I’m just frustrated by having bids put out and it’s the same 2 people who respond to everything. There are more than 2 good contractors in this area. We’re right between Rochester and Syracuse for pete’s sake. But these guys seem to ahve a lock on all contracts. they also consult with the city’s economic development department when they are formulating the bids, so it’s no surprise that they have an inside track. And this isn’t speculation…we’ve seen it firsthand.

I have had the privlege of scanning other posts, and they are great! The latest one on property tax is very good. I’m suprised that your taxes are so low. Maybe that’s part of what’s scaring people off up here, our city’s taxes are $18.06/$1000 RAV.

However, the city still goes only to local people when soliciting infill proposals(and they do crappy modular stuff with no architectural merit). It’s frustrating and I’d welcome any ideas you have on how to get around it.

I think it’s good that your town is willing to share business with the local guy. Looking at the local news here i think there is a perception that we don’t include the local small builder enough- I disagree with this. Most of the big builders here are also local.. they’re just not “small” anymore.

I suppose after a point going back to the same local builders could seem like a “good old boy’s club.” As for your observations about your local “small” builder.. putting (sp?) up the same type of buildings… I understand that and can relate. I find that to be true with builders here as well.

A lot of times they’re just “contractors” who know how to put together a house but have no sense of architextual design. Then because they’re just contractors they stick with what they know- building variations of the same old house over and over because it’s what’s they know and its regionally acceptable. Unfortunately at this point I can’t offer a solution you might be looking for.

On another note… Glad to hear you’re not a spammer. I’m sorry but it wasn’t immediatly evident from your post or your blog. And I did browse your blog. However it’s purpose, as stated here, wasn’t evident to me. Elsewise I wouldn’t have posted the comments I did.

I would also offer the advice of “try to keep on topic,” or to be a little more specific in what sort of input/traffic you’re looking for, as you’ve done with your follow up post.

Anyways- Welcome to Jim Duncan’s exceptional real estate blog. I hope you’re able to find some of the solutions you’re looking for.. and if you find them here then that’s all the better!

–Jim

The City of Geneva, on Seneca Lake in … blah blah blah…

Jim, looks like one slipped through your spam filter.