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Tuesday, December 28, 2004 |
Travs On Target For New Stadium In 2007
Two recent stories in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette about the Angels' new stadium for the Travelers. First, this one indicating financier Warren Stephens has purchased 11 acres in North Little Rock near the Arkansas River. The new park will feature nighttime views of Little Rock's skyline, but isn't expected to be ready until 2007. "Ray Winder Field is among the oldest parks in the United States and [Travelers General Manager Bill] Valentine has said it needs at least $5 million to $10 million in renovations."
Second, North Little Rock has earmarked $500,000 for a combined shopping center and ballpark complex. This money will come out of a proposed $63.3M 2005 budget. "The addition amounts to about half of the city’s streets and sidewalks funding for 2004," and as usual, the local pols are crowing about how much money this will bring in:
Shifting the money is "an investment in the city’s future," Hays said, adding that the shopping center could generate $2 million to $3 million an- nually in city sales tax revenue.So the city goes into debt to support a ballpark and a shopping center. Whatever. Unfortunately, Ray Winder Field is somewhat space-constrained to add modern facilities (right field abuts I-630), and there's little room to remove parking lots. Unfortunately, at this level of the game, public financing is very pervasive, and probably no more effective than it is in the majors.... For capital needs not included in the budget, City Alderman Martin Gipson said he wants to propose a bond issue next spring. Possibilities include an $800,000 ladder truck for the Fire Department, $140,000 for the Funland amusement area in Burns Park and renovations to the North Heights Community Center gymnasium and swimming pool.
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