LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Don't press panic button over arena
The Columbus Dispatch, Saturday, March 20, 2010
choice of words for a headline; the article said nothing about public money, but it did say something about
the Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority and a possible partnership with Ohio State University's
Schottenstein Center. That sounds like great news.
The success of the Arena District is critical to the success of Downtown, and having an anchor tenant for
the arena like the Columbus Blue Jackets is critical to the success of the Arena District. I admit, I am a
huge hockey fan, but I'm also a fan of our city: its people, growth and respect. After all, it's not just
about hockey. Consider the following:
Over the past 10 years, property values in the Arena District have increased 267 percent, the area has
attracted $600 million in investment and 170-plus businesses and 5,500 jobs are now located there.
The district generates $30 million in state and local taxes annually.
Of the 100 events held each year at the arena, one-third are hockey-related and draw 1 million people
annually Downtown.
The arena itself employs an average of 160 full-time and 1,000 part-time employees. So it's clear to see
what we currently receive from the team and arena. But what have we given in return? Nothing. And so, it
makes complete sense if we as a community decide that something is better than nothing and that we can
help the team stay here.
What do we give? Is it taxpayers' money? Not necessarily. I don't think the article was clear about it,
but I can imagine a whole slew of ideas, including bonds or borrowed money to finance the arena's purchase
without imposing a burden on current taxpayers. And if they get their act together and get naming rights,
parking revenues, etc. flowing into the arena, then maybe a solution isn't unrealistic.
Yes, the economy stinks, and my pocketbook is hurting just like everyone else's. But I honestly don't think
the way out of this mess is to push Nationwide Arena and the Blue Jackets into oblivion. That will cause only
more problems for all of us and our pocketbooks.
I waited a long time to see a vibrant Downtown with thousands of people having the opportunity to enjoy
a night out, a Clippers game, a concert at Lifestyle Communities Pavilion and/or a hockey game or other
arena event. I don't want to see deserted streets, closed restaurants, an empty arena and no opportunity.
So instead of raising a panic about taxes, let's wait and see what our leaders actually are suggesting
before we rush to judgment.
SALLY SLOCUM, Worthington
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