Fresno Famous

UPDATE: After four hours of debate on the subject last night, the council finally voted to approve the funds for the project. If you're about to applaude, you should also know  the council also voted to hold of delivering the funds until the developers come back with more detailed financial projects and the like. So, for those cheering when the result was announced, I'm thinking we'll be right back here sooner than we think.

I try to be an upbeat, optimistic guy, but it was seriously disheartening to read that a member of the Fresno City council (looking at you president Brand) is against loaning federal housing money to to help rehab the old Hotel Fresno.

1.) The hotel, built in 1912, is as authentic a structure as we have in Fresno. It's an iconic part of the city skyline, and right now it looks like crap.

2.) One need only look at what the developers did with the Hotel Virgina to see the potential of this project. 

I understand there are economic issues at play, but it's beginning to feel like Brand is using the current political environment to hide the fact that he is perfectly happy with the old status quo (he's not alone in this either). 

Hey, if you're happy with abandoned buildings and dirt lots (but not in your back yard) just say so. 

If you're alright with razing the city's authentic cityscape and rebuilding in nondesript beige (so as not to offend) and asphalt just be up front with it. This guy is.

The issue will be before the council this Thursday.