'Big fat Greek diner' drives top Wall Street bank off the road

The Sunday Telegraph ^ | April 20, 2003 | Charles Laurence

[MadIvan]

I don't mind Goldman Sachs getting its comeuppance - it's a proven source of liberals, first Robert Rubin, then that despicable fool Jon Corzine. Both rich left wingers who have made their pile of money and want to change the rules so no one else can repeat their success.

Regards, Ivan

[MadIvan]

Bump!

[Lurker]

I love it when the little guy wins.

Thanks for this one Ivan.

Regards,

L

[TopQuark]

I don't mind Goldman Sachs getting its comeuppance - it's a proven source of liberals, first Robert Rubin, then that despicable fool Jon Corzine. Both rich left wingers who have made their pile of money and want to change the rules so no one else can repeat their success.

You have a point, Ivan.

But it is the secretaries and programmer, electricians and cafeteria workers that will be struggling through (and this is probably not an overstatement) a chain of one-way streets. Corzine, if he still worked there today, would be brought to the roof in a helicopter.

[bvw]

Photographic exhibit of the Flamingo

[valleygal]

Big Fat Greek Bump! Good for them.

[dinodino]

So? What about the rights of the Greek restauranteur? He owns his property, and he should not have it seized (even with compensation) just because ANOTHER business wants it more.

[HiTech RedNeck]

Hmm, I wonder if he'd have gone for it if they had offered to house a relocated Flamingo in the tower?

[Canticle_of_Deborah]

Ping!

[konaice]

"But it is the secretaries and programmer, electricians and cafeteria workers that will be struggling through (and this is probably not an overstatement) a chain of one-way streets"

At least they will have a place to eat...

Your attitude suggests that the rumors of traffic jams justifies the taking of private property. How bout prohibition of creating the traffic jams in the first place? If the neighborhood is so unsuited to adding 6000 employees why allow it in the first place. There is no shortage of other places that this office building could be built.

Takeing private property to give to other private interests (and chargeing the public for the expense) is just wrong.

[TopQuark]

So? What about the rights of the Greek restauranteur? He owns his property, and he should not have it seized (even with compensation) just because ANOTHER business wants it more.

1. You should see the post to which I replied. Yours is a different point.

2. When a property is bought out, it is not a comparison of two businesses but a property vs. public. YOu may disagree with the conclusion, but you should at least understand the ussue.

[TopQuark]

I thought of that too. I do not know that with certainty, but this is what typically done. Sounds to me that the owners took a position similar to the French in the U.N.: we'll veto whatever you propose.

[Happygal]

some things were worth more than money

AMEN!!!!

And a BUMP for traditional, hard-workin', family values!!!!

[TopQuark]

At least they will have a place to eat... As if there are no cafeterias in the building for the 6,000 employees. Perhaps, you've never been in any of such buildings. THat is fine, but you should refrain from forming an opinion, then, about things you do no know.

Your attitude suggests that the rumors of traffic jams justifies the taking of private property. "Rumors" in such cases are based on studies.

And, yes, it is important to buy our a private property when public interests predominate overwhelmingly. Eminent domain should be exercised conservatively, but you seem to be against it totally, which is ill-founded. Takeing private property to give to other private interests (and chargeing the public for the expense) is just wrong.

[Beck_isright]

Another reason he wins is the Greek guy obviously doesn't use Goldman's analyst reports otherwise he would have been bankrupt years ago.

[Happygal]

Sounds to me that the owners took a position similar to the French in the U.N.: we'll veto whatever you propose.

Hardly! You cannot equate a small business man, who worked hard all his life, to build up a business he loves, with the French and the UN.

What have the French contributed to the UN? (In comparison what little Greek restauranteur has contributed to his local community, his staff and his family?) BAD analogy, friend.

[ikka]

The guys at GS are/were idiots.

How tough would it have been to have one of the VP's meet with the guy, be nice to him, sympathize with him, etc. and offer him free or cheap space in the bottom of the office tower in exchange?

They didn't offer him a bad deal, but they DID offend his pride - an dus self-employed types are a stubborn lot.

[jocon307]

LOL, thanks for posting this Ivan. This diner is right across the street from my office, I eat there three times a week, at least. It's a bastion! We are all so happy it's been saved!'

I actually saw these British reporters in there the other day, and then forgot all about it 'til I saw this post. This diner is the only place a person can go to have a cup of coffee and smoke a cigarette in peace these days.

They also have a liquor license, and make a mean Greek Salad, best I've ever had. Some of their dishes are better than others, but for a "greasy spoon" many are excellent. The article doesn't mention that they are open 24 hours a day, 363 days a year (closed Christmas & New Years Day).

The Flaming-O (as my dear departed boss used to call it) is saved! Three cheers for democracy!

[dinodino]

Constructing an access to a new high-rise office building hardly seems like it meets your standard of "public interests predominate overwhelmingly." The developer should have planned for the road and secured rights to it through the market.

[Krodg]

"I'm pretty sure Goldman Sachs would have preferred the building to go down. But I've checked their voting address - and they don't vote in Jersey City."

A politician who listens to his voters????

There will be 6,000 people inconvenienced, but there are 12,000 who had their voices heard!