Lokal Yokal wrote on May 8, 2007 11:30 PM:With City Council giving away $16M to the hotel, and with 100,000 residents here in Escondido, that means that every man, woman and child are giving $160 to Marriott! That's about 1 free night for each person. When can I collect?

Carter: wrote on May 9, 2007 7:06 AM: I wouldn't worry about parking to much. The people the county put in there will not own or rent cars. Perhaps you can get the county to grantee 60% or so occupancy and off set some of the on going costs.

pleased citizen wrote on May 9, 2007 7:46 AM:Local Yokal, you are lost my friend. You are blatantly ignoring the positive impact this hotel will bring to Escondido. The businesses here need a quality hotel for their clients to stayi in. It's no secret Escondido is lacking a quality hotel. This doesn't even mention the positive impact it will have on the Center for the Arts. The center will become profitable with this hotel addition. You really need to get off the computer and join the rest of us in reality. The lawsuit was completely unfounded and brought to court by two individuals that are mad that downtown is going to change without their involvement. It's jealousy at it's finest. Please, quit with the ... posts on here. Your logic and math calculations are nothing short of pure comedy. MANY cities have parterned with developers to build hotels in their cities. It's how it's done. You are choosing to also ignore the TOT tax the hotel will bring. Over the life of the ground lease to Marriott, the city WILL MAKE MONEY. You just don't have all the facts, it's obvious.

Say What! wrote on May 9, 2007 9:32 AM:pleased citizen, you need to connect to reality. The hotel needs to have occupants to start paying for itself let alone the CCA. Both will be money losers in the long run. What is in downtown to attract people to stay in a Marriott Hotel?

thank you wrote on May 9, 2007 9:47 AM:pleased citizen. I get real tired of the negative comments. If you don't like it then move to Temecula. Escondido is a great city, but an old city. I think the Marriott will be a great addition to the city.

Disgusted wrote on May 9, 2007 9:49 AM:The city was supposed to make money from the Arts Center too. How much has that money making propostion cost the harworking citizens so far? I can see absolutely no positive impact from that. We should be sick and tired of the city council trying to make something out of downtown that it will never be. Accept the fact that this is where the homeless hang out. Oh yes, let's buy some more art with dollars that we don't have and the people will flock to our fair city. Come on, take the blinders off and get real. Most of us are getting really sick and tired of having our $$$ spent on all this hype. Put the Marriott next to the freeway and it might work, but downtown? No way!

Oh Please, 'pleased' wrote on May 9, 2007 9:56 AM:At first I thought your post was satire, but you appear to really mean it. The Council is giving away the only profitable part of the Art Center to the developer. With the conference center gone, there's no chance in the world the Art Center will become profitable. The need for business visitors will be addressed by the La Teraza hotel. The numbers being thrown around are based on an unrealistic occupancy level that won't be attained any time in the near future. The hotel's a long shot, and has just as much chance of ending up being the city hall west office building as it does of being a successful hotel. The Council blew off the concerns of those worried about the impact of the condos, and the suspicion they produced by that lack of consideration is what caused the lawsuit. They're on their way to a similar experience with the way they're handling the height limits in the downtown specific plan. Put your canned talking points away and rejoin the real world of Escondido politics.

What? wrote on May 9, 2007 10:46 AM:What is Marriott thinking? Putting up a hotel in a ... town like Escorndido? They're outta their minds!

*Defending Downtown wrote on May 9, 2007 11:11 AM:The negative comments such as "a town like Escondido" and "trying to make something out of Downtown" are exactly the reason that something should be done to create a successful Downtown. I'm curious to know if any of the writer's making these comments have spent any time at all Downtown? I find it to be an eclectic and charming stroll and I definately see the potential to draw visitors to such an area. I suppose it's much easier to sit around and complain without making an attempt at change but I myself am all for something positive for Escondido.

Happy Camper wrote on May 9, 2007 11:11 AM:How long does the city have to wait to get a hotel that doesn't charge by the hour? It's about time we get this project started.

answer wrote on May 9, 2007 11:15 AM:Say what, that's where you begin to out-think yourself. Do you really think Marriott would propose a hotel at this location if they didn't think occupancy would reach profitable levels? Come on my friend, think... Marriot's study shows occupancy reaching 60% within the first 3 years. Anybody who knows anything about hotel development knows it takes a few years for hotels to meet profit margins after they are built. You people are just negativity breeders. You have zero vision. You ask what's in downtown to keep occupancy high? My friend, it's not about what's in downtown; it's about what is within 10 miles of this location. You have a new state of the art hospital going to be built in ERTC that will generate demand. And there's this thing called the Wild Animal Park. I'm sure you know what that is. It's not about what's in downtown, it's about the demand our 3,000 or so firms in Escondido have for a quality hotel. They will fill the hotel, it won't be people staying at the hotel just for downtown. You just lack vision. It's a fact that the Marriot will run the convention center space at CCAE better, AND draw more usage of those facilities when it's packaged with the hotel. This is a way to MAKE CCAE operate in the black, which it hasn't done for years. To answer the last persons question, Marriott is smart. They know downtown escondido has potential and in need of a quality hotel. These are people with vision and brains - they don't post negative things on newspaper blogs all day with nothing good to say. Also, show me a location that's available by the freeway and I'll give you my 401k. Downtowns are PERFECT for this type of product. Look what the Marriot did for downtown Oakland. You think Escondido is bad. Please.... Again, you people are just pessimists that lack vision. The city will make money on this hotel. The city is ground leasing the land for 30+ years. That's revenue for a long time on top of the TOT revenue. You people don't have all the facts, so reverve your judgement.

Downtown fan wrote on May 9, 2007 11:19 AM:The negative comments such as "a town like Escondido" and "trying to make something out of Downtown" are exactly the reason that something should be done to create a successful Downtown. I'm curious to know if any of the writer's making these comments have spent any time at all Downtown? I find it to be an eclectic and charming stroll and I definately see the potential to draw visitors to such an area. I suppose it's much easier to sit around and complain without making an attempt at change but I myself am all for something positive for Escondido.

answer wrote on May 9, 2007 11:24 AM:"With the conference center gone, there's no chance in the world the Art Center will become profitable" This is a horrible statement that shows extreme lack of knowledge. The Art Center won't have the overhead it does now. Their bills will be less, which makes the arts center more able to be profitable. Also, give me a break. Are you trying to tell me that putting a quality hotel next to an Arts Center ISN'T going to help it? What false logic are you using here. It can only HELP it. People will have overnight stay options, they'll be able to use the restaurant and gym. They could stay in Escondido another day, which means more discretinary spending. You are truly lost based on your statements. Also, what caused the lawsuit wasn't that at all. It was two men who feel the downtown belongs to them, and they are angry that they didn't get the hotel deal and an outside developer did. That's why the lawsuit came. Parking in between City Hall and the Arts Center was NEVER public parking. It's parking for city employees. How does taking those away (not to mention the hotel will replace them underground) impact downtown parking blocks away?! hahahahaha! it's doesn't, and the judge agreed. Case closed. My only advice to you pessimists who live on these boards is, keep and open mind and try to see the postive impact this project will bring. It's right there in front of you, you just have to choose to see it. Spend 16 mil now, make 30 mil later. AND, have get a quality hotel in a nice downtown forever. It's a win no doubt.

come on... wrote on May 9, 2007 11:32 AM:Oh please, "unrealistic occupancy levels" HUH? hahahaha! So let me get this straight. Marriott is going to fudge occupancy study numbers so they can build a multi million dollar hotel in an area where its destined to fail. AND, the city is going to blindly join up with that effort knowing DEEP DOWN that the occupancy numbers aren't realistic. Does that sounds like something a City of 140,000 would do and one of the most profitable hotel chains on the planet would do? Come on. They did their homework and they are much smarter than you are. It's a grade A location. As far as my "canned talking points", well, at least I'm informed and have all the facts. You have none Downtown height limits are fine in the new DT specific plan. The downtown needs some scale - escondido is a flat city. This only proves to me you are LOST. Whoever said high buildings weren't historic anyway? hahahaha! Most of the downtown buildings were higher in the early 20th century and were chopped off due to seismic standards. Do some research. Low buildings don't mean historic! hahahahahaa!!!!!!!

funny wrote on May 9, 2007 11:39 AM:Mr Knight, one of the geniouses that brought this lawsuit to the table, wouldn't comment after the ruling. interesting........... I can only wonder why...... hahahahahahaha!!!!!!!! you lost!

--Side o' Beef wrote on May 9, 2007 11:44 AM:This is lunacy. What sort of business would a Marriott draw in a dive town such as Escondido? Gangbangers and illegal aliens? WHO would want to stay in Escondido and WHY? Such a waste of money, just like the "sculpture."

--Theotis wrote on May 9, 2007 11:46 AM:Escondido doesn't need a fancy hotel. Escondido needs more rent-by-the-week joints, for the pushers and prostitutes.

Answer to 'Answer' wrote on May 9, 2007 12:19 PM:Anybody who thinks the lot between city hall and the art center is an employee lot clearly knows nothing about it, and the rest of your 'answer' is equally lacking in credibility. Why don't you go actually look at the lot? It's a public lot with about eight reserved spaces (for Council Members) in it. Your claim that it's an employee lot reflects the same lack of credibility the rest of your comments evince.

Another answer to 'Answer' wrote on May 9, 2007 12:38 PM:You say we "lack vision". Is that the same vision you and the city had about the Center for the Arts making money?

wrong wrote on May 9, 2007 1:23 PM:My friend (answer), Let me explain something to you. The lot between CCAE and City Hall is parking allocated to those two developments; the parking spaces there are part of the ratio of building SF to parking spaces (the ratio) to meet parking standards for those two developments. Those spaces are not for the public and they never have been. They are for select city staff, the councilmembers, and CCAE staff and patrons. Again, you are LOST. I've looked at the lot, believe me. I work there! hahahahaha!!! I CLEARLY know more about this lot than you do. hahaha!!! It's not a downtown parking lot my friend. The judge over there in Vista seems to agree with me too. You are cute. Anybody who thinks this lot is somehow connected to downtown and the parking there is not only disillusioned, but seriously misinformed. We aren't talking about public lot #1. Maybe you are confused. To answer another pessimists question, the Marriot will draw the same business any hotel does in a similiar city. Our business base will use it to house their out of town clients. I can go on and on....Do you think a global chain like Marriott would spend millions on a bad development plan? I don't think so. What good hotels are in inland North County people? Any? This is a good project. Don't quit your day jobs people, if you even have any.

wrong part II wrote on May 9, 2007 1:43 PM:You do lack vision... and brains. The CCAE doesn't make money, you are correct. But, Carnege Hall doesn't make money. The arts aren't a profitable venue, and many cities across this country fund the performing arts. You act like this is only occuring in Escondido. Wake up. Most cities fund their performing arts in some way or another. If you are so concerned about the arts center not being profitable, how could you be against this hotel project? It helps the center in many ways. Please don't make me have to list out all the ways it helps the center. Do your own homework and pay attention....and quit being so negative. The sky is falling! The sky is falling! LOL

THANK YOU wrote on May 9, 2007 1:43 PM:Wrong..for setting these bitter, negative, people straight. If you aren't happy move somewhere else!!

jan wrote on May 9, 2007 1:43 PM: My favorite place to stay the Marriot! I love that hotel chain.Comfy beds and great breakfast..room service...never been to a dirty Marriott! Vacation in downtown Escondido? I will have to make sure we all pack our respirators/inhalers.Power plant pollution...ever since they opened the power plant we spend alot of time taking respirtory treatments....umm hope our toilet flushes..did the city pay those fines yet?Should we pack the potra potty?We cancelled our trip to San Francisco Marriott... we refuse to pay almot $50 a night to park at the hotel.note to self* make sure you take camera.. after trip to wild animal park we can take pics of the big white elephant AKA Arts Center... crumbling buildings and ghetto neighborhoods oh and lets not forget the drivers license check points maybe we will even get to see the drunks & druggies that frequent Grape Day after dark.Exciting holdiay plans!!!!!!!!!!

Disgusted again wrote on May 9, 2007 2:47 PM:If the Marriott is so thrilled about putting a hotel in downtown Escondido why are we having to put up 16 million dollars to get them here? Why in heavens name would the quality of people usually drawn to a Marriott hotel want to spend time in downtown Escondido? So they can slum with the illegals? The city of Escondido has few businesses that would need a Marrriott to house their clientele. We shoo them all away by using all our property for more condos instead of encouraging new businesses. If the council members of Escondido are dying to spend money, why don't they give it back to the property owners for home improvements. That way we could clean up the city in a real way. Sculptures, Arts Center and now even the Marriott won't ever make downtown Escondido into a cultural center. Face it, it's just plain old Escondido and always will be. I happen to like it just the way it is!

lol wrote on May 9, 2007 2:52 PM:The center for the arts is responsible for much of the revitalization of downtown escondido itself. Does the fact that it hasn't made money make it a failure? I think not. Performing arts are funded by many cities in their jurisdictions. To ignore the benefits CCAE has brought over the years and focus on a vision you think was a failure because of the bottom dollar is extremely short-sighted, arrogant, and just plain foolish. CCAE can be fixed, and part of that fixing is marrying it with a quality hotel. It takes some risk, vision, and good planning to achieve quality redevelopment. You can't build anything with the attitude and aptitude you display on here. That I think we can all agree on.

You're right wrote on May 9, 2007 3:18 PM:To wrong: your name describes you perfectly. Two Wrongs don't make a right! Think about it with the CCA and the Marriott and your postings.

move wrote on May 9, 2007 3:26 PM:Move then Jan. Sounds like you are miserable. I suggest moving somewhere else. By the way, there's no pollution coming out of the power plant. That is steam. That power plant is the most efficient and clean power plant on the California power grid. Research it for yourself. You want you lights to come on when you get home from work, but you don't want a power plant. hmmmm. They have to go somewhere Jan. You can't have your cake and eat it too. Hilarious. Instead of taking pictures of "crumbling buildings" (as if this is even true), you COULD eat at the French Bakery, hit a Deli, see a movie, shop for antiques or art, see a live performance, etc. etc. etc. I guess our eyes only see what they want to see, and nothing more.

cute wrote on May 9, 2007 3:38 PM:Cute, but hardly relevant to anything. Read my posts and learn something.

I think wrote on May 9, 2007 3:45 PM:Jan...needs to get a life and get some therapy. You must have alot wrinkles from being negative. Im sure you have a big scowl on your face right now..the marriott is coming here whether or not YOU like it!

Real estate for you wrote on May 9, 2007 5:25 PM:Hey Wrong, if you really believe what you post, then I have some ocean front property in Kansas for you to buy.

Finally wrote on May 9, 2007 5:28 PM:I'm very happy that the project can go forward. Escondido needs a decent hotel in town. I'm grateful that Clark is willing to do this and that Marriott thinks this is a good risk. Downtown has some great restaurants, a theater and other amenities. This will be a great addition.

Want a application wrote on May 9, 2007 5:57 PM:Were do I get an application for employment? I want to work at the Marriott and I live in Escondido. It beats Driving down the 15 to work everyday. Speed up the project.

Wrong's wrong again wrote on May 9, 2007 6:49 PM:Apparently wrong has a different definition of what a public parking lot is than the rest of us do. To most of the world, a public lot is one that's open to the public, where the public is allowed to park. An employee lot is one that's restricted to the use of employees. With the exception of a few spaces on the north end, the lot between city hall and the art center is open to the public. I know, I park there on a regular basis. It's regularly used by the public, both when they're visiting city hall, and when they're visiting the art center. In fact, if city employees are using the lot, they must run out and move their cars four times a day, since the lot has a two hour maximum, and the credit union section is limited to fifteen minutes. Here's the point: when you close that lot, the members of the public who park there are going to some other PUBLIC lot. Whether the lot was counted in the city hall parking requirement is irrelevent, it's a PUBLIC lot. And, as usual, the rest of your assertions continue to diverge from reality. Well, 'wrong', cherish your delusions... they won't last long.

Hmmm! wrote on May 9, 2007 6:55 PM:City Council meeting 4pm today, 'wrong's last post 3:45. Could it be????

Impact wrote on May 9, 2007 8:21 PM:What environmental impact can this project have? Stop the complaining and build it! Why are people fighting progress.

To Thank You wrote on May 9, 2007 8:23 PM:You hit it right in the head, stop your complaining or move to Temecula. Escondido is over 100 years old, it's time to move ahead. I love this city, and no I'm not being sarcastic.

jerry wrote on May 9, 2007 8:50 PM:"Clark" predicts the city will make over 1.3 million annuall from hotel? Sure, just like the Art Ctr costing us over 2 million per yr. Wasn't that supposed to bring in the bucks also. Council lays off 7, gives themselves a raise & gives developers 16 million. With the raises, maybe they can afford tickets to Art Ctr.......oh yeah, theirs are free?

get on with it wrote on May 9, 2007 10:14 PM:Time to grow up, Escondido. We do have a beautiful City Hall and Center for the Arts. Need a hotel, and some condos that are up and off the street, enjoying the views, and you will attract people who enjoy our town. Building future slum apartments dangling over the street, 2 or 3 stories high, and painting them with garish colors is not the way to bring in people who enjoy a better quality of life.

insider wrote on May 10, 2007 7:59 AM:Funny. I lived in Escondido for many years and moved out for many reasons, all related to the quality of life and lack of a family-friendly environment. I work for the City and the City management is exceptional. They have many good ideas and good leaders. Unfortunately, it is unlikely to ever become a premier city in North County. Escondido has ... the lowest income average in North County. The drugs and gangs don't help either. The Center for the Arts has always been a drain on City resources and will never help Escondido become an elite "Arts" city. It's all a pipe-dream. It's not a cultural city and putting museums and arts centers won't change that. Putting a crown on a frog doesn't make it a prince. That being said, the Hotel won't be a bad thing. The City desperately needs a good Hotel. The income and jobs will help Escondido. Ultimate occupancy rates have yet to be seen. The biggest thing Escondido has going for it is the Wild Animal Park and the Auto Park. Beyond that, it will remain what it has been for the last 30 years.