Activists Trying to Stop Billion Dollar development in Grand Canyon

Yes, ATS. A development company known as Developers Confluence Partners is still pushing forward with its plan to build a mall in the Grand canyon; a proposed $1 billion entertainment complex on the east rim of the Grand Canyon. This thread is more of an update to a previous thread I did some time ago on this same subject:

www.abovetopsecret.com...

Called the Grand Canyon Escalade, the developers refer to the project as a “tourism destination development” that will include shopping, an IMAX theater, multiple hotels, and an RV park. It’s all centered around a Gondola Tramway, designed to take travelers “from the rim of the Grand Canyon to an elevated Riverwalk on the Canyon floor.”

An action group called Sum Of Us is having none of it and has started an online petition to fight the development, which has reached 90,000 supporters — 10,000 people away from its 100,000 goal. According to the petition, the tram is being built in a “sacred place for the Navajo.“

I still think this is a bad idea. I was born in Arizona and the Grand Canyon is a special place to me; this development will bring elements to the Canyon that it doesn't need. I say no to this proposed development.....What says ATS?

www.yahoo.com...

Anything for a buck.

Only thing worse than the developers are those that will pay money to go and support it after it's built. Just as guilty IMO.

Bastards...All of them.

And so what if it's a National Park right? Bought and paid for by the tax payers only to be sold for profit to bottom feeders.

Jude11

originally posted by: jude11
Anything for a buck.

Only thing worse than the developers are those that will pay money to go and support it after it's built. Just as guilty IMO.

Bastards...All of them.

And so what if it's a National Park right? Bought and paid for by the tax payers only to be sold for profit to bottom feeders.

Jude11

Agreed, Jude.

a reply to: lostbook

I say no, too. We already have enough malls, theaters, hotels, and RV parks in the area. I lived in Phx for 15 years and have been to the Grand Canyon several times through my life. This kind of commercialism would ruin it more than it already is!

People seem to not be able to get enough money! If they look at the Canyon and think, "Hmm... how can I make more money from this?" instead of seeing it for the beautiful place it is, they need to rethink their priorities.

originally posted by: Benevolent Heretic
a reply to: lostbook

I say no, too. We already have enough malls, theaters, hotels, and RV parks in the area. I lived in Phx for 15 years and have been to the Grand Canyon several times through my life. This kind of commercialism would ruin it more than it already is!

People seem to not be able to get enough money! If they look at the Canyon and think, "Hmm... how can I make more money from this?" instead of seeing it for the beautiful place it is, they need to rethink their priorities.

I was born in Phoenix. Been to the canyon several times. I think some things should be left alone. It won't stop here if they build it; other natural parks will suffer the same fate.

I'll never forget going to Grand Canyon an awe inspiring sight. Not once when I was there did I think "you know what this place needs? A giant frickin mall".
it will only lead to further development

Looking at the development plan a big part is a tram that would go across to the east side, and a tram that would go down to the river. That part would be cool to have.

Even though the Hopi Indians could use the jobs, it looks to be rather aggressive and having something more a long the lines of a lodge and cabins/camp grounds with one visitor center might be a good thing. 4 star restaurants and a 5 star hotel is kind of over doing it...hehe

The other question is who would be going there to use this place? I would think the level of quality and the location would make a 2 night stay there astronomical. New play house for the rich?

a reply to: lostbook

Isn't there supposed to be an underground city in the Grand Canyon?

Maybe it is meant to be a place for military brats to hang out.

a reply to: lostbook

I see very little difference between a religious outfit blowing up a heritage-listed national monument verses a corporate outfit wanting to construct a Walmart, 3-storey Maccas (with elevators and escalators), cafes, restaurants, and very expensive bar on top off what I consider one of the most awe-inspiring pieces of geography on the planet.

Been here for a lot longer than "corporations" and guaranteed to be here well after their demise.

Maybe I'll just go and whack a great big floating Casino / Hotel / Mall / never have to leave the bloody joint thing over the Great Barrier Reef - F#%@ what commoners think.

Line a few politicians pockets and your building licence will be ready for collection Monday morning from council offices - thank-you for your generous donation.

a reply to: lostbook

Is'nt the site a UNESCO world heritage site and if that is the case is there not ground's to sue the developer's in the international court.

The grand canyon is a unique natural wonder and this type of development would increase erosion and pollution, however it would also open the site up to more visitor's so I suppose it is far from a clear cut issue as any lawyer would have to consider.

There is no end to greed. Law makers will accept the bribes and let it be built.

a reply to: lostbook

NBC News
This story better explains the Navajo Chief is one partner of the Developers Confluence Partners. He is fronting $65 million of tribes money on infrastructure. His reasoning for supporting the project is his people are very poor and the suicide rate is high.

All true statements and l feel badly for their plight. They have few casinos for income.

But this decision is wrong. Hopefully, an alternative can be found that less intrusive on the "church".

originally posted by: Granite
a reply to: lostbook

NBC News
This story better explains the Navajo Chief is one partner of the Developers Confluence Partners. He is fronting $65 million of tribes money on infrastructure. His reasoning for supporting the project is his people are very poor and the suicide rate is high.

Is that a bit of an oxymoron,his tribe are donating $65 million because they're very poor? If they weren't poor before,they certainly will be now.

"This time next year Rodney,we'll be millionaires!"

I say that I believe that the Navajo people have thought this out thoroughly and I would trust their judgement and planning to keep their sacred places, sacred.

Grand Canyon Escalade is being designed to enable public access to the majestic Grand Canyon while minimizing adverse environmental impacts and preserving historical, cultural and religious areas on or in the Canyon. The Escalade gondola tramway to the Canyon floor will provide a unique and unmatched ability for the casual tourist to actually visit the Canyon floor and the Colorado River, providing an opportunity to combine awe inspiring views from the Canyon’s rim, as well as from the Canyon floor. Pedestrian friendly arcades will allow visitors to access Artisan Studios and Galleries along the Canyon rim, which will offer not only shopping but the ability to interact with Native American artists and artisans, dine at restaurants with unparalleled views, learn about the Navajo and Native Americans by touring the Cultural Center, and spend the night at a Canyon-side lodge. Green buildings utilizing native materials, living systems and site-sensitive design will make Grand Canyon Escalade a model for eco-friendly development. Centralized parking with natural landscape buffers to protect the Canyon experience will provide convenient access for autos, tour busses and mass-transportation while eliminating unsightly sprawl and congestion.

grandcanyonescalade.com...

a reply to: Imagewerx

I have been aware of their "conditions" since the ABC TV show xxxx aired the family members survived of Navajo army specialist at the start of Iraq War II. Recall the prisoner, young American rescued?

I cried as she recalled the promise if she were killed that she would take care of her two young kids.

So that show should the center of their of town and how poor most Navajos are...they built a WW2 Navajo Army Code Talkers memorial in three days.

Then went to the land the Navijo

The Grand Canyon is like a spiritual gift to all that visit her. There is no way we need to pollute her with grumpy, entitled tourists and obnoxious children buying the latest widget. Leave a few sacred places for our children and grand children.

The Navajo medicine men are also not opposed to this development. Supposedly, the tram and walkways will be designed so as to keep or prevent people from wandering off the walkways. It all seems very well planned and the Navajo nation will own it 100%.

newslab.us...

a reply to: Imagewerx

Continued.
They found prime property to build a custom house with horse coral including a young pony for the 6 year old girl.

Amazing episode because they got to tell an amazing story by the freed prisoner young American girl.

WHERE the hell is PETA when they could do something USEFUL?

There will be no stopping any corporate commercial operations anywhere in the US.
Expect a huge resort with a casino, waterpark, and everything to make the area a tourist mecca.

The GOP wants to sell off the National parks to private intrest.

www.commondreams.org...
www.theguardian.com...
indefinitelywild.gizmodo.com...