A roundup of reactions to the downtown performing arts center plan, including the minor detail that there is no plan.
Ed Wolverton mentions that land would not have to be purchased if city-owned land is used. Not sure if I've mentioned this or not, but the city owns seven empty acres at South Elm and Lee, which would be a prime location for this kind of facility.
Also interesting: Carolina Theatre CEO Keith Holliday is quoted, which makes it seem that he's not opposed to a new PAC. That jibes with what I've heard from Carolina supporters.
My question: Why rush this thing onto the November ballot? Why not take the time to develop a great plan, line up some private funding, and launch the campaign when the economy is further into recovery?
Your suggestion sounds good to me. "ACT IN HASTE, REPENT AT LEISURE".
Posted by: Ken Hill | Jan 28, 2012 at 12:07 PM
I hope that if we do build one that we get something really smashing architecturally. That is one reason for all the publicity re the Durham PAC. We just don't have much in the way of interesting architecture in my opinion.
Posted by: Lynn Dorn | Jan 28, 2012 at 01:12 PM
Ed, I believe the total site is actually close to twelve acres if you include the now empty and remediated "St James Homes" lot, and the maintenance facility across. The 7 acres represent the land currently owned by the redevelopment commission and currently included in the South Elm St redevelopment area.
Posted by: Eric Robert | Jan 28, 2012 at 01:30 PM
Ed, "Why rush this thing onto the November ballot? Why not take the time to develop a great plan, line up some private funding, and launch the campaign when the economy is further into recovery?"
Because I was correct when I told you this plan was cooked up by developers, contractors and realtors whose businesses are designed to feed from the public trough. The pigs are hungry.
Why not East Greensboro?
Posted by: Billy Jones | Jan 28, 2012 at 04:08 PM
"Why rush this thing onto the November ballot? Why not take the time to develop a great plan, line up some private funding, and launch the campaign when the economy is further into recovery?"
Someone thinks the shorter time span will be the best opportunity for passage.
At the rate the Gang of Eight is careening along toward the approaching abyss, that may be a wise approach for supporters.
Posted by: bubba | Jan 28, 2012 at 04:50 PM
"Someone thinks the shorter time span will be the best opportunity for passage."
This strikes me as a logical guess.
It will be a high turnout election, and the next one they'll all be on the ballot.
Posted by: Ed Cone | Jan 28, 2012 at 05:00 PM