California couple proposed building an $81 million facility for transferring cargo containers

[JPowell]

I have heard opposite... (latest rumour here, was CSX was going to level old hump and reconnect some of the old class tracks to intermodal yard.....)
I would love to see that happen "being a old Dewitt fan"..

 They did level most of the old hump in the past year and added another track there. Also they did some revamping of the allignment and switches at the west end of the east yard (near the Fremont Road overpass).

Take care!

[JPowell]

So, it has been about 2+ yrs in the making, but the Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency (OCIDA) did this last week:

  In other business Thursday, the agency:

Voted 5-0 to accept the role of lead agency for an environmental review of a proposed $81 million container distribution project on a 90-acre site east of Girden Road, in Manlius.

Any thougthts now?

Take care!

[rrandb]

QUOTE: Originally posted by CSSHEGEWISCH

$100,000 for a feasibility study is no guarantee of success. After all, the study could show that the proposal is not feasible. "Build it and they will come" does not happen in the real world. One good idea can indeed turn a small company into a larger company but one bad idea can also sink a company.

Yes, but they have the luxuary of useing the states 100,000K to find out if their plan is feasable. Somebody who controlles the purse strings thinks its worth 100,000K to learn more. If it is not they are out some time and phone calls. If its thumbs up and the feds are willing to get on board ? Then it will be time to either fish or cut bait. [2c] As always ENJOY

[DaveBr]

Another simple question.Would this be the same couple or persons that was thinking
about the harbor in Ensenada,Mexico? To enlarge it and take some of the freight
from the LA area? DaveBr.

[CSSHEGEWISCH]

$100,000 for a feasibility study is no guarantee of success. After all, the study could show that the proposal is not feasible. "Build it and they will come" does not happen in the real world. One good idea can indeed turn a small company into a larger company but one bad idea can also sink a company.

[rrandb]

Just because you are a small companies it only takes one good idea to be come a big company. They may have existing clients who are big companies and have shown interested in there plan. 100,000K for a feasability study is a good start for a small company. Now that they have come to the attention of the feds who are interseted in anything to reduce port conjestion who knows what can happen. The right word in the right ear and money will line up to get on board.[2c] As always ENJOY

[Anonymous]

I have also recently read that CSX is breaking ground this year for a "In Land" container facilty at the old site of the West Seneca yard.
If this happens , I can't see why Dewitt facility would prosper. I have read that many folks think both facilities would survive? I don't know?

I would love to see some more action at old Dewitt, living a few miles from yard... I would like to see it!

[JPowell]

http://www.syracuse.com/business/poststandard/index.ssf?/base/business-2/1147424886288370.xml&coll=1

All -
Here's the link to a article from last Friday's edition of my local paper with the most recent developments in this proposal.

Briefly, the NY Empire State Development Corp., the state's economic development arm, has agreed to provide $100,000 for a study of the project's feasibility.

Maybe this will become a reality in a few years.

JP

[BaltACD]

California Raisins.....spent too much time in the sun!

[espeefoamer]

I think they are bitingt off more than they can chew.There seems to be a ton of red tape to get through,and that's not considering the NIMBY'S.I cant see it happening.

[JPowell]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jbeckley68

I have heard opposite... (latest rumour here, was CSX was going to level old hump and reconnect some of the old class tracks to intermodal yard.....)
I would love to see that happen "being a old Dewitt fan"..

I know the land in question, the locals don't want it becuase of traffic? But if they reconfigure Girden road for truck entrance/exit... The neighbors wouldn't see the trucks around Fremont nearly as much..

Jbeckley68 -
Guessing by your posts on this, you must live and or work in the area, yes? If so, where?

Being a fan of the 'old hump yard' there (or here I should say since I still live in the area) anything to keep what's left operational would be a great thing, IMHO
JP

[Anonymous]

Both of you could be right, this ambitious plan probably won't happen? I know the economic climate in this area (East Syracuse). It could use a shot in the arm...

I am also a fan of Dewitt yard, I would love to see more activity there. It went from being the largest yard in the world (1930-40's ,before Proviso), to a small flat switched yard.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by babypuncher8

Well whatever - I'm not sure you fellas understand the complexities of the biz

Having done a bit over the years I can understand most business ventures pretty well, but if you think we are missing something, let's hear it. If it is one thing I have learned it is to at least listen first. Thus far, knowing the railroad involved and knowing that area of the country and economic conditions there pretty well I have my doubts. That doesn't mean you couldn't change my mind...

LC

[Anonymous]

Well whatever - I'm not sure you fellas understand the complexities of the biz

[Anonymous]

I have heard opposite... (latest rumour here, was CSX was going to level old hump and reconnect some of the old class tracks to intermodal yard.....)
I would love to see that happen "being a old Dewitt fan"..

I know the land in question, the locals don't want it becuase of traffic? But if they reconfigure Girden road for truck entrance/exit... The neighbors wouldn't see the trucks around Fremont nearly as much..

[Anonymous]

Stick with the cardboard box...

CSX has already been talking about shutting down the Dewitt Intermodal facility for lack of traffic. If they can't make it go, how does a tiny trucking outfit expect to make it happen, to say nothing of the fact that NY State taxes and fees are brutal. I'd love to see the business plan, but don't hold your breath on it...

LC

[Anonymous]

Hi - I'm new to the shop but came across this article and must say I agree with Lotus - this sounds extremely realistic and out here in California the couple has already launched a similar and successful operation - so I wouldn't say that this is exactly far-fetched - - it's a really good idea. Ever since this couple invested money in the area you should see the business that sprung up around it

[Anonymous]

The idea is based on investors, a normal thing bussiness do, investors privde the money then get profits later. It may not be as crazy as it sounds. The Central Pacific had pretty humble beggings, very similar, needed lots of investors, and land.

[Anonymous]

For once I agree with CSSHEGEWISCH. This thing makes no sense.

[CSSHEGEWISCH]

This proposal is probably dead on arrival for lack of realism and money. A large trucking firm or railroad would have enough trouble raising the cash and dealing with the NIMBY's for such a project. The only reason that I see for this project even being proposed is that the couple recently read a book by some real-estate "wizard" on how to get rich without putting down any money of their own. The proposal appears to be based on somebody else putting up the money.

[JPowell]

http://www.syracuse.com/business/poststandard/index.ssf?/base/business-0/1123663238315740.xml&coll=1

All -
Well, other than financing issues and the fact that this couple and their business have never done this sort of thing, this looks interesting. The land they want to build this on, is nothing more than a field of wild flowers and weeds and is bordered on the south by the CSX Intermodal Terminal here in Syracuseand on the west by the Girden Road, which has about 2 or 3 houses on it's entire length.
Any thoughts?
JP