subsidy. I don't get it.
I think it is the lawmakers who put the STAR program in place that you need to attack. The Palumbo family did not create this program. If they qualify, they should use it. If they don't, so be it. Complain to the mayor and City Council - not the small business owner who is taking a risk whether he gets subsidy funding or not. He is trying to make St.Paul a better place by DOING something about it. There are many people out there who are not willing to give up on St. Paul. It looks like Mr.Palumbo is one of them.

Don't worry, the Mayor and Councilmembers know my feelings on this issue. And what about the small business that risks everything without even the hope of getting subsidy? Why should some get it and others not? I say level the playing field and spent the public's money on necessary amenities and return to them whatever is NOT needed in the form of a refund. Or at the very least, put these issues on a ballet and let the public decide how subsidy should be spent. I think you will find that the majority does not want to see subsidy spent at all. They don't want to see Circus Tents in their neighborhood parks and rehashed movie theaters in their empty skyways. But this is an assumption I am making based on an informal poll. I want market driven business to open in Galtier if they spend their own money and don't need subsidy or a liquor license before opening. If the market wants their service, they should garner the support needed to launch and survive on their own. Or let a bank put up the money. Isn't that the business they are in? Will a bank come forward and loan Mr. Palumbo the money he needs in unsecured credit? If this happens, please give me the name of the banker. I have a great idea and business plan for a Jerry Leonard's Store in downtown Tokoyo.