Council Schism

Is stadium a downtown savior?
One councilman says public dollars could be better spent elsewhere.
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/news/local/16980915.htm

From the article:

"According to figures agreed upon by Shoaff and city officials, about $42 million in public money earmarked for the project (including interest) could be used for other projects downtown and elsewhere"

"Talarico says it’s misleading to include interest payments in the debate, which increases the percentage of public funds needed for the project. “When you buy a $150,000 house, you don’t talk about a $400,000 house,” he said."

"Greg Leatherman, the city’s assistant director of community development, said developing a concentrated area downtown will spur additional development in ways isolated projects would not. And a baseball stadium, he said, will do that most effectively by drawing thousands of people downtown. If council does not approve Harrison Square, he said, $16 million in tax credits approved by the state for downtown projects could expire by the end of the year."

"In 2004, the estate of Joan Kroc, wife of McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc, rejected the local Salvation Army’s bid for a 51-acre downtown community center that would have included an ice rink, indoor track and field center, pool, performing arts facility and other features."