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09/28/2005: A new variation on an old scam...
The owners of the Florida Marlins, and their co-conspirators, have come up with a new angle for getting to stick their hands in the public pockets in their quest not to have to build a new stadium with their own money. From the Business of Baseball Report in The Hardball Times:
Marlins Stadium Supporters Take New AngleIn fairness, an interesting concept, and if it's implemented as described here, it'd actually provide some benefit to the local area. But I'm cynical by nature, especially where the privileged are looking to get the public to fund their playtoys; I'll wager that, when push comes to shove (and it will), the storm shelter aspects of the stadium will take second place to the baseball aspects. I'll believe it when I see it, and not before.
Weston, Fla. mayor Eric Hersch is coming to bat for the Florida Marlins in their quest for public financing for a new stadium. His proposal has nothing to do with baseball, and everything to do with the recent hurricanes that have wreaked havoc on the gulf coast.
Hersch’s big idea is to help fund the Marlins’ new stadium, but to also make sure the ballpark has a dual purpose. By building a category 5 hurricane-proof stadium, the facility would be able to double as a shelter in the event of a major hurricane hitting the area. The stadium would be stocked with emergency supplies and generators, and the storm refuge aspects of the stadium would be just as much of a priority as the baseball aspects. While the state legislature hasn’t taken up the matter, the plan makes more sense than falling back on the myth that a new stadium would provide some kind of imaginary economic benefit to the area.
Len on 09.28.05 @ 12:55 PM CST
