The Baseball Stadium

By Marilyn Hyland

Broadway Commons is better because it will be a catalyst for more economic development.

Although the Bengals' stadium is projected to cost more, it will be used just ten days out of the year. The Reds' stadium will be used 81 game days each year, making it much more important to our regional economy. This is why it is essential that we choose a location that will offer the best return for the public dollars being invested in the project.

Because of its central location, Broadway Commons offers more advantages to the surrounding area than the so-called "Wedge" site. Not only will Broadway Commons cost an estimated $60 million less to build than the "Wedge," but it will serve as a catalyst to economic development throughout the entire downtown area and Over-the-Rhine.

By contrast, the "Wedge" is isolated along the southern fringe of downtown, and therefore provides limited opportunity and incentive for surrounding development. In addition, the "Wedge" will add to the clutter of sports facilities along the riverfront, which already includes the Paul Brown Stadium, three practice fields, the Crown arena, and Cinergy Field. I see no reason to build another facility along prime riverfront real estate that will do more to enrich another team owner, while offering little economic return to the citizens.

Numerous development professionals have already recommended or endorsed Broadway Commons, including the county's stadium consultant, the City of Cincinnati Planning Commission, and the Hamilton County Regional Planning Commission. Why are the county commissioners ignoring the advice of numerous experts who have more education and experience in decisions regarding economic development and stadium construction?

Not only do most experts agree that Broadway Commons is better, faster, and cheaper, but BC appears to have overwhelming public support. Nearly 45,000 people signed petitions this summer to place the Broadway Commons issue on the November ballot, not to mention the many others who probably would have signed the petitions if there had been more time.

I am among those citizens who signed the petitions, not because I support a county charter, but because I believe the public should have a right to decide this very important issue. As for the charter, itself, I believe there are some legitimate concerns about the long-range impact it could have on our form of county government. I can understand why many citizens, particularly those who live in smaller municipalities and townships, are concerned that a charter form of county government will give too much power to the county commissioners.

I have stated previously that a county charter is not necessary to achieve a stadium at Broadway Commons. Even if the charter proposal passes, it will be no guarantee that a stadium will be built on Broadway. Opponents have vowed to challenge the charter on constitutional grounds. It is impossible to predict what a court might decide regarding the legality of the charter.

However, once I am elected, I will work together with Commissioner John Dowlin to build a stadium on Broadway. Once I am in office, it won't matter if the charter is found to be unconstitutional. A vote for me, is a vote for Broadway Commons.