More Questions Than Answers

Although the EVCB has declared several times that they believe they have addressed issues pertaining to the ball field complex, I'm left with more questions than there have been answers to. Here are some of my questions that I would like to have answered by the Evansville Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Mayor's office, as well as the Evansville Parks Board...

In regards to Roberts Stadium

- Why has there been no time period set aside to listen to offers and proposals for Roberts Stadium?

- Did the Jehovah Witness' ever offer to purchase Roberts Stadium? If so, why wasn't it sold there on the spot?

- Why did the city decide not to build an indoor water park inside Roberts Stadium after conducting a study that concluded it could work?

- It is estimated that mothballing Roberts Stadium would cost $390,000 a year. Where is a balance sheet breaking down these maintenance costs?

- Do you honestly believe that there are no proposals that offset $390,000 a year?

- Have all of the Tri-State Home Show, Hadi Shrine Circus, and Monster Truck rallies, as well as all other Roberts Stadium events committed to moving into the new downtown arena?

In regards to financing

- Why is this project dependent on qualifying for "Recovery Zone" interest rates when there is nothing in the Wesselman Woods area that is dilapidated?

- If this project is going to pull $18 million away from the hotel/motel tax, where is the extra funding for the Executive Inn's replacement going to come from?

- Will there be any more tourist funds left over to re-dig the Wabash & Erie Canal ( OKC invested $20 million and got back $110 million), build a downtown ballpark, and/or implement any other projects on the riverfront?

In regards to the ballfields themselves

- Do you honestly believe that the Roberts Stadium lot is a better location than the Bosse Field/Garvin Park lot where "Recovery Zone" funds would stand a better chance, the historic baseball image is already embedded, and the greenway is nearby?

- Do you think recruiting businesses to build Coney Island-like developments next to a Garvin Park/ Bosse Field area ballfield complex will make more money and draw in more leagues than placing them on a lot that is completely landlocked?

- Do you agree that the Garvin Park, north Main Street, and First Avenue districts need the stimulus project more than the Wesselman Woods area?

- Why are the fields designed like 8 basic fields instead of incorporating vintage baseball ballparks architecture such as the Polo Grounds, Ebbets Field, Old Yankee Stadium, Tiger Stadium, Fenway Park, Memorial Stadium, Wrigley Field, and Camden Yards? ( This one replicates Camden Yards http://www.ripkendesign.com/portfolio/youthsportscomplex/academy/ )


I'm sure you have many other questions as well, which leads me to my final question...

Why the rush?