Well, here’s the deal as some of you know.
It’s been a bad bad bad 9 or 10 months. A few very small jobs trickling in, some of which took forever due to the monsoon-like Spring. Last month I sold my car, just driving the work truck. 2 or so months behind with both rents (shop and apartment), at least as much with other bills.
I’ve been romancing a pretty big job for almost a year. It was down to “go poo poo or get off the pot” and they pulled the trigger on the job, signed a contract maybe 10 days ago and gave me a small deposit with a larger one to follow when work started. This is an existing chi chi wine shop that’s expanding into the vacant space next door. Took my plans to the Bldg Dept… 5 minutes and out the door… off to the Health Dept (required… don’t ask me)… done in 30 secs… Fire Marshall…done and gone. Zoning… “AH OK, piece of cake”… hmmmm… ahhhhh… hmmmmm… problem”
Apparently the existing building, which has always been retail (literally 100 years) is considered a non conforming use sooooooooo… zariance hearing time. The next meeting we can be scheduled for is September 14th. Discussed with the client getting a permit just for renovating the new space while we wait on zoning, originally he was OK with that. He called this morning and A) is unconfortable spending the money with no guarantee of zoning approval (understandable) and B) he maintains that if the construction can’t be completed over the Summer he can’t deal with it. Left off that he wanted to speak a second time with his attorney but it sure sounds like he’s going to pull the job.
So…barring a miracle… I think I’ve got to pack it in. I had “promised” myself that if this job didn’t come through I would have to wave the white flag. Just haven’t figured out what that means in tangible terms. Probably comes down to: filing bankruptcy, maybe liquidating what I can, taking a job… maybe even (God help me) moving into my father’s place.
Replies
Paul, my thoughts are with you. I don't have any sage words, but you will make it wherever that road leads you.
Damn
What can I say -- it sucks. I'm not exactly pleased with my situation, but so many people, including you, are much, much worse off.
Best of luck to you -- wish I could help in some way.
Paul,
I have been thinking of you daily. Just been hesitant to call you..............
We'll speak soon.
"When the spirits are low, when the day appears dark, when work becomes monotonous, when hope hardly seems worth having, just mount a bicycle and go out for a spin down the road, without thought on anything but the ride you are taking." — Sherlock Holmes, 1896
Thanks for the thoughts Eric... I understand. I'd be hesitant to call me too ;) I know I'm no ray of sunshine lately.PaulB
http://www.makeabettertomorrow.com
http://www.finecontracting.com
Oh man, that bites. I know the feeling, had some jobs pulled out from under me at the last second, after lots of up front legwork invested in a "sure thing".
Keep us posted, don't give up hope. You'd be amazed at how long I've lived near the edge, and every time get rescued, as I'm teetering, by some small job that's just barely enough!
Still hanging in there by the skin of my teeth, hope you can do the same! (So, is Pops really that hard to get along with? I've tried to get my daughter and son-in-law to come back for a little while, but I don't think its gonna happen).View Image
My father and I have a difficult relationship, to put it mildly... right now we have a cease fire but that's about as good as it gets. Plus, he has a pretty full house so moving in with him would mean either selling most of my posessions, or putting them into secure storage ($$$) neither is a great prospect.
No word from the client yet, which I don't think is a good sign... I'm just waiting for the formality.PaulB
http://www.makeabettertomorrow.com
http://www.finecontracting.com
Paul, make sure he pays you for the time you have invested!
As you might know I closed in January and sold off everything. Actually things panned out pretty good over all. I had most of the business issues handled in 6 months vs the 2-5 years I thought.
Anyway my thoughts are with you. If I can be any help in terms of advice on dealing with creditors (there are some tricks to the trade and they will save you money) that I can lend please PM me and I would be happy to share. I am sorry for you that it has come to this. But it will turn around and tommorow will be brighter. DanT
What are the options for getting a day job of some sort and going into a holding pattern for a while?
Sorry to hear that.
I've also considered moving in with my parents. But God, I hate to do that.
I hope things work out for ya somehow.
|...*...*..| international symbol
|....o/....| for anyone who has
|.....|......| ever walked into a
|..../......| Patio Door that was
|............| closed
What a terrible situation. I hope things turn around for you.
One would like to think that local and other levels of government would be bending over backwards to stimulate the economy. Removing impediments or expediting processes is cheap and should be a "no brainer".
Damn shame. I thought things were doing better in CT.
Hang in there Paul
It is tough for a lot of us.
Be thankful that you have options.
Be thankful you have the health you have.
I get kicked in the teeth most days.(two years ago things just kept going well) I have no choice but get up and keep on pushing. (it is how I am wired)
Whatever you do, be smart, dont let the stress drive your decisions.
Think them thru. Grab a piece of paper, write one possible decision and then list the pros and cons of each decision.
As you list the pros and cons of each decision, the best decisions will likely be more obvious.
You do this stuff because you are good at it and you like it. This horrible economic environment has put a lot of good people in very challenging situations. Remember that no one could have predicted how bad this recession would be and so few people were prepared for it.
Keep on gettin on and you will get thru. get up every day and contribute, even if you just walk down the street and pick up some trash. It will make a difference.
Best of luck Paul in whatever you decide to do.
A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
Paul
sorry to hear about your bad run of luck. I think what you need to do is pound every door at city hall. from the mayors office to the chamber of commerce. get the thing approved. dont argue the logic of the zoning requirements, plead the case that another tax paying entity is about to fold if the impending process is not expidited
a lot of times just like encroaching on wetlands, by Ct law things only need to be reviewed. its not that the application can legally be denied, its just that you need to go through the process
Best of luck to you. Hang in there and stay positive. You never know what's coming next, you might as well meet it with a smile. I had to hang up my toolbelt and take a 'real' job for the first time in 20 years. I don't like the work but it pays the bills and some time soon, maybe next year I'll get on a crew again and be bangin nails happily.
Wow. Flat out floored, and you have my heartfelt commiseration.
I've been through the process of folk all ready to go, but AHJ or economic realities standing in the way. Never could quite find the balance for where weeding out the "marginals" and not being the expensive wet blanket, versus having steady, if doomed work.
Wish I had something cogent to share, but I do not.
Sorry to hear about your situation. It's been a tough few years and it doesn't seem to look like it's going to get better anytime soon. I hope that job comes through.
paul... can't find your number... but always happy to talk to youMike Hussein Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
That stinks. Here is some free legal advice: If considering bankruptcy, speak to a good bankruptcy lawyer, not one of the guys who do cheap filings by the dozen. Someone who knows what he's talking about will help you decide if bankruptcy is necessary. It may not be. Usually, it is a last resort and only necessary if the wolves are at the door.
Good luck.
Paul,
Been there............I know right now it looks pretty bleak.
In reality? You may well have been forced into the best decision you could have ever made.
Far too many people ride the bobsled straight to hell.......maybe pride is the cause.
If I recall, you're a pretty smart guy. Work will come your way. With the support of a steady paycheck and benefits it will be much easier to dig out of the hole you're in than it will be fighting an uphill battle against a bad economy, a heavy debt load and no capital.
Bills paid, a few dollars in the bank and an improving economy................you may find that you're in a better position to start over and take advantage of the upturn that will surely come. While those who rode the Bobsled to hell will lose the first two years of the next upturn just trying to become solvent again.
So the client has a local lawyer, right? How about you, the client and the lawyer get together and figure our how to attack the ZBA problem.
If it's like many townships, the ZBA is comprised of volunteer citizens, advised by the town's attorney. These people are all approachable, by one or the other of you who know them as friends, customers and business associates.
So the three of you decide which one of you talks to which member, based on your personal and/or professional relationship with them.
Lobbying this process with that kind of leverage, and the facts about how your life will be altered if they don't move quickly, may get the action you need.
I've had pretty good success on my own, talking with members of my small town's political bodies on a personal level. I can't see why that wouldn't work for you too.
P.S. Small communities generally make for greater empathy about the financial problems of a local business person who has a record of happy clients. I'd make sure that your recent financial problems were a highlight/lowlight of your lobbying effort.
Edited 6/26/2009 11:49 am by Hudson Valley Carpenter
Im rooting for ya Paul!!!
Thanks for all the well wishes...
My attorney is of the opinion that the zoning examiner is just wrong in his interpretation of the regs so I have a call into him to see if he will reconsider his "ruling" without requiring an appeal. Hard to know, I've dealt with him before and he's pleasant enough but very by the book. The interesting thing is that the regs say you may not expand a non conforming structure, which we aren't doing. It makes no mention of expanding a non conforming business WITHIN that structure... maybe semantics but my attorney (who's very good) thinks the guy is just wrong. I'll keep you all posted.PaulB
http://www.makeabettertomorrow.com
http://www.finecontracting.com
paul, you've probably seen on here that i'm a landlord. give this some thought,talk to your landlord and see if you can do some work for him.
i had this same situation come up,cabinet builder for aircraft gets laid off,so i pay him 6 months rent and buy the wood for him. i think it worked for both of us,gave him a little breathing room, and i have some overkill cabinets [wine rack,glass doors..........]in my house.
i will say i wouldn't do this with someone that wasn't a pro though.
YOU ONLY NEED TWO TOOLS IN LIFE - WD-40 AND DUCT TAPE. IF IT DOESN'TMOVE AND SHOULD, USE THE WD-40. IF IT SHOULDN'T MOVE AND DOES, USE THEDUCT TAPE.
Edited 6/26/2009 5:11 pm by alwaysoverbudget
Good thought but... (and I appreciate the suggestion)... let me describe my landlord.
The largest residential landlord in this end of the entire state, last I heard he had around... 2000 units. I've been a tenant for literally 25 years. We were, in better times, rather friendly. Even had dinner together once. He drives a $250K Ferrari, has a private estate on Jupiter Island and calls me (repeatedly) to ask exactly how and when I'm going to get caught up, telling me things are tough for him too. And has said he's not renewing my lease (due in August) if I'm not caught up. I'm not gonna worry about him anymore, my atty says he can jerk him around for a longggggggg time, maybe forever. Like I said, my attorney is good, d*mned good and literally like my older brother so... if it comes to it, frik it.PaulB
http://www.makeabettertomorrow.com
http://www.finecontracting.com
if he has 2000 units,he has a pretty good lawyer too.lol i can't imagineYOU ONLY NEED TWO TOOLS IN LIFE - WD-40 AND DUCT TAPE. IF IT DOESN'TMOVE AND SHOULD, USE THE WD-40. IF IT SHOULDN'T MOVE AND DOES, USE THEDUCT TAPE.
And if his landlord has 2000 units you would think he would have lots of work that could be done to their mutual benefit. Of course his landlord must already have his own people, and there is "the principle" at stake. But given the delays inherent in evictions and the length of the tenancy, etc. and the probably soft rental market, if it was one of my tenants I would try to work out something like you suggested.
Yeah, he has about 8 full time guys. For whatever reason, he seems to be getting ready to play hardball, which is a shame. PaulB
http://www.makeabettertomorrow.com
http://www.finecontracting.com
Sounds like you have a good case to present to the zoning examiner. I hope your project gets the go ahead from all parties and underway pronto.
Have dealt with several zoning and neighborhood commissions. They often will arrange a non-formal meeting outside of the regular once-a-month schedule for this very reason. Nobody wants to be tagged with slowing down progress, especially in this economy.
Get your local city council representative to help also. Don't wait. They're often eager to get involved on issues like this, and many times are an unused resource.
good luck :)
Over? Did you say "over"? Nothing is over until we decide it is! Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?Glad to hear that there may be a light at the end of the tunnel here!Got my fingers crossed for you, amigo.'Man who say it cannot be done should not interrupt man doing it' ~ Chinese proverb
View Image
So, what are you suggesting... that I go to the zoning meeting with my cheeks full of mashed potatoes?
"What am I now?..."PaulB
http://www.makeabettertomorrow.com
http://www.finecontracting.com
Well, you've got to admit, it'd be a zoning meeting that wouldn't soon be forgotten.Particularly if you emphatically pointed out to the chairman that fat, drunk and stupid was no way to go through life.'Man who say it cannot be done should not interrupt man doing it' ~ Chinese proverb
View Image
sorry to see that happen. But, when one door closes .....another one opens......
right?