While his career as the world's most obnoxious celebrity has been on the decline for some time, Donald Trump has apparently been (gasp!) trying to do an actual real estate development deal in Scotland.
His plans for a $2.08 billion luxury golf resort in Scotland have been derailed, at least for now, by a town council meeting that opposed his plans. According (subscription required) to the Wall Street Journal:
"The plans included two golf courses surrounded by a five-star hotel, 950 time-share condominiums and luxury residences to be built on 1,400 acres of dunes and grass on the North Sea, about 10 minutes north of Aberdeen. But many locals rejected the project, saying it would be an eyesore on a stretch of unspoiled coastline ...
The plans were also criticized by national conservation and animal-protection agencies, which claimed they would hurt an area designated a "site of special scientific interest" by the British government, which gave it some legal protection from development.
Sweet. So having worn out his welcome in the United States, as evidenced by the lukewarm reception to his latest book (which should have been titled How to Lose Friends and Alienate People), Trump is now inflicting himself on the people of Scotland. What have they done to deserve Donald Trump?
Besides inventing haggis, I mean.
Why isn't Bank of America updating its shareholders on CEO situation?
Before the bell: Futures sharply lower on Dubai's debt problems
Will Rich Ross really have a positive impact on Disney's movie operations?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
12-04-2007 @ 6:50PM
Nurizeko said...
As a local, I can tell you the answer right now, we've done nothing, except live in a part of the world thats not entirely beholden to theme parks and commercial gimmicks.
God forbid, many of us actually enjoy the great outdoors for what it is rather then what can be built on it.
12-05-2007 @ 11:16PM
ss said...
I live in Fresno, California. Maybe our city council and local residents should read this. We need better development West of 99, but not at the cost of family homes and long time local businesses. Trump is planning to build this golf club in the middle of one of the poorest communities in Fresno. The improvements would only benefit his investors not our south city residents! Solid long life businesses, good interfracture and decent middle class homes would do the area far better good. Serve the community not Trump. Be smart Fresno say NO to Trumpville!
12-10-2007 @ 1:18AM
Bob Boland said...
Good for the locals in Scotland who stood up to this greedy jerk. Donald Trump doesn't need any more money. The problem with developers is they see land as a way to get rich. They don't take into consideration the effects on the land, water, wildlife and heritage.
We are fighting a proposed coal-fired generating plant now in Great Falls, Mt. The developer and local politicians keep telling us how it will be " good for the economy ". I'm tired of hearing that old cliche.
There used to be a bumper sticker here that read " Save Montana, Shoot a Developer."
I'm thinking about getting some more printed up.
Bob