Monday, November 15, 2004
It's coming, it really is
First base analysis has been done and will be up tonight. Me and the weekend don't lend to putting stuff up here.
In the meantime read this article from the Washington Post:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A49995-2004Nov14_3.html
It's accurate but it only hints at the overall picture. Since the area was already undergoing revitalization and Denver's economy, catching the 90's bull markets, boomed accross the board; it is hard to make out the effect Coors Field had. It seems pretty obvious that the parks that get lauded for reviatlizing downtowns (Coors, Camden Yards, and Jacobs Field) all were opened in the early-mid 90's, when the economy was booming. The numerous ones opened later have seen no economic benefit. And we're supposed to believe this is just a coincidence? Washington's Anacostia district has some minor revitalization going on - but right now the economy is struggling. It's touch and go at best.
Also Coors Field benefited a small area of the city at the expense of everyone in the area (higher sales tax helped pay for the stadium). Yet they only ever talk to the people around the stadium. It's like asking Dad how he felt about that new motorcycle he bought. Surprise, he thinks it's great! But mom is trying to stretch the grocery budget, and little Billy is wondering why he can't get a baseball glove that fits better as Dad tears off down the road, Born to be Wild running through his head. Ask the suburbs of Denver how they felt about funding the baseball stadium, while showing them options of where this boon economy money could have gone. I don't think you'd see all that much support.
Sally Jenkins with a fine piece of writing.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A43902-2004Nov11.html
In the meantime read this article from the Washington Post:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A49995-2004Nov14_3.html
It's accurate but it only hints at the overall picture. Since the area was already undergoing revitalization and Denver's economy, catching the 90's bull markets, boomed accross the board; it is hard to make out the effect Coors Field had. It seems pretty obvious that the parks that get lauded for reviatlizing downtowns (Coors, Camden Yards, and Jacobs Field) all were opened in the early-mid 90's, when the economy was booming. The numerous ones opened later have seen no economic benefit. And we're supposed to believe this is just a coincidence? Washington's Anacostia district has some minor revitalization going on - but right now the economy is struggling. It's touch and go at best.
Also Coors Field benefited a small area of the city at the expense of everyone in the area (higher sales tax helped pay for the stadium). Yet they only ever talk to the people around the stadium. It's like asking Dad how he felt about that new motorcycle he bought. Surprise, he thinks it's great! But mom is trying to stretch the grocery budget, and little Billy is wondering why he can't get a baseball glove that fits better as Dad tears off down the road, Born to be Wild running through his head. Ask the suburbs of Denver how they felt about funding the baseball stadium, while showing them options of where this boon economy money could have gone. I don't think you'd see all that much support.
Sally Jenkins with a fine piece of writing.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A43902-2004Nov11.html
