I like the idea of the Beavers in Lents. I think it would be good for Lents and East Portland. A project like this, however, is never simple and many things need to be considered.
Via Willamette Week, via Bojack, I read this article from The Nation that criticizes Merritt Paulson's request for $85 million in public funds to build a new stadium for the Beavers and upgrade PGE Park. As you may know, Merritt owns 80% of the Beavers and Timbers. He is also the son of Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, who owns the remaining 20% of these franchises.
The Nation's story asks a serious question, should public money be used for this project given the current economic woes and budget constraints on the city, and given that the owners of the franchise are extremely wealthy?
Tell us what you think?
Related links:
Portland's Paulson Gets Rained On - Willamette Week
Lent's Stadium Ripoff Making National Waves - Bojack
What is Paulson Peddlin'? - Bojack
With the Beavers, Lents Residents (May) Have a Choice - ilovelents
A Few Links Regarding the Potential Stadium - ilovelents (A great collection of links to review the topic, thanks ilovelents!)
Developers, BACK AWAY from the Open Space!
Portland citizens did not site public parks (and schools BTW) for YOUR private development.
Earl -
This is an issue that needs to be kept clear. Of a 38 acre park, the stadium proposal utilizes 13 acres and of that 13 acres, the greater percentage is already covered by a stadium that needs to be replaced. The city would also still own the facilities and earn revenue from them. The stadium also provides a similar function as the current function as an arena for sports and cultural activities. The benefit of developing is that the facility would be greatly improved. So, the loss of open space argument is not as imperative as it would be in the case of a pristine park property.
I'm all for preserving open space, but in the case of Walker Stadium, it's not nearly the same situation as say...the Colwood golfcourse issue.