Supporters of New Arena Dominate Final Meeting
By: Import User
Updated: April 1, 2008
More than 200 gathered to listen, and many to speak, about the future of Roberts Stadium before the assembled Stadium Advisory Committee on this final night of public comment.
By and large, supporters of new construction outnumbered opponents. Their statements to committee members cited several similar themes, including fostering growth and revitalization downtown, improving quality of life in greater Evansville, and luring convention and concert business to the city.
Opponents say a weak economy, and uncertain funding sources make new construction a dangerous road for the city to travel. One firefighter who addressed the committee referred to recent news coming out of the Evansville Police Department that hiring new officers was delayed amid concerns about government funding in the wake of the states recently passed property tax reform bill.
"I am concerned about spending major tax dollars if the city finances are so uncertain that were unable to fund basic public safety services," he said.
All of the public comments made before the committee and consultant Tom Chema will be considered when Chema drafts his final stadium report, due out April 20.
That document will be used by the committee to guide it as it recommends to the city council and mayor what step to take next.
