What do we need?

Thoughts on the previous post.

For those who followed the link in Ed's post, he does indeed say that taxpayers will be contributing to the cost of the center.

The post was written at a a different time, prior to the world being thrown into economic chaos, so I'm not sure what, if any of this, applies any today (the bolding is mine, not Ed's):

Capital and Operating Costs
The question before the Council now is not one of funding---it is a question of changing the designation of Cushing Park.

That said, the cost of construction could be in $5 million area. On going operating costs will be similar to what is spent now, since many of these services are already delivered just in multiple sites.

Obviously, the City doesn't have $5 million tucked under the mattress. Cost of construction will need to be covered by a mix of fundraising, City and State funds (House Speaker Sal Dimasi pledged $600,000 in October 2004 which has recently been reiterated by Senator Baddour). We should also work with our U.S Senators and Congressman Tierney for assistance. If the site designation is changed, yet down the road the City is not in a position to afford this, I will not advocate for the City to put its financial position at risk.

In his current post, Ed suggests the city's figure might be closer to $1 million and $2 million, which sounds much more palatable than $5 million stated in the news article. Ed also points out that Mayor Moak made similar statements at meetings, but this message didn't find its way into the general reporting on the project. I didn't make those meetings so I'll accept part of the blame, but share that with the messenger (the media) and the senders of the message because this crucial point needs to be clear.

Ultimately, I think the city would be wise to compile one long list of capital needs (which I think has or is being done) so voters know exactly what our infrastructure needs are, and how much they'll cost to complete.

I'm talking sidewalks, sewer plants, fire trucks, any school projects (we still have kids in "temporary" class rooms at the Brez, right?) That certainly would make it easier to consider any and all taxi hikes (temporary or otherwise) that might come down the pike.