On Fri, 11 Feb 2005, Mike Fratto wrote:
While the article referred to in Andy's post reflects on the impact of the missing Wild game, it does not take into account that the Excel and its neighboring convention center are still doing business. The question that hasn't been answered is what would the tax receipts be if the these facilities did not exist.
Before the Wild, there were 2 establishments that serve booze between Kellogg and Walnut (McGovern's and what became Ried's). After the arena was started, this increased to 6. It has now dropped back to 5 with the closure of 242 (nee Vine Park).
Of what is left of the expansion you have three solid draws on their own: The Liffey, which has its own crowd (and music), Moe's Downtowner, which is definately a destination, and Eagle Street, where the owner has said to me that his first choice was to open on Crocus Hill anyways.
It's also worth noting that considerable public money went into two of these three, the Liffey and Eagle Street.
Overall, this is not a huge boon to Saint Paul, but it does make for an interesting neighborhood.
Lastly, I'll conclude with what noted economist Art Rolnick of the Minneapolis Fed said in the article:
"Don't use that economic impact argument," Rolnick said. "Use the public-good argument. Just argue that to have hockey here, that gives us psychic benefits."
Absolutely. I can see putting some money into it, but the need to justify it with a bunch of made-up numbers is ridiculous. The money isn't there -- it's not money you get back.
Erik Hare [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://home.comcast.net/~wabbitoid/ Irvine Park, West End, Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA, North America, Earth
Fine Amish furniture, cedar chests, and crafts http://www.harmonycedar.com
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