Convention Center 2011: Then and Now

[five apples]

Philadelphia hotel operators criticize slow Convention Center bookings

What an unsurprising development. The Trade Unions in this city constantly fail to get it.

By the way, I was walking by a job site at Jefferson the other day. All of the contractors had parked their pick-ups on the sidewalk. I would say that over half of the plates were from Jersey. I am tired of this city being held back by what is essentially a suburban work force.

[O.H. Lee]

Philadelphia hotel operators criticize slow Convention Center bookings

Apparently some things never change and the leaders are in denial.

[Volanova]

All of the contractors had parked their pick-ups on the sidewalk.

This really peeves me. If I had to drive to work for a week instead of taking the train, I'd have to park in a lot or on the street like everyone else. Make them do it. Of course, I see no problem with giving them the ability to load and unload for a few minutes, but letting them get away with blocking sidewalks to park for their own convenience just irks me.

And the complete state of denial that the leadership of these unions has is awe inspiring in its absurdity. They sit there and claim that they're not the problem, when the organizers of the shows being canceled specifically say that the unions are the problem. It's not like these claims are new, either. It'd be one thing if it were one irked customer claiming a grievance, but this happens time and again, year after year. When will the PCVB get its head out of its rear and stop using these thugs for labor?

[five apples]

This really peeves me. If I had to drive to work for a week instead of taking the train, I'd have to park in a lot or on the street like everyone else. Make them do it. Of course, I see no problem with giving them the ability to load and unload for a few minutes, but letting them get away with blocking sidewalks to park for their own convenience just irks me.

And the complete state of denial that the leadership of these unions has is awe inspiring in its absurdity. They sit there and claim that they're not the problem, when the organizers of the shows being canceled specifically say that the unions are the problem. It's not like these claims are new, either. It'd be one thing if it were one irked customer claiming a grievance, but this happens time and again, year after year. When will the PCVB get its head out of its rear and stop using these thugs for labor?

Yeah, I had to cross the street. If I had been elderly or a parent with a stroller, that would have presented a greater risk. Just so incredibly typical of that mindset.

[Volanova]

Yeah, I had to cross the street. If I had been elderly or a parent with a stroller, that would have presented a greater risk. Just so incredibly typical of that mindset.

You know, I wonder if it's legal for them to do that, or if it simply is ignored by PPA. If it's the latter, I'd like to know who to complain to...

[eldondre]

also of note,

Hoteliers say they have a keen interest in the Convention Center's success because Philadelphia depends more on group and tourist demand, and less on business travel than East Coast cities with bigger corporate bases.

if they don't fix the problems, it will end up being the state's largest boondoggle. the quote also highlights why fixing the business tax structure is more important than giant hospitality subsidies

[thoth]

"Since I've been on the board, there has been nothing but laudatory reports," he said Friday. Gillespie sits on the Convention Center Authority board as head of the trades council.

Gee, imagine that...

[DCnPhilly]

Yeah, I had to cross the street. If I had been elderly or a parent with a stroller, that would have presented a greater risk. Just so incredibly typical of that mindset.

That's exactly what it is. "We own this town." The unions constantly justify their presence in the name of safety then block handicap ramps and sidewalks.