I do think the numbers need to be tweaked a bit but I am for the use of spending for a couple reasons. I think the city will get their monies worth for the 200M for the field house in a project like this. The big sticking point right now is not know the scope of the costs for the clean up and infrastructure on the WV. I think if that cost is reasonable then it is worth it for the city. This is where I think more information is needed.
I also think that relocating the stamps downtown frees up some very valuable land on the former McMahon site. Although it wouldn't be part of the CRL, I think it would generate a decent chunk of tax revenue (if they decide to develop a portion for residential/commercial) that could help offset the loss of revenue in the CRL area.
I may get flamed for this, but I give the Flames a little more leeway because of the community initiatives they have with the Flames foundation. I think the city as a whole benefits for the work they do within the community. When people talk about civic pride this is one of the pluses that is associated with having a the groups under the umbrella of the CSEC.
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