Arguments For Marlins Ballpark

During much of the past year or two, I've used several posts and comments to explain my justification for a new Marlins ballpark. Henry Gomez, at his Marlins blog Fish or Cut Bait, does an excellent job in comparing apples and oranges. In other words, taking on the popular arguments that money for the stadium should instead go to the schools, and that rich sports owners shouldn't be subsidized by the public.

Those of you that are dead-set against the stadium funding (and the Megaplan in general) should take the time to read Henry's post. Interestingly enough, I went to the game last night and took my 3-year-old daughter for the first time. Although she doesn't really understand the game, the look on her face, and of the other kids in attendance, is enough of a sell for me. I feel bad for people who don't feel that professional sports can be a benefit to a community, just as arts, culture and a solid public school system are.

While we're on the topic of the Megaplan, looks like Judge Cohen is waiting for the Florida Supreme Court to make the decision for her.

A central theme of Norman Braman's lawsuit is the expansion of the CRAs into areas that don't necessarily qualify as "blight". Estimates indicate that up to $3 billion in revenue would be generated by expanding the CRAs to include Bicentennial Park and Watson Island. Of that amount, $800 million would go to the different projects that make up the Megaplan. Where does the rest of the money go? Back into the CRA community, perhaps? That's something Braman and those on his side fail to point out. Just wanted to point that out.

Lastly, I don't recall ever voting for the creation of the CRAs which up to now have been largely ineffective. Do you?