Funding for Erwin Center Replacement (Houston, Dallas: sale, 2013, crime rate)

[gpurcell]

Wasn't there some issue about CapMetro getting the contract over other applicants because they are Austin's regional transit authority?

[Novacek]

Originally Posted by verybadgnome

“The reality is that Austin has had a free arena for 3 1/2 decades at no investment whatsoever,” Patterson said. “You look at the growth projections five years out, to be a top 25 market in this country and not to have an invested a nickel in an arena is a heck of a position for the city of Austin to be in.

Texas AD Steve Patterson: Taxpayers should help finance new arena | Bevo Beat

So I have to ask is that really a reasonable request from Austin taxpayers, especially in light of the recent medical school proposition? Will they be asking for free/subsidized, central Austin land too?

Looking around local contributions paid for 5% of Kyle field in College Station and 14% of McLane stadium at Baylor.

Also are college arenas really $500M+ these days? Baylor's football stadium cost about half that and holds a lot more people than an arena for basketball, volleyball, concerts, etc.

So where did this 500M number come from?

The statesman was reporting _200M_ just in March.

http://www.bizjournals.com/austin/bl...for-erwin.html

So at some point previously Patterson jumped that to 500M, but the statesman never reported it then?

[gpurcell]

Any land they buy is subsidized simply by virtue of being taken off the tax rolls.

[verybadgnome]

Originally Posted by Novacek

So where did this 500M number come from?

The statesman was reporting _200M_ just in March.

http://www.bizjournals.com/austin/bl...for-erwin.html

So at some point previously Patterson jumped that to 500M, but the statesman never reported it then?

From the link in the first post:

"During a speaking engagement Monday night sponsored by Texas Monthly, Patterson reiterated his belief the city of Austin should shoulder some construction costs. Patterson has previously told the American-Statesman a new arena could cost a $500 million or more."

[Novacek]

Originally Posted by verybadgnome

From the link in the first post:

"During a speaking engagement Monday night sponsored by Texas Monthly, Patterson reiterated his belief the city of Austin should shoulder some construction costs. Patterson has previously told the American-Statesman a new arena could cost a $500 million or more."

Yeah, I know, that's what I mean.


Timeline:

March: Statesman reports a cost of $200M

September: Statesman reports that they had previously been told that it could cost $500M or more.


Isn't that _big news_? Why didn't they (the Statesman) report the change when they were told about it (whenever that was)?

[Dog_Gone]

I say screw Patterson and UT. If UT can leverage enough resources to store away a billion dollars worth of gold. They can certainly fend for themselves and build a stadium without my our help.

[scm53]

As fully expected.

Although it is humorous to see Senator Med School trash others for trying to glom onto the Austin taxpayer's wallet.

[car957]

I am already paying for a $1/2 billion hospital. Today I sat in a lovely meeting where Cap Metro is playing real estate mogel on East 4th and 5th and will let me (taxpayer) help relocate the choo-choo train tracks so they can play developer from IH-35 to Comal on the streets I cited.

We really are starting to turn into the Monaco on the Colorado. Cap Metro as a real estate developer ranks with any politician playing urban planner or highway engineer. Not well my friends.

I have no other opinion other than to vote no other than the 10-1 gig. On that, see the Hallmonitor

Your council candidates are your own selection

[scm53]

Originally Posted by car957

We really are starting to turn into the Monaco on the Colorado. Cap Metro as a real estate developer ranks with any politician playing urban planner or highway engineer. Not well my friends.

This is really simple. In 2000, our population was 640K, budget $1.8B. In 2010, 780K and $2.8B. Population up 21%, budget up 55%. In 2014, population 853K, budget $3.5B. Population up 35%, budget up 94%.

Anyone who thinks those two diverging trend lines are sustainable, feel free to vote for any incumbent member of council, for whatever office they are running for - because they have no indication of bending that budget curve.

[scm53]

Another budget "tidbit":

Austin
Population - 853K, budget $3.5B

Fort Worth
Population - 792K, budget $1.4B

Dallas
Population - 1.25M, budget $2.1B

San Antonio
Population - 1.4 M, budget $2.3B

Houston
Population - 2.2M, budget $4.5B

So, the fourth largest city has the second largest budget. Again, if you think that is sustainable, keep voting the same yahoos in.