Quote:
Originally Posted by Slava
I completely understand that as well. But this isn't entirely private benefit? I think its hard to argue that there aren't other benefits to the new arena/field/restaurant/entertainment district that has been thrown around. Obviously the Flames are going to benefit, but there are a number of other benefits to these projects.
I don't think that it all comes down to use either, and I'm avoiding that conversation purposefully. Thats the argument people use against things like bike paths, parks, and notable projects like the Peace Bridge. "I don't use it, so I don't want to pay for it". I hate that line of reasoning because its purely selfish and in our society we all pay for all kinds of things that we don't use. Get over it.
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But lets get our head out of the clouds while we talk about this stuff.
First, what is the counter-factual? If the city doesn't give away the land or spend money to "revitalize" the area what would otherwise happen? Would the area be redeveloped anyway at a substantially better cost-benefit ratio to the city? Maybe...
Second, what are the benefits of a new stadium and how much is that worth? How much would the average Calgarian be willing to pay for a new arena? Add all that up and then compare it to the foregone revenues to the city and the various costs.
Finally, what benefits would we accrue from the counter-factual? We'd seemingly have more money to spend on other items. Those have benefits too, what are they?
We talk in such platitudes about this type of redevelopment as though there's no alternative scenario and as though there aren't benefits to that too.