Harrison Square project hits a home run
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/news/editorial/16732776.htm
Letters
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/news/editorial/letters/16728393.htm
See "Add magnet school to development" and "Stadium opponents not against revitalization"
Do you have any comments or opinions of your own about these pieces?
Monday, February 19, 2007
Local Opinions And Ideas
Posted by scott spaulding at 2/19/2007 08:14:00 AM
Labels: Downtown development, Harrison Square, Opinion
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2 comments:
Wow, Tom Heiny's editorial ranks up there as being one of the most frustrating I have ever read. The biggest reason is probably because he was, in essence, attacking Michael Barranda for his INFORMED editorial.
Tom asked where Michael got his "absurd information." Michael's "absurd information" came from doing research. I wish Tom could read this because he obviously hasn't done his own research.
Michael's "absurd information" is fact, and was a CONSERVATIVE estimate from looking at attendance increases in new ballparks throughout the country. It came from a study that Mr. Heiny obviously has never heard anything about.
I'd hate to retaliate the way he did, but Tom clearly makes the point that he really is the dumb and ignorant one. It seems apparent that Tom is so ignorant that he doesn't know that the new stadium would also include lawn seating and views from the restaurant. I'm also assuming (and this part is MY assumption) that there would be more suites compared to the current stadium. The big part that he is missing though is the lawn seating. I must also point out to Tom that the seats at these games are not going to be the bleachers you sit at in the current stadium. You must also take this quality into consideration as well Mr. Heiny.
So to answer his question as to who is dumb and ignorant, it is clearly him. Know the facts before you go attacking an informed citizen like Mr. Barranda.
Adam,
Thanks for the support. In Tom's defense, the JG significantly edited my letter, which may have made my letter seem less credible.
That Tom was not aware of the relevant statistics further illustrates the problem as a whole. Those supporting the Harrison Square project are fighting a battle on multiple fronts. I would venture to guess that the public (regardless of whether they support the project or not) is not aware of the relevant statistics or potential of the project. The primary battle front is against many of the misinformed who oppose the project for a number concerns that are actually addressed in the proposal: no parking, why baseball?, what good is it for the city as a whole?, etc. That is not to say that there aren’t many informed people out there that oppose the project. There are…a lot.
However, the public perception of the project has been so poor that the proponents haven’t even been able to address the specifics of the project without significant backlash. Hopefully, with enough public support for the project, city officials will be able to have an objective conversation about the proposal. The purpose of my letter and many others (I assume) has been to address negative sentiment surrounding the project.
Unfortunately, I think many of the letters have been criticized for sugar-coating the project without providing factual data. Personally, I believe that is unfair. That is not the battle that we are fighting. As is evidenced by Tom’s comments, much of the public isn’t ready to hear numbers…they wouldn’t believe them if they did hear them. They need to hear that it is a good idea, and they need to hear from the numerous people who think it’s a good idea and why. We’re not going to convince everyone. But that’s ok.
Again, we are fighting the battle against the negative public perception. If city council can come to the table with an open mind, and the city officials’ numbers just don’t add up, then I can live with that.
One final point and I’ll stop with that. It is increasingly frustrating to see and hear from those that are outspoken regarding the numbers battle. I’ll use Councilman Smith as an example, since I’ve spoken with him on the topic. He has consistently stated that Hardball hasn’t invested enough in the baseball stadium itself; which is a reason to oppose the project. That only adds ammunition to the public perception battle. If in fact the numbers don’t add up, how are city officials going to renegotiate when the public support for the project isn’t there? There’s no leverage. That concern is evident in the hotel proposals (or lack thereof). At least one investor stated that public support was a concern for the project’s likelihood of success.
Anyway, thanks for your support. I hope that those who support the project continue to speak up and write to the papers and city council.
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