Quote:
Originally Posted by chummer
Everything has looked liked trash for you.
You've got an axe to grind, that's for sure.
|
I didn't realize being ultra critical of a very important piece of civic infrastructure was a crime. Maybe I care too much about this city and the facilities within it. I have high expectations of the city I was born in and only want the best for it. I have praised and find lots of the architecture of this city to be impressive (library, BMO expansion, Telus Sky, The Bow, etc). I'm not the only person who dislikes the arena. You will find many others who are just as critical as myself.
I will admit I do have an axe to grind with the Flames ownership. If this were 100% privately paid for and built I would not even say a word. They could build whatever they want. The fact it is being subsidized by the public allows it to be open to scrutiny. I don't have a problem with public money going towards an arena. I do have a problem with the Flames ownership and how they conduct business.
I have an issue with ownership sticking their nose in municipal politics over the years. I don't like how they have conducted business regarding the arena over the past decade. What does it say when the majority owner of the team has fled the city but wants taxpayer money? I still can't believe they came up with that embarrassing Calgary Next idea.
I have a major problem with the Flames demanding CMLC be dropped as the project manager. I also have a problem with the Flames managing the project themselves and getting first dibs on developing some of the surrounding land when they have zero experience in city building or development. We all know ownership is cheap and that the probability of cost cutting and value engineering the arena is extremely high.
I'm also disappointed the arena is not containing a public community rink like Edmonton. What makes it worse is that a parkade is being attached directly to the arena where that community rink could have been built. I can't think of any other arenas that have an above grade parkade attached to them. Why couldn't the team build an underground parkade or a new one across the street in some of the adjacent land?
Design is subjective so there is no arguing over the appearance of the building. I think the pedestrian realm will be much improved and I look forward to walking down Olympic Avenue after this is built. I do really like the West side of the arena and think it looks simple but classy. The rest is a mess of materials in my opinion. I think the designers had some of the right ideas but have failed in their execution due to either cost or following what the Flames want. I still maintain if the parkade was scrapped (along with the potential secondary rink) they would have had a lot more room and even more money to enhance the actual arena. After looking at the plans I can't help but feel the parkade is taking up a massive amount of space that could have been better utilized either in concourse sizing or arena layout. The design seems hemmed in due to the undersized lot and lack of space.
These are my final thoughts on the arena. It's approved and ready to go. I hope I'm wrong and this turns out amazing. I want this city to have an excellent arena. I will happily eat crow if this turns out better than expected. I only hope that those who are criticizing me will admit they were wrong if the arena comes out flawed or value engineered.