A consultants’ report says the community should focus on six key projects to spur economic development downtown, including the creation of a college/university building and a performing arts center.
A consultant's report solicited by Downtown Greensboro Inc.,
paid for with taxpayer dollars
that recommends taxpayer money be allocated to benefit "Downtown Stakeholders,"
most of whom comprise Downtown Greensboro Inc.
which is funded by the City of Greensboro?
Center city leaders shared the findings with downtown stakeholders Tuesday…“This is the midpoint check-in,” said Ed Wolverton, president and CEO of Downtown Greensboro Inc. “We are looking for affirmation that these are the right projects to advance right now…”
Triad Watch
Monday, May 3, 2010
…A downtown performing arts center has been the subject of at least four studies since the late 1990s and continues to have significant support. “It is the single best project we could do as far as helping the downtown area,” said Rob Johnston, president of Johnston Properties, a commercial real estate development company located in the center city. “This will be a huge amenity. Huge.”
Profit for downtown commercial real estate investors
and “downtown stakeholders”
transferred from money borrowed from taxpayers
to those using taxpayer dollars to lobby for another taxpayer financed venue
that will compete with privatly owned venues
and the Greensboro Colesium?
Other recommendations are:
* Completing the 4.2-mile Downtown Greenway, a $26 million recreational loop around the center city. To date, $13 million has been contributed to the trail.
How much has been/will be “contributed” by taxpayers?
* Continuing to improve streetscapes around downtown…
With money from taxpayers?
“Greensboro should invest in downtown development now so that it emerges from the recession stronger than its peers,” the consultant report said. “A regionally competitive downtown requires significant public support, even in healthy economic times.”
Sound familiar, like the non-independent study for the Aquatic Center etc...?
…downtown leaders will ask the City Council and the Board of Commissioners to adopt the final recommendations.
"Downtown leaders" indirectly funded with taxpayer dollars?
Questions for America
September 30th, 2009
Approval will not commit either group to providing financial support for the projects.
Donald W. Patterson
Greensboro News and Record"
George Hartzman
Melderec Forces Challenged by Conservative Wing of City Council
at Greensboro Partnership Meeting
Guarino
March 23, 2010
Crony Capitalism and Local Developer Roy Carroll
Red Flags on This American Express Incentive Deal
Triad Watch
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
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