Is Portland Really Ready For This?

...in these economic times?

http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2009/03/blazers_reveal_more_details_on.html

 

Yes, there is no reason to let these big concerts that go to Seattle, skip Portland, then head to San Fran to keep doing so. We need a venue just like that. Imagine a AAA Baseball stadium that could be upgraded to a MLB stadium, plus an Outdoor Concert venue all at the Rose Quarter? Throw in some restaurants and it is one of the best sports and entertainment destinations in the world and is a year round attraction. I for one am all for it.

Just imagine how much more money that would put into the economy, plus how many more jobs and tourists that would bring. Now rethink your statement.

 

Where's all that consumer spending gonna come from, though? Remember, we're talking discretionary spending here. Last I checked, Portland was still one the most economically depressed regions in the country.

 

To me, it sounds like the Trail Blazers are not-so-subtly letting it be known that do not want another sports team playing in the rose quarter. The timing comes right after it is announced that a possible new home for AAA baseball could be the site where Memorial Coliseum sits. I could expound on the theory, but I don't have the mental nimbleness at the current moment.

 

I think a lot of these expansion projects are going to be put on hold for a year or two.

 

fun to think about. but so unrealistic

 

The stimulus package is what these type of projects are all about. The Blazers will be fighting for the federal dollars, and they will put a lot of people to work developing the area.

 

The stimulus package is for infrastructure. I can only imagine the PR nightmare for Obama if Paul Allen managed to get his hands on some of our tax dollars to build upon his Rose Quarter empire.

 

Why would it be bad for PA to get his hands on the money to build something? That is the point, to put people to work.

 

I think you have misunderstand exactly how this package works. People aren't going to bid on private projects and then be handed over money to complete them.

 

The area just didn't work well for entertainment. I used to work around there and I never knew if the damn restaurants were open or what because you can't seen anything from the streets. Then there is no parking whatsoever... and even when they opened a garage or something during the day it was still kinda a pain. And if they build a ball park... big ass grain towers for a view... that will be awesome. NOT.

I just don't see it. I would like it to work out... I just heard the same vision the first time and it all bombed.

 

Wow, you've been sold a bill of goods my friend. Infrastructure is a small fraction of the stimulus package.

 

the owner of the blazers owns the Shittle Sounders......think about that a second.

 

I think this would be great!

 

You think that the federal government or local government is going to give Paul Allen money to develop the Rose Quarter? Really??? It sounds like I'm not the one who was sold the bill of goods. I realize there is unfortunately much more to this supplemental budget bill, but handing out money to billionaires solely to further develop their empires isn't on the list.

Please elaborate and show me specifically which part of the bill shows how our tax dollars will pay to develop the Rose Quarter.

 

Not entirely accurate. He's one of the minority owners. Majority owner is Joe Roth, a Hollywood producer.

Paul Allen has a minority stake, which is a fairly shrewd business move, considering he owns the other major tenant of Qwest Field, the Seahawks. I'm sure he just wanted a seat at the table for both.

-Pop

 

Some of you should read the article before you base your opinion.

The city of Portland owns the MC (says that in the article), the parking garages, and the land the RQ/RG is on. Not Paul Allen.

The article clearly states:

 

Depending on where I've researched, Vulcan owns a part of everything in the Rose Quarter with the city of Portand except for the Rose Garden, which is 100% Vulcan.

I'm all for the idea, I just don't understand how/why using stimulus money is feasible or even legal.

 

Have you seen anywhere other than Sug's post above that stimulus money is being considered for this project?

I haven't.

-Pop

 

See my edited post above.

The article never mentions the Trail Blazers/Vulcan wanting stimulus money to fund this proposed project.