We’re all enjoying the calm before the storm. We’ve heard the warnings — the city council is going to have to make some deep cuts in order to close the $10-12 million budget gap. They’re trying to plug the gap without raising taxes. That means the cuts will have to be made “with a chainsaw, not a scalpel,” and will be “bloody,” to quote the mayor and another council member.
Yet, at the same time, the council had absolutely no trouble raising taxes to collect $40 million for a private developer. Think about that — they raised the sales tax (granted, for an area restricted to downtown — the so-called “Hospitality Improvement Zone”). They will collect money from that sales tax, and they will hand it over to Gary Matthews, a private citizen and developer, so he can build a huge hotel addition to the Pere Marquette. Matthews will, in turn, give the lion’s share of that money to Al Zuccarini for the properties he owns on the block shared by the Pere.
So, at the same time that the council is talking about cutting police officers, eliminating raises for employees, cutting back on code enforcement and road maintenance, and other draconian cuts in public services, they’re giving $40 million to Gary Matthews for a private development. At the same time the council is unwilling to even consider raising taxes for public services, they had no problem raising taxes to benefit a private development. In fact, they approved that deal with nary any discussion and absolutely no public input!
The council wants concessions from everyone — except in the area of developer welfare. The one area that primarily benefits only a handful of people gets a free pass, while those areas that affect everyone in the city get the axe.
And my question is: Where’s the outrage? Do Peorians really not care? Do they think this is good public policy? Do they really think that we’re spending too much on public services and not enough on developer favors? Or are they uninformed? Do they not know this is happening? Or have they given up? Have they become jaded and numb to fiscal irresponsibility coming out of City Hall?
If this hotel deal were a good business decision, the developer would have already gotten his private financing lined up and started construction. But he hasn’t. He can’t get private financing. And you know what that means? I guarantee you it means this: He’ll be back to the city asking for more money in one form or another. Count on it.
Maybe that will be enough to wake up Peorians and cajole them into expressing outrage to their city council members. Then again, maybe not.
Beat a dog long enough it gets used to being beaten, whether it likes it or not.
Admittedly, I have only been in Peoria for a little over a decade, but this seems to be “Business as Usual”. It is certainly nothing that would excite the interest of the mainstream media. I am not entirely sure what would excite the interest of our unusually phlegmatic mainstream media, actually.
Good comments! You are right, C.J.!
Stuff like this is called “loot the city/school district/ etc.” while money is available, and get it while you can.
If money is on the table, eg available from taxpayers or a powerful organization that wants something for it, no matter how good for the community as a whole, take it.
Our ancestors knew better. You only have to look at the schools, churches and buildings they constructed to see that they cared first about the community.
Not so today. Cheap, fast profits for a few is the rule, and we tear down the past so as not to be reminded of it and shamed by it.
A couple people I know tried to get the author of this blog post to run for 2nd District council seat. :0)
I don’t like any kind of corporate welfare. I personally don’t believe the businesses should pay much in taxes because that helps create incentives for jobs in the area, but giving taxpayer subsidized loans and grants and subsidies to businesses won’t work long term.
But it’s the way we have it right now–other than running for council, CJ, what do you think can be done? You want to organize a public protest? I’ll be glad to attend and speak at if you want.
It *should* change, but most people probably don’t care enough, and some people think this is the way cities should run things, and vote accordingly.
Everything wrong with Peoria is because of District 150, don’t ya know?
There will be a District-Watch meeting at Godfather’s at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 6.
The lack of outrage is definitely amazing. Everything the City is doing should matter to the same people who would organize and attend a District-Watch meeting.
As the school district goes, so goes the city. Sad, but true.
Peorians have been voting with their feet for years – ask the folks in Dunlap, Chillicothe, Washington, Morton, Germantown, et. al. The people that are left in Peoria have abused-spouse syndrome, they love the place so much they accept the beatings as part of the deal. Or, maybe, like peoriafan, they know the peoria establishment is always right and us peasants should just shut up and enjoy after all, It’s better here.
Until cuts hit the streets like , no police show up for calls, fires is not put out, streets not swept or plowed people will not “rise up”, we as a country are reaction oriented and soon forget. But when the cuts hit the streets it will be to late. Yet we might have a new private hotel downtown. It all bolis down to wants and needs. We need basic city services first.
I think there is a sense that the economic troubles are going to just bounce back in 2010 or 2011 and we will all be back where we were in 2007. Lay off a few officers now but they will be back in the saddle again soon enough.
The Governor of Indiana doesn’t think so. He argues that revenue streams for states (and it would seem to apply to cities too) will remain depressed for years to come.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204731804574390603114939642.html
You are absolutely correct, CJ. It is something the City cannot afford to do. I will be asking the Council to walk away from this. I will also say that it is way to easy to sit back and do nothing, citing “business as usual,” but it is not the right way to do things. I continue to encourage everyone to 1) cultivate an informed opinion on issues and event that affect you and 2) make your views known to your elected leaders.
Great post, but be careful! Any minute now you will be accused of whining, or being someone with another axe to grind, or worse…someone who would rather complain than act!
James is correct, people need to ACT! Get out and make a difference! Speak up and be heard! Because nothing [almost nothing] ever gets done in Peoria, or gets done right, it would appear on the outside that the people of Peoria [area] would be content with just…………….’bitching,’ rather than spending their time, money, etc shaking up the foundation.
We know that it would take a Herculean effort to dislodge the established hierarchy in Peoria City/County. When it is over and done, how many people take the old addage “You can’t fight City Hall,” seriously?
I am sure Suds O. Nym will crucify me for this, but the museum is just ONE example of the problems we the little people face around here. YES! I know we had a ‘vote.’ But get real folks. Even people who once supported the project are beginning to wonder just what the hell they were supporting! We ALL know it was/is a sham.
Emerge said it best. Those SAME people that meet (Godfather’s Pizza) and dis the school district should be just as concerned with city policy. It is after all city polices over the years that have locked and strapped the District what with TIFs that failed to produce a dime (Mid-Town) and tax incentives to developers all the while ignoring the school’s money problems.
Why? Well because some of the movers and shakers bitching about the schools have spouses that have something to gain from handing developers money.
Emtronics, of course, there are others like myself that live in West Peoria–not Peoria–so we have no voice in city of Peoria government. However, every chance I get I mention to West Peorians that they allow 150 to do as they please–and never complain. Actually, most have solved the problem by putting their kids in private schools–so they really don’t care. That is also true in Peoria–those with the money to do so have taken their kids out of 150 schools, so they don’t care either.
did I hear someone mention my name?
Sharon: if “most” have put their kids in private school then why isn’t the enrollment at N.D. up considerably? It isn’t! I would challenge any City council person, or the Mayor, who voted for the hotel deal with Mathews, to come forward in this blog and state the reasons why, backed up by facts.
CJ, your post is essentially a repetition of numerous previous posts on the same topic. You added nothing new to the oft-cited circumstances mentioned before. The outrage isn’t there because many Peorians, including myself, don’t have a problem with this. This is how major capital projects get done. This is how an enlightened city positions itself to have major facilities for meetings & events. These projects prompt spending by both residents and visitors alike that supports business in our community. This is economic development 101 and it is good public policy.
The very fact that you and many fellow bloggers continue to question whether the Civic Center, the ballpark, the museum or you-name-it should ever have been undertaken at all evidences some very banal reasoning.
Wacko–Is ND the only private school in Peoria? Check out Peoria Christian and for primary and middle school–Peoria Academy, etc. Of course, most who are truly unhappy with 150 have left for all the commnities around Peoria that are going by leaps and bounds–Dunlap outgrowing all their schools. Last year I did do a study for the West Peoria News as to where West Peoria kids go to school, instead of Peoria. St. Mark’s and ND is high on the list for West Peorians.
I would have to agree with Steve J. This investment seems to make sense. Downtown is dead! This is a much needed shot in the arm and will atrract more convention business, as well as, cause new restaurants and bars to emerge surrounding the development. Peoria needs a first rate major hotel chain. Of course, this is only a good deal for the City if this developer, otherwise has the means to get the job done. I was not aware Matthews was having difficulty securing his share of the financing.
I agree, C.J., that other finanical support provided by the City for projects in the past should have never happened. That is because there simply wasn’t enough bang for the buck in it for the City, not because the City should not entice and aid developers. The now dead development with the CUB store on Knoxville was questionable from the start and yet the City forged ahead anyway. By the way, is some party using the CUB building now? The parking lot is always filled with cars???
Wacko – ND is not up because there are now other viable options in surrounding areas. Dunlap is up and continues to grow each year. There are many Catholic families that simply have chosen to spend more on housing and get out of town, rather than pay tuition at ND.
I heard that OSF is using the CUB parking lot – shuttling employees.
Look back at how the deal was structured. The development had huge fees built in the front end of the deal with little developer ownership and risk that is why the private investors/private financing have not come forward. From the first news of this development, financing was always promised to be announced “in the near future”.
Look at developments that this developer has been involved with in the past, they all have the same characteristics – very little of his own money and heavy public support. We have had the Civic Center for close to 30 years and I think that it is a great addition to our community. Maybe a bigger more modern hotel would allow it to grow into more of a regional draw but that should either be a total private or a totally public venture, not a heavily public supported, developer get rich and out quick and leave the risk to the citizens venture.
I brought up this very issue during the campaign CJ and no one thought it important enough to deal with then. You can state all you want about my issues of not being able to hold the office but that was not the issue at hand. As a matter of fact, none of you wanted to debate the issues and where Ardis and I stood on them. I saw this coming then but no one wanted to talk about it. Now look where we are.
You endorsed Ardis CJ. Knowing full well he backed the hotel and the museum. You didn’t have to endorse either of us and it would still have sent a message to Ardis as I was trying to do.
Where was your outrage then? Why didn’t you let them know that you weren’t taking anymore of what they were handing out? Instead, you said (by your actions) I know you’re backing this hotel deal and I know you are behind this museum deal and they both are private projects (a service our tax dollars weren’t meant to suppport) that we will all pay for but I’m going to vote for/endorse you anyway! Now they are cutting basic public services, the ones are taxes were supposed to support in the first place.
What you did was the very reason why council believes they can do what they want and the people will just accept it.
General–glad you’re expressing yourself–you should do it more often–I assume you’re still reading and letting Rachel know about all my rantings. 🙂
Steve J.,
Banal reasoning? Remember the ‘Turn the lights off’ stickers back in the 80s? Still waiting to see Peoria REALLY take off!!! How long is this going to take exactly? Same simple minded people in charge of Peoria back in the 80s, are still in charge.
Are you telling me a museum will change all that? Civic Center was/is a great idea. Now, if we could only find someone to manage it properly.
Last: How exactly has the Gateway Building, Riverplex, etc really added to the economic welfare of Peoria?
I am sure most people who post here have no problem with the city spending money, but before we spend MORE money on crap like a museum, lets fix what’s broken [schools, budget, etc], then decide on a number of projects that will actually make money instead of become another burden on the taxpayers.
All we heard when they built the Civic Center and the ballpark how many new downtown restaurants and bars there would be. That these facilities would bring new life to down town.
Ummm….where are these restaurants and bars? I bet there are FEWER now than when these two were built. Someone is expecting me to believe (once again for the ???? time) that if we build it they will come? The song and dance is the same and it is getting old. Just another bill of goods being sold (or force fed)…..
Steve J said:
It was worth repeating.
Yeah, that’s what worries me.
That’s beautiful, Steve. It sounds so wonderful, I forgot for a second how unsuccessful that theory has been. I mean, considering the significant “economic development” we’ve pumped into downtown (Civic Center, Riverfront Village, Gateway Building, RiverPlex, Museum Block), don’t you think your theory would have provided the city with a net gain at some point in the past 20-30 years? Where’s all the peripheral development around the Civic Center? When was the last time the Civic Center turned a profit? Or the Gateway building? Where are all the businesses lining up to get into Riverfront Village? Why can’t a restaurant stay in business either in the River Station or across the street from the Civic Center? Why are there so many vacancies downtown? Why, given all the great economic stimulus downtown, did the city decide no one would ever want to develop the Sears block, so they might as well give it away (to the museum)? Why can’t the developer of the Marriott get private financing, if this is such a fundamental money-maker? Don’t banks understand “economic development 101”?
Banal? Maybe. But not incorrect.
Frustrated says:
I thought the $55 million we spent on expanding the Civic Center was supposed to do that.
General Parker says:
Huh? This came up in all the council races. What do you mean “no one thought it important enough to deal with then”?
A valid criticism. The better option would have been not to endorse either of you.
Not a valid criticism. I didn’t endorse everyone on the council.
So, C.J., what is your suggestion for making Peoria more hip and happening??
My husband and I used to love to go to the Grill after a BU game for a quick drink and then home to the babysitter. Before that, we loved the open air atmosphere of Tonsor’s Oyster Pub (probably pre-dates you). When Bud Grieves used to own the Julia Belle, there was a bar area and lots of tables on the grass out front with music and that was a good time (really pre-dates you).
I find Peoria just really dull, with the exception of Peoria Heights. We, like I believe many others leave town and head to Chicago these days for shopping and entertainment.
I just wish it could be different.
Frustrated,
I’m going to give CJ a hand on this one (whether he wants my help or not). First, go ask Mike Sullivan (of Sullivans in the Heights) which city he would rather do business in…Peoria or the Heights. I started a restaurant in this Peoria…the hoops onr has to jump through are unreal and if starting any other business in this city has to go through similiar headaches, it is easy to see why businesses won’t open here. I’ll never do it again.
Next, you kind of answered your own question. How often did you go support The Grill when there wasn’t a BU game? I worked at Lindsays for awhile. The place was pretty slow most of the time, but when an event hit like the theater or some concerts, the place was jammed. But these places can’t live on downtown events alone.
Which brings me to my point. No one wants to live or go downtown or the riverfront as there isn’t anything to do. Developers and businesses won’t invest their money in these places because no one wants to come downtown or to the riverfront. It is a Catch 22. The best thing they could have done with the Sears Block would have been to develop both residential and commercial at rents/leases that normal people could afford (not like the prices of 401 Water). With the $$ the city has/is throwing at the museum and hotel, they could have subsidized a project like this for a few years to get the ball rolling. The other thing that is hard about the riverfront is that it a 6-7 month a year attraction…it isn’t like Savannah GA riverfront that is vibrant year around.
CJ…
East Peoria just had a “dirt moving” groundbreaking for their downtown 2010 project. Are officials in the city of 20-some thousand doing something totally right while Peoria is doing everything wrong in lining a major development project up? I hear no one commenting with civic concern about EP on this blog. I mean, come on, EP is plannnig to erect a whole downtown from scratch. How many cities in the U-S are doing that? What’s their secret? The Embassy Suites there was the top performing hotel in their system in 2008, according to their owner John Q. Hammons. They seemed to build this hotel-convention center without much criticism. I understand and many times see the points you and “some” of your responders bring up about the things that are wrong with Peoria. You have to admit, however, some of your commenters would find fault with anything Peoria tries to do, even if Ghandi was Mayor and mother Theresa was City Manager. I do understand there are many obvious differing dynamics between Peoria and East Peoria, but aren’t mechanisms much the same between public and private funding for development anywhere in the US nowadays? Observing the variety of input it on your blog, Peoria “doesn’t get it”, while EP, the Heights, Mapleton, Toulon, etc. “gets it”. I guess I don’t “get it” either(I do live in Peoria, so I guess that’s why I’m clueless, right?)
Outsidethebox,
Waiting to hear back from Steve J. Should be an interesting response.
I find that no matter what the media source: Peoria Chronicle, Peoria Journal Star-Op Eds, etc, the minute ANYONE levels a ‘complaint or criticism of any kind, they are almost always accused of whining, or being someone with another axe to grind, or worse…someone who would rather complain than act [see my earlier post]!
Most of the people who blog here have lived in Peoria for a long time, and continue to live, work, go to school in the Peoria area. If their attitude towards Peoria was as bad as you and others [Steve J?] seem to think, I do not believe they would continue to be so passionate about Peoria and what goes on in their city.
I would be more than willing to let Gandhi take a shot at being Peoria Mayor. Put Mother Theresa in charge of cleaning up District 150.
Correct me if I’m wrong [and I never am], but didn’t Peoria have a shot at keeping the Embassy Suites on their side of the river?
Bud Grieves? I heard he’s been trying to scratch the funds together to purchase a HOOTERS franchise.
Chef Kevin: I understand what your saying in some regards and agree. I just commented as I frequented Sullivan’s many times this Summer (which was always busy), that Mike had finally thrown in the towel and took his “business” elsewhere, after trying to revive the downtown against much resistance from the City. Looks like things are working out for him.
I, for one, would prefer going downtown for my entertainment. I’m not interested in going out to the Olive Garden for a big night!! I support downtown businesses as much as my budget will allow. I went to the Rhythm Kitchen the other day and the place was hopping, as was the little place on the end of the block beyond Kelleher’s (can’t remember the name of the place), which I ate at the week before.
I disagree with New Voice. There are many that live in Peoria that are dissatisifed with what it offers, but for economic and family reason, nevertheless stay.
Frustrated,
You can’t disagree with something I did not say…..
I wrote last post: “Most of the people who blog here have lived in Peoria for a long time, and continue to live, work, go to school in the Peoria area. If their attitude towards Peoria was as bad as you and others [Steve J?] seem to think, I do not believe they would continue to be so passionate about Peoria and what goes on in their city…….”
I NEVER wrote that people are COMPLETELY dissatisfied with what Peoria has to offer. I believe Peoria has a great deal to offer, as do many others.
True, there are many who stay in Peoria for economic and family reasons, but there are just as many who are leaving for the same reasons!
No getting around it.
Peoria has all the potential in the world. The people who run Peoria obviously do not.
I think he just meant on a matter of principle, he finds you disagreeable. As do most of us. ;^D
Well…if that is what [she?] really meant………………..
O.K.
Gandhi and Mother Teresa — in charge — sounds awesome! 🙂
Their hearts were at peace rather than the many hearts of war we experience in our fair city of Peoria. That type of leadership would be able to accomplish more than at present.
Mother Teresa:
I was once asked why I don’t participate in anti-war demonstrations. I said that I will never do that, but as soon as you have a pro-peace rally, I’ll be there.
It is easy to love the people far away. It is not always easy to love those close to us. It is easier to give a cup of rice to relieve hunger than to relieve the loneliness and pain of someone unloved in our own home. Bring love into your home for this is where our love for each other must start.
Let us not be satisfied with just giving money. Money is not enough, money can be got, but they need your hearts to love them. So, spread your love everywhere you go.
****************
Peorians are tired and exhausted of being held at bay — not included at the table. WE are ALL stakeholders! Even if it is only the perception that we are not included we cannot accomplish much that results in positive change.
CJ responded that we would have seen some progress over the last 20-30 years based on the 101 theory —- I agree.
Us vs. them just doesn’t work because us is them and vice versa. We are all in this city together and until we stop round in circles — we will just remain stuck or regrettably further behind.
If nothing changes nothing changes.
This entire problem can be solved by promoting Lt. Dunnigan to police chief to avoid more payouts to him for his pending federal lawsuits for discrimination.
I’m certain he’d agree with that and drop those suits.
off topic – please forgive – Over a thousand Pelicans flying south toward Peoria along river near Mossville so get out and watch! It is an amazing sight.
There certainly are issues with attracting folks downtown, but we have a robust central business district & riverfront compared many other burgs our size. Riverfront Village is fully occupied, yet Old Chicago hangs in there only because its Grand Prairie location has double the patronage & allows the riverfront to remain open. It’s absolutely true that River Station has been a death knell for restauranteurs, but that’s been the case for high-end dining everywhere in this economy (nobody has jumped in to occupy VOP’s at Junction City & the joint is about to be demolished).
Nonetheless, the foot traffic & tourism on our riverfront is impressive, especially on good-weather weekends, and even segway operators have recognized the area’s popularity (they don’t locate everywhere). The office building proposed by Riverfront Village’s developer will have to await an economic rebound.
The Gateway Building was a fine idea, but the design was ill-conceived because the place was not equipped with a kitchen, thus mandating outside catering. That’s why it loses money.
What’s the gripe with Riverplex? Its membership exceeds 6000, virtually all of whom are intensively loyal to the place. Is there some higher & better use you had in mind for the property?
Tell me exactly how the Civic Center is not managed well. SMG is a standout firm at running operations like that. The people who run it here know their business. And I can name one venture that did pop up because of the civic center. It’s the hotel nobody ever thinks of, but is full 90% of the time, Staybridge Suites across Kumpf from the complex.
O’Brien Field isn’t a municipal venture at all. It’s owned by the Chiefs, and those poor folks have a monthly mortgage payment on the joint. Most other minor league cities invest public money in their stadia, but we didn’t.
Sure, we’d all love it if a mini Wrigleyville sprouted up around all of this. But the critical mass has to be there, and right now it ain’t. That’s why private investment in warehouse district residential/commercial conversions, along with the TIF there to give developers a fighting chance, is so important.
Since when are Peorians (even blogger Peorians) “held at bay?” You want to influence policy, get on a board, get to know the people who shape the business community & spearhead these projects. Break out of the “basic services” mantra that looks askance at every visionary idea.
I agree with Steve J.
“Tell me exactly how the Civic Center is not managed well.”
WHAT?? Tell me how many years their books have been in the black without the HRA tax support since it was built 25+ years ago. One, two? Any privately owned business would have been bankrupt and shuttered long ago. All that tax revenue could be going to fix roads and hiring more police (or museums and hotels if you deem that more important).
Steve J says:
How does our $10-12 million deficit compare to other burgs our size?
Only because Heartland Partnership moved into the former Damon’s, which sat vacant for several years. And this wasn’t a net gain for the city. They just filled one vacancy while creating another elsewhere downtown.
That’s two out of three restaurants not profitable at Riverfront Village.
And future office space also can’t be filled… maybe because there’s plenty of office space available downtown and we don’t need to build more?
Right, because the River Station just failed this year for the first time ever. It’s all the current economy’s fault.
Where is Segway located? I’d like to visit their store.
Wait, I thought it was “visionary.” They didn’t envision the need for a kitchen?
You mean besides the fact that it uses tax dollars from private health clubs to compete with those private health clubs?
Something that pays property taxes would be nice.
You mean besides the fact that it isn’t profitable?
How many millions did the City give to Staybridge?
Thank goodness! I think $10-12 million deficits are deep enough, thanks. And what’s wrong with private ventures being financed with private money? You act like that’s such a weird concept.
The thing that warehouse district developers want right now is improved infrastructure — specifically, improvements to Washington street: narrowing the travel lanes, adding on-street parking, and widening the sidewalks so that any private development they do will be successful. Unfortunately, the city is running short of money to take care of those public infrastructure needs because they’re busy putting their money into private developers’ hands for so-called “visionary” projects that lose money and contribute to our deficit.
Here’s a visionary idea: If we’re going to have the highest property taxes and the highest sales taxes in the tri-county area anyway, could we also have the best public services as well? Imagine the impact that could have on private investment.
peoriafan said: “I agree with Steve J.”
No way! I suppose you also expect me to believe the Pope is Catholic.
Wait a minute!!!! I think I see where Steve J.and peoriafan are coming from! If we spend our tax dollars and time developing useless business ventures, Peoria’s real problems will eventually fix themselves [like Steve J.’s economy].
I noticed Steve left the museum off his list?
Steve, I am sorry, but your ‘logic’ makes me think you have something far more to gain in all of this besides making Peoria a a vibrant community.
Steve J.
“Foot traffic and tourism!”
Are you referring to all those ‘out-of staters’ I see walking the riverfront everyday…wearing ‘I Love Peoria’ t-shirts, buying up Peoria postcards, etc? Well, I am sure all that will change when the new [tax supported] museum gets here. People from all over the Midwest will be cruising in by the bus load. I can’t wait to give that damned gambling boat a run for their money [no pun intended]!
Gotta go…………I’m supposed to meet Bud Grieves at Hooters for a ‘brewski’ by noon [pun intended].
[scratching head] hmmmm… The Pope IS Catholic… and peoriafan IS Steve J.
I GOT IT! That is very sneaking posting that you agree with yourself… we usually presume that one does. Is that a new experience for you?
It’s nice to be loved! In no particular order…
Convention centers don’t make money! They operate at a deficit in order to bring incremental spending into the community. That’s the case with McCormick Place in Chicago, the George R Brown Convention Center in Houston and even Las Vegas’ publicly built convention center. As Casey Stengel said, “You can look it up.” And in enlightened communities, people are okay with that!
To reassure New Voice, I have absolutely no affiliation with any developer. Is there something more sinister you had in mind?
I don’t understand CJ’s comment (“where is their store?”) ref segway operators. I may be misspelling the word, but I’m viewing it as a concept, one that appears to be flourishing to some degree on our riverfront and hence may be an indicator of its overall health.
CJ, how are you linking my comment ref a reasonably robust downtown with the city’s $10-12 million deficit? That deficit encompasses a lot of components. You’re nailing my views with a lot of sarcasm that is not relational. Another example of that is the Gateway Building. Yes, there was a critical error made in not installing a kitchen there. And you’ve never made a mistake?
As for the museum, one potential new operator of the River Station property has stated (as quoted in PJStar) that reinstatement of the building as a restaurant should await completion of the museum project. Sounds like an endorsement to me.
Separately, I’m only 3 years in Peoria & hence don’t know the history of the Staybridge Suites property. I’d like to hear more about it.
And a happy labor day to all. Good to see CJ hyping the parade, maybe he’s not a Grinch after all….
Steve J.
“Convention centers don’t make money! They operate at a deficit in order to bring incremental spending into the community.”
That is what Civic Center, Gateway, ballpark, Riverplex, etc was SUPPOSED to do. Now you are saying we need a multi-million dollar, tax supported, sub-par museum to complete the puzzle? A River Station endorsement?!?!? Are you privy to some insider info the rest of Peoria is not?
Most of the businesses outside of Peo City limits are beginning to wonder how yet ANOTHER sales tax is going to help them. They ask the simple question: how is a museum located in downtown Peoria going to help my ‘mom and pop shop’ way over here in Chillicothe? Limestone? Mossville? Get it?
This is another project promoted soley by the movers and shakers of Peoria City.
P.S. You have yet to counter C.J.s points……………….
Steve J says:
Assuming your statement is true for the sake of argument, where is the incremental spending the Civic Center has brought into the community?
My point was that there’s not enough going on down at the riverfront to sustain a brick-and-mortar business. Pointing to Segway rentals as an indicator of good health is not tenable when you ignore larger indicators of poor health (failure of Riverfront Village or the River Station to attract and sustain restaurant or retail business).
My comment about the deficit was linked to your implication that enlightened cities pay for ballparks. If the city were to have bonded out to help pay for the ballpark (direct subsidy), it would have added to the city’s debt service (currently at $18+ million annually) without sufficiently increasing revenue. Hence, we would have a bigger deficit.
It’s just a rhetorical device; no offense intended. Besides, it helps keep my comments from being “banal.”
Not one that cost that much money, no.
I presume you mean this article:
That’s an endorsement of the museum? Sounds to me like he’s not too sure even the museum is going to help. Back to Steve J’s comments:
The developer bought the land from the city for $469,945 in 1999 (the city acquired the land as part of its Southtown “urban renewal” policy a couple decades earlier). The project is part of the Southtown TIF.
Nope, not a Grinch. Just a Who down in Whoville, still waiting for that promised Christmas of “incremental spending” to come from all this “enlightened” development.