Quote:
Originally Posted by nik-
Paying twice as much as necessary? According to who, Rick Bell? The other bridge that went through all of your desired channels is going to cost the same amount.
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OK - the word "Necessary" was probably the wrong choice. Let's go with "Expected". As for according to who......according to ME. You may not care where your tax money is being spent, but I sure as hell do. So here's my viewpoint, so you're clear on it.
1. There was absolutely ZERO public outcry for a pedestrian bridge at this location. There are bridges ~250, 500 and 1000 meters away from the proposed site.
2. The decision is made to build a pedestrian bridge anyway. Justification for the bridge is not initially given. Later, it's called a 'Tourist attraction' and eventually a 'Memorial/Honor to those in uniform'.
3. Instead of a 'typical' bridge that would run around $10 million, the decision is made to make the bridge a single span, effectively doubling the cost. This decision is primarily made for "Safety" reasons, because some river goers get hung up on the pilings.
So.....not only are we building a bridge that nobody really wanted and that we don't really need, but we're going to spend more money than we have to. (I won't even add in the other stuff about single-sourcing, locking out local talent, etc, etc) All of this takes place in a year where the city runs a $50+ Million deficit and tells us that the taxes are being raised.
I really don't enjoy being angry, but I can't see a single reason why I should feel any other way about this project. I would love for someone to give me a logical reason why I support this construction.
As for the St. Patrick's Island bridge......I still think removing the pilings "For safety" on these bridges is silly, but there's no doubt that a new pedestrian bridge is required in that area as part of the revitalization effort. Add that the the city is essentially paying for it out of it's own coffers, and I don't really care that much (I do, but I don't.....)
One final thought though - what I find funny about the St. Patrick's Island is that since the city is footing the bill for the bridge, ALL of their rules are being followed, and a commonsense approach being taken. Why could this have not happened when they were spending MY money?