Why don’t I just let it speak for itself?

REN SQUARE: Where is that economic impact?

from News & Opinion - Rochester City Newspaper

Now we have yet another economic-impact report stating that the proposed Renaissance Square theater (not a performing arts center, as originally proposed) will provide an additional $15 million impact. Would it be too obvious to discuss theater operations and costs with the managers of the Eastman Theatre, Geva Theatre, Nazareth Arts Center, or Shea’s Theater in Buffalo?

Renaissance Square will pay no property taxes. There is no discussion of an in-lieu of tax payment to pay for fire and police protection. There has yet to be any mention of the number of permanent jobs created. So why are we continuing to waste even more time and scarce public dollars on a project that represents poor urban planning, negligible economic impact, and little public support ?

Is there a public entertainment or sports venue in Monroe County that does not require an annual public financial subsidy? Let’s get realistic and smart about needed economic growth.

It’s nothing we haven’t been saying here at RT, but it’s nice to see the public coming to the same conclusions.

Related posts:

1. City LTE: Brooks Misses The Boat on Ren Square (Again)
2. RBJ Poll: Scrap Ren Square
3. Ren Square-City gives us the skinny
4. Excellent D&C editorial on Ren Square
5. Another “NO” for Ren Square