Let’s see if I have this right. Taxpayers are to foot the bill to the tune of $80 million for a new baseball stadium that will be designed to hold 6,000 people. We must not plan on a great deal of attendance. Research reveals that during pre-pandemic in 2019, the average attendance was 3,948. Furthermore, under the current proposal if you attend a game, you must pay to park. So, the costs keep stacking up - drip, drip. Who gets this revenue?
Further, the stadium is supposed to catalyze condo development on the river.
How many ordinary citizens can afford a condo on the river? Surveys reveal that most citizens are
not against the Southside development. However, they don’t want their tax dollars to go towards funding a ballpark that will be sparingly used and of no tangible benefit to them. This ballpark outlay is clearly not supported by the majority.
Satirically, put the stadium in Sale Creek at the McDonald farm property - taxpayers have already purchased it. Then take the family for a nice country ride to the ballpark. There will be far less traffic and congestion. The big bonus will be free parking. Then, too, Rhea County residents will come help fill the 6000-seat stadium. Plus, Last account there were no known street gangs in Sale Creek.
Yet, it looks like the city and county governments are saying, "Don't bother me with the facts; we have already made up our minds." Take me out to the ballgame.
Johnny Jones
Hixson