[Winona Online Democracy] Last weeks report of the Port Authority buying the Chrysler Corner building for $500,000 is interesting to say the least. Even before the Comprehensive Plan is in place it implies many things. The most obvious is that downtown will copy San Antonio, TX, a great place, with canals running up Main Street so that the new port property can front on water, or maybe the concept of a Port Authority is miss leading. It could be called the slush fund to use sales tax revenue (dredge funds) to continue to fund city retail adventures. And then government officials wonder why TIF districts got a bad rap for creative abuse.
However, putting together some of the pieces, adding some out of the box thinking and just maybe it's to be converted into the first downtown parking ramp??? The locations proximity to the old Middle school Auditorium, Senior Center, Library and most important is that the building already has an underground parking ramp and parking area did somebody really do some creative thinking to save taxpayer money compared to new construction? So when you see the Thompson dredge on her last project moving up main or cars disappearing into basement of the building you will know the answer. Until then the Comprehensive Plan and the guiding principles for the use of your Port Authority slush fund are not for public consumption. Paul Double _______________________________________________ This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy All messages must be signed by the senders actual name. No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list. To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona Any problems or suggestions can be directed to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org
