Quote:
Originally Posted by Manhattanboy
I get the arguments against for sure in terms of the allocation of public dollars.
But this is a huge project for the City and downtown (and beyond) businesses.
To create and maintain a growing and vibrant City and community you (we - the public) have to make these kinds of investments.
Its not to understate the importance of health care, education etc.
There needs to be a balance - that's what government does.
Or do nothing along these lines and the City treads sideways, even downwards.
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I think the biggest gripe isn't that the city is putting money into it. It is how much more CSEC is taking advantage of the city and provincial governments against a backdrop where people are struggling and there is a legitimate housing crisis. CSEC goes from paying 50% of the constructions costs to almost nothing and doesn't look like they will recapture any revenue. It went from about as a fair of a deal as I expected to a complete capitulation to a private entity.
The benefits of an arena 'revitalizing' the area around the dome are also completely overstated in my opinion. I have travelled to a lot of places and never once was arena district a draw outside of going to game. The ICE district is still pretty dead outside Oilers games when I have visited. Even if the magical happens and it does become the go to spot then businesses in Inglewood, 17th, and Kensington will suffer. There is only so much entertainment spending to go around.
There should be balance in the deal and this is looking completely one sided.