Posted on 12/25/2009 2:24:17 AM PST by reaganaut1
I’m not saying arenas can’t be built with private money. I’m questioning whether they can be the “draw” the restores downtown areas.
Depends on the city. So far, the Arena District has been a great success for downtown Columbus. 41 Blue Jackets home games, 70 Clippers games and other assorted events in the arena and the new ballpark. 15 years ago that site was the location of the old Ohio Pen; decrepit and certainly not generating any revenue, tax or otherwise.
Boy, do I miss Greg Lashutka.
In my town, now they are asking for 12 million for, among other things,an artificial turf football field. I’m writing a letter to the editor asking why they don’t ask for a retractable dome, and imploring my good neighbors to maintain their excellent voting record. My town, God bless em, votes no on everything. I love it.
So-called “convention centers” are even worse.
Every po-dunk town want’s a “convention center” ... like who is going to have a convention there anyway.
If it is proported to be a profitable venture, then a private developer/owner would do it.
These things almost never make money ... that’s why they rook taxpayers into paying (and paying and paying) for them.
Government should not be in the business of business
IMO, no. They destroy downtown areas.
They are too big and the parking requirements too great. Many cities’ downtowns have been destroyed by stadiums, convention centers, Olympic venues, etc.
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