The City proper is characteristically unhelpful, but those who know those in the know say they know what is really going on and it is not at all what it seems. And this is all on a need to know basis: off the record, on the QT, and very hush-hush.
First, the City learned that Al had no intention of spending his golden years "aging in place" to find eternal rest amongst the City's Founding Fathers in the soon to be acquired City of Dunwoody Cemetery. Al also seems to have lost interest in swimming, much like his flirtation with minor league ball during his midlife crisis twenty years ago. On the upside, the City Elite are pleased they never pursued plans to build Al's Ballpark.
But there is also some suggestion the City had other reasons to alter the Al's Park Plan. Apparently the financing for Al's Park was, shall we say, creative. As it turns out, the City never actually purchased the property. You know, as in the vernacular where the purchasing party, the buyer, pays the current owner, the seller, an agreed upon amount of "cash" at which time the seller transfers title, deed and ownership to the buyer. In fact, the City did not attempt to acquire the property through the more common avenue of a "mortgage", instead relying on a commitment from a third party to purchase the property and lease it to the City. One can only conclude that the City's credit rating sucks. Taking this deal to completion relied upon a "Parks Bond" that was surprisingly but soundly rejected by an unruly electorate.
It seems shady financing had as much to do with this turn of events as Al's fickleness.
On another positive note, the happy builder seems to have escaped a rather nasty process, known as a competitive bid, that while common in other cities does not encumber real estate transactions with our Smart City. While reluctant to discuss the process, this builder shows great pride in his workmanship. When asked about the wisdom of building a house on top of what had been a swimming pool he indicated that many homes in this area are sitting on potential swimming pools. Apparently the difference between a basement and a swimming pool is how the water gets in.
It should go without saying, but won't, that Al is a bit miffed. It is common knowledge that he came here to make his fortune, but like many an opportunist he arrived with no intention of spending is final years in a place like this. He rather doubts that those who sit in judgment plan to either.
Many also know that a recent trip back home reminded him of what he left behind and rekindled a desire to get it back. To return to a place where "blue collar" is not a put down, where local pubs sell local beer and barkeeps may "talk funny" but not with a trumped up British accent. A place where folks read, play euchre, and are proud of their bowling league. Where kids play afternoon basketball at the local school's outdoor court--because they can, because it is safe. Where baseball is a pick-up, empty lot, lazy summer afternoon activity, not a cause célèbre. Where the cemetery has been there for generations.
He realized he had given up so much of real value for so little--just to be a winning rat in a race it turns out no one was watching.
But the City is not done playing around with Al. In the event Al unloads his house in Dunwoody before he can "make the big move", the City has informally committed to turn a blind eye to a nearby zoning violation allowing Al and his family to live in a "step down" facility.
Unlike their formal commitments, this may stick. But Al is not so sure, viewing this as just another reason for Springtime in Sebewaing.
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