How could I approach someone about developing an entertainment complex in my town?

Question

First of all, let me add that this is a serious idea that I've conceived many months ago and that I've been working nonstop on getting this project started. Point Fusion, as it's called, is an entertainment complex that I want to develop outside of Pittsburgh in Greensburg, PA. It's a concept that I've created, and basically, it's going to be like an indoor theme park, with attractions in each themed area, as well as stores and restaurants. Think of it as a mall, but on an acid trip. Many of the attractions would be self-operated, but the stores and restaurants would be regional and national chains. On the official site, www.pointfusioncomplex.com, I've compiled some info on the project such as the individual themed areas, the concept of it, benefits, leasing, a personal commentary and so on. I've chosen a site on which I want to see this happen, and I've also contacted the landowner to see what he thinks, but all he said was that he'll call me back. I've also written a business plan.

I'm a second-year college student majoring in regional planning.

The landowner is trying to sell off the land because of liability reasons, not to mention that I have some friends who ride dirt bikes with the landowner's son, and I don't know if this is true but somebody's parents filed a lawsuit against the owner because of something. This is 90 acres in the middle of a major retail corridor, and even though there were trespassing signs all over the site, they were taken down.

I don't intend on using taxpayers' money for this project. I've stated that on the Benefits page of the official site. I plan on looking for investors to fund this project. I also hope to get the landowner involved because not only do they own the land, they also own a development company, that was responsible in getting many projects, including the local mall built.

Answer 1

the first entity i'd approach would be city council via the alderman of that portion of town. the second thing i'd do would be to learn what the zoning on that parcel is and if i'd have to get it changed. it is likely that you would have to do that. then i'd approach the best attorney for doing zoning changes that i could find.

this is a huge undertaking. i'd guess that you intend to use OPM (other people's money) to develop this. well, if i lived in your life, i'd also think a lot about how to sell the idea to those that are going to fund me.

about the only thing the owner of the land cares about is whether or not he wishes to sell it. if he does, all he cares about is how much you will pay and how you will pay it. if you'd lease the land then he has to be assured of a steady and good stream of income and no liability, because, another entitity i'd contact would be insurance companies since i am sure insurance is going to cost an arm and a leg.

gee, it sounds fun. good luck.

Answer 2

You should stop talking to the land owner and make a written offer on the land. He does not understand anything except what is written. There is no money transferred until the contract is signed. You are a long way from that.

In the offer you might see if he will subordinate to a new first for a 2-3 year period with a 24 month roll over time.

You might also indicate in the offer if the land owner would like to participate in the project and what percentge?

At the same time you should be contacting the city zoning department to see if the zoning is right for you to develop what you want to develop in that area. You might also contact the city councilperson's office with information about the proposed porject and get input from him. You might also present this project to the Chamber of Commerce.

Don't forget to send many articles and drawings of the project to the local newspaper, include your website and welcome comments from the community. Tell them how much it will benefit the communty, the local school system and any other community benefits such as employment and raising the income tax base and the projected taxes paid to the city.

As much political support you can get you should obtain, so send out as many information packets as you can to all the city council members and especially the major.

You might also contact some of the stores and resturants you would want to see in the project and get input from them as to if they would want to participate or lease once the project is completed and if they want to make a commitment to the project by signing an agreement to lease.

They will want to know the demography of the area, how many people reside in the area as well as projected nunber that would shop in the proposed area. They will need to know the average income, if the are is a blue colalr area or white collar and/or if it is mixed. The average income earned in the surrounding area and cost of housing in the immeditate area.

if you have not you need to get an artist rendering of the project so that people will understand what it will look like once completed.

What I am telling you is that you need to do a complete PR campaign to get this project off the ground. This is lots of work, but if you believe in the project all obstacles can be overcame and the project will get off the ground.

Bringing all these forces, groups, and money will take time so don't expect all to jump on your band wagon and in 3-4 months this grand event will be happening.

I hope this has been of some use to you, good luck

"FIGHT ON"