ragerunner

Deutsche Bank sees GM shares as likely worthless By Simon Kennedy & Christopher Hinton, MarketWatch Nov. 10, 2008, 4:37 p.m. EST Automotive giant may have trouble funding past December, broker warns "NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- A Deutsche Bank analyst on Monday downgraded shares of General Motors Corp. to sell from hold, saying the automaker was on the path to bankruptcy before the end of the year unless the U.S. government agrees to a bailout. In a note to investors, Deutsche Bank said Detroit-based GM's cash position will likely fall below $5 billion by late December, leaving its operations underfunded for payables due in early January. To keep operations going and assist in restructuring, the U.S. would have to provide as much as $25 billion and at least $10 billion in loans to keep the company afloat through next year." http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/Deutsche-Bank-cuts-GM-sell/story.aspx?guid={CAFEF63F-017D-42E2-874A-14146A6D20A5}

? I am sure if the return on investment was still there they would continue to operate the US domestic operations. I'm not sure you can turn these economic events into a one country craps more on another country discussion. I am sure there are plenty of US companies that have layoff and closed German facilities in the past as well.

It sounds like they are ending all domestic operations. That's not good for Wilmington and Southwest Ohio since that facility is a hub for domestic operations.

This topic was not meant to be a political discussion. It was meant to discuss the potential for more focus on urban needs and infrastructure for our cities and how Obama and some of his potential appointees have shown significant support for these items in the past. Will these efforts overcome the focus on suburban sprawl, No. But it might make the playing field a little more level. I would think that anyone that supports urban redevelopment, mass transit and cities would be happy to hear a President elect talk about these items in a proactive way.

We haven't had the dough for most things over the last several years. Its just more debt. But, if we are going to have more debt lets use it for more sustainable cities and a better environment.

Congressman Earl Blumenauer is a major supporter of mass transit, sidewalks and bicycling infrastructure. This could be a huge move towards Federal support of these projects throughout the country and smart growth in general. Blumenauer Tapped as Likely Secretary of Transportation by Nate Berg 4 November 2008 - 11:00am http://www.planetizen.com/node/35888 Democratic insiders have mapped out the possible face of an Obama presidential cabinet. Shortlisted for Secretary of Transportation are Oregon Congressman Earl Blumenauer and Minnesota Congressman Jim Oberstar. "Sources close to Barack Obama have quite specific ideas about his most likely choices for a wide array of top jobs." "The list is heavy on campaign heavyweights and Washington insiders, many of them from the administration of President Bill Clinton. So while surprises can be expected to crop up especially on any Republican members of the Cabinet many of the selections would likely be proven hands who would provoke little controversy. Obama has not communicated his final choice on any of these posts but plans to move very quickly if he is elected, according to the sources. They point to the political price that Clinton paid for dilly-dallying on his appointments and nomination." "Here is the list of names being widely discussed in Democratic circles, compiled with the help of ABCs Jonathan Karl and Politicos Ben Smith. Some of the names are more likely than others, but all are being seriously considered by Obama advisers. Some of the sources would be involved in decision making, and some were making educated deductions." http://www.planetizen.com/node/35888 "While greenhouse gas emissions can be substantially reduced by increasing fuel efficiency, these technological improvements are likely to be offset by continuing growth in vehicle miles traveled (VMT). Since 1980, the number of miles Americans drive has grown three times faster than the U.S. population, and almost twice as fast as vehicle registrations. Congressman Blumenauer supports a number of straight-forward policies that can reduce VMT, such as providing people transportation choices through increased mass transit, sidewalks, and bike lanes." http://blumenauer.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=267&Itemid=149

I think we will see significant improvement in funding for cities and mass transit when Obama takes the presidency. News Summary: Urban Policy and the Obama Presidency 5 November 2008 - 5:00am Author: Nate Berg and Tim Halbur http://www.planetizen.com/node/35907 A Regional Outlook Mayor Manny Diaz of Miami was at the U.S. Conference of Mayors back in June, and witnessed one of the few speeches by Obama focused on the concerns of local government. Diaz believes that Obama will be a significant force for urban issues. "From business incubators to the college tuition tax credit," the mayor told Planetizen, "from the National Infrastructure Reinvestment Bank to the Foreclosure Prevention Fund, Barack Obama has offered comprehensive programs to invest in the assets of cities." Energy Policy The subject of energy is of great interest to Planetizen readers, and has surfaced frequently in this presidential election. Much of the rhetoric on energy has focused on the obvious: reducing reliance on foreign oil, investing in renewable energy sources, cutting excess use and expanding domestic production of "clean" energy. In August, Obama called for an investment of $150 billion in renewable energy production -- an investment towards a goal of doubling the nation's renewable energy sources to 10% of total needs. This is a goal he hopes to achieve by the end of his first term. Transportation The campaign's emphasis on infrastructure extends to transportation policy as well. As explained at The Daily Kos, Vice-President Elect Joe Biden famously rides Amtrak to work, and was the original co-sponsor of the Amtrak Reauthorization Bill. "For 30 years, I have witnessed Congress dangling a carrot in front of Amtrak's eyes, funding it just enough for it to limp along," said Biden as he introduced an early version of the bill. "And I'll tell you, this has to stop. Now is the time to commit politically and financially to a strong, safe, and efficient passenger rail system." MORE: http://www.planetizen.com/node/35907

Almost sounds like having your parents tell you they walked up hill both ways to school in 10 feet of snow.

As long as we are going to build parking lots (probably a long, long, time into the future) we should make them as good as we possible can. It would be nice to see some vegetation as well.

Very nice looking. I like how its is going to be well connected into the downtown street grid and yet it will make a nice statement on the freeway/riverside.

I think the marching orders have been given and state and federal leaders are not going to challenge 'the rescue of the US financial system'. They are bending and in my opinion, breaking a lot of rules along the way. But, its clear the powers that be are taking no prisoners as they remake the US financial system.

The Cincy Zoo has some very nice exhibits and does some very good conservation work. But, the overall facility is starting to have some not so kind aging. I do like that the zoo still has an urban location. On a side note: The Columbus Zoo is top notch.

Say it's not so!!! A developer couldn't find retailers ready to fill up 1.2 million square feet of space. SHOCKING!!! in today's economy. The side to this is, (weather you like this project or not) it was going to produce a lot of work for the Cincy construction trade and the RE industry, etc... that will not happen now.

You'll be pleased to know that they're vacant (so it seems when you walk by). Indeed; it is currently on the market for $425,000. http://sibcycline.com/viewlisting.asp?mls=1147319&b=CIN&p=MULT&s=APTM&m=0&sender=SearchResults&a=125-Park-Ave-Hamilton-West-OH-45013 The entablature is in bad shape, so it needs help quickly. No, they are all occupied. I walk by their every day and see the school kids come out of the units.

This sucks for everyone ... obviously Cincy's news is all over this and their reporting job cuts in our region as well (thanks a lot, Cleveland) j/k ... seriously, I kind of wish PNC didn't have the presence that it does now in our region, hell all of OH now. Luckily with The Banks, some major players were recently announced to have a huge personal investment with the project, so hopefully NCB's acquisition won't hurt that project. Individual projects don't get affected by bank acquisitions. NCB made the loan now the loan will be PNC's. PNC can't turn around and say, "sorry we don't like this deal, give us our money back". There are legal documents signed. Hope that clears it up. My understanding is NCB said they would loan $40 million for the banks. But, that loan has not been made yet, just promised. Most loans are not actually issued until the project is ready for construction. Someone more familiar with this project might know something different. I am not saying PNC will not keep that 'promise' but, in today's market who knows. Banks are pulling money out from under many projects right now, including some actually under construction.

Man, Carter Real Estate and the Dawson Co. are getting a sweet deal with phase one. They are only putting less than $6 million of their own money on a $74 million dollar project. Hopefully they will show more financial support in future phases.

All right, Marsh's! The closest one to me is in Franklin, so I have a tendency to interrupt trips to Indiana for a little grocery shopping! (I always get non-perishables like their brand of soda.) Is that the US Post Office plant in the background? It looks a lot like the one in Dayton. I've considering transferring to the one in Indianapolis. No, that is the Federal Government Complex in downtown. The main Post Office plant is located next to the new Colts Stadium. I though I have heard some talking about that facility being moved some place else to make room for more development in the area.

OSHA cites Cedar Point and Castaway Bay, proposes $185,000 in penalties "SANDUSKY-- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has proposed $185,000 in fines against Cedar Fair, a limited partnership doing business as Cedar Point, and its waterpark-hotel, Castaway Bay, here. http://www.wkyc.com/news/local/news_article.aspx?storyid=98349&catid=3

Sounds very promising and exciting.

I believe so. So anti car. The city's future is now on the edge.

Rentals. I had a friend that live in them for some time. Great views.

Thanks! It was a great weather day. Indy really does have some great public spaces.

I think you are talking about the Riley Towers. They are each 30 stories and were built about 30 years ago. They recently were remodeled. There are few other residential towers in that same area. The Conrad tower just opened a few years ago near Circle Center with the top 5 floors condos. I believe they cost between 1 and 3 million a unit.

I guess I don't really see the problem. Its well marked were the pedestrian and the bicyclist should be. I don't think its the trail design fault if the pedestrian walks on the wrong side. I also think this type of design is well proven in Europe and is not just a 'whatever development'. It just happens to be a fairly new design in urban American cities. Its kind of refreshing to see a midwest city actually take a lead on a design concept (outside of Chicago) and be a model that other parts of the country are now looking at. http://www.metropolismag.com/cda/story.php?artid=3273

theyre inside the indoor downtown mall. When I walk down Meridian during lunch, I am always shocked at how desolate it can be. But once you walk in the mall, wow...people everywhere. We were downtown during part of lunch and the sidewalks from the city market to the circle then down meridian were amazingly packed. The outdoor cafes were full as well. yea some days that is true, esp. wednesdays at city market or when some event is going on. But in this past summer, I would say 9 days out of 10 it seemed empty to me. Also, I worked in downtown Cincinnati before this and in dt Cincy, it always seems amazingly packed so that is what I am used to. It wasn't a wed. Maybe it doesn't seem as packed because of the wide pedestrian sidewalk space that downtown Indy has. That space has also made all the outdoor cafes possible. Indy's wide sidewalks are FABULOUS. I love them and the outdoor cafes too. But as I said, working on Meridian Street and walking on it everyday, it often seemed desolate. But when I walked into Nordstrom and the mall, it was packed with people. This gets to my point that suburban malls arent good for downtowns. The mall did a decent job of tying the mall to the street on Illinois, but definitely not on Meridian. In my experience of the 3 downtowns I have worked in during my short life.... in terms of vibrancy during work hours. DT Columbus, Oh < DT Indianapolis, IN < DT Cincinnati, OH. I also lived in DT Indy this summer so I was always around :) Do you feel that order applies after 5 as well?