Letters
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/news/editorial/17010886.htm
See "Existing stadium needs to be replaced" and "Improving downtown will attract young people"
Stadium deal needs more private money
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/news/editorial/17014155.htm
Monday, April 2, 2007
Local Opinions
Posted by scott spaulding at 4/02/2007 07:48:00 AM
Labels: Opinion
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10 comments:
Thanks, Ed, for some common sense about this issue. Since it looks like the council will not be presented anything now until after the upcoming primary (May 8),can it be used as a "vote" - if you are for the downtown stadium. vote for your parties candidates who are with you and visa-versa? John K.
"It would appear that the Jefferson Pointe “new” property-tax money could be used to help pay for the police and firefighters’ pension deficit."
I don't believe this is true. TIF funds have to stay in the TIF area for redevelopment. I don't think the pension deficit would qualify. (Neither would FWCS renovations for anyone wondering.)
"An architect was contacted, and his report stated that the Memorial Stadium is about 13 years old and is built of reinforced concrete. It was also reported that the stadium is good for another 50 years, except for some improvements, including the roofs, plumbing and seats."
What architect is he referring to? Moake Park. The firm that designed Memorial Stadium to begin with. Of course they will tell us that their design will last 50 years.
I agree that it may be physically sound for another 50 years, but many will admit that the design and location is quickly losing its appeal.
Being only a engineer & not a lawyer, I'm not sure about this - maybe a knowledgable person can comment - I believe that, if excess TIF dollars are collected - more than required to pay off any bonds that were sold for the improvements - then the excess will revert to the general property tax fund - and could then be distributed as per a resolution passed by the controlling governmental entity. John K.
It would be interesting to learn if that is the case. Thanks for bringing it up.
Ed Rousseau killed the Arena in 2000 and now he is back to try again.
Actually, I think the majority of city funding is coming from a past windfall due to the sale of the city's energy production to AEP. The then-mayor placed this funding into a capital fund to be used only for construction that would benefit the city.
I'm in favor of Harrison Square because the multi-functional downtown project will have the potential to spur economic development downtown and throughout the surround area. Projects such as these have worked in other areas, like Oklahoma, where I lived until just one year ago.
Just ask the former 89ers, now the minor league OKC Redhawks. They moved from a stadium like Memorial Stadium into an upgraded brick structure in the renovated Bricktown entertainment district. Where only one restaurant existed, the bricktown area is known for it's lively scene, adjecent to the downtown convention center and hotels. Apartments are springing up in the area and development into the crowded area includes theaters, Bass Pro Shops, shopping, and restaurants. The OKC project even included a man-made riverwalk throughout the district. OKC was once known as a run-down masculine city, now it has surpassed "urbane" Tulsa as the #1 travel destination in the state.
This can work in Fort Wayne too. Our downtown can become an entertainment mecca for the surrounding area. We can supplement our city's rich manufacturing heritage with a premier service industry supplying jobs and revenue into the area. It does take risks, but I believe the payoff will be worth it!
Lacey A.
John K, I am absolutely shocked that two progressives like you and Ed Rousseau agree that we should do nothing and like it.
Chris W.
Chris W. - What's this "do nothing" about? I believe that we are only objecting to the move of the ballpark - not the plans to rebuild downtown. As I have stated, "I am convinced that Dan Carmody has the knowledge and drive to accomplish some of the really progressive ideas he has for our downtown". But, I don't think that the stadium is necessary to do this. John K.
Ed pretty much nailed it...
Mike Sylvester
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