Quote:
Originally Posted by New Era
Wait, what? One of the biggest negatives from the vocal anti-CalgaryNEXT group has been the cost of improving infrastructure in around the WV site. Now we're talking about vast infrastructure improvements for a single facility, that being a new arena in EV? So it is okay to build new over-passes, train lines, and even a tunnel to get to this new single use facility, but not make much needed improvements to the infrastructure the city has already identified as being a problem? Okay, that makes a lot of sense.
Oh, and we're going to build a new field house on land where the infrastructure is terrible around that area too. The road access and parking in that area is a gong show and you're going to add a substantial facility that will see hundreds to thousands of visitors each day? That doesn't make sense either.
Then again, it certainly beats renovating McMahon Stadium, and trying to bring it up to modern standards. The same road and parking issues that will plague the new field house will also plague McMahon Stadium. The final point of what a failure this concept is, is the local community will still not be accepting of large event concerts. So another goal of this project gets missed.
Very strange that the people that are preaching fiscal conservatism for CalgaryNEXT have some pretty grandiose ideas about spending tax payer dollars to provide upgrades to their preferred location, even thought it addresses very few of the objectives of the larger scale project.
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Or you're putting words in our mouths and painting opponents all with the same brush. My opposition has nothing to do with financial conservatism. I just want the city to spend money on things that will benefit the people (ie. makes the most sense for the city) and has the best ROI. I'd have them get to work on remediation and Bow Trail/Crowchild realignment as soon as they have solidified the long term plan. Even if that plan is simply improving the river corridor, and leaving open pits for future development. Of course, we'd lose whatever revenue we are getting from Greyhound and GSL leases...
I say improve the infrastructure around foothills as part of the construction there too.
Renovating McMahon would be stupid. And the public should not pay for it. The Flames/Stamps need to figure out how to make their operation work.
If the Flames want a free 'hole', I'd be fine with that synergy coming with the green line in that location. Passenger rail is a pipe dream, but perhaps they can at least keep it in mind for an area and keep it to surface parking to maintain flexibility. I am curious what discussion the city has had with Remington about the route of the green line through that area. Perhaps it is more with CPR as the green line will follow their tracks for much of the south leg.
I say spend away on bike lanes, libraries, transit and roads. If private enterprise supports/fits the vision for an area, go ahead and help them, especially where synergies exist.
IMO arena makes sense on or near Stampede. Flames can build CNext where they want it, but if the city agrees with me on optimal location, then their financial support for the project should be minimal.