That rehab — dubbed the “Q Transformation” by Dan Gilbert’s crew — was initially ballparked at $140 million, about half of which would come from a combination of public revenue streams. After interest and fees, the total cost is estimated to be more like $282 million, with roughly $160 million coming from taxpayers.
The CCPC opposition is in much the same vein as Greater Cleveland Congregations,’ who kicked off their #NotAllIn campaign last month. Like the GCC, the CCPC views the rehab project as a “gross misuse” of public funds.
“The proposed rehab of the Q is an opportunity for the people of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County to end their silence and start to be citizens instead of spectators to the decisions impacting their communities,” read a CCPC press release. “We will not stand by while those elected to lead us redefine progress as working people subsidizing billionaires.”
GCC, as part of its campaign, proposed a dollar-for-dollar match to create a community fund for mental health crisis centers, workforce training, and neighborhood development projects. The CCPC has proposed no such plan; it has merely announced its opposition to the “rubber stamp” mentality among elected leaders.
In a statement, CCPC’s Outreach Director Yvonka Hall echoed the same frustration and misgivings of many Clevelanders: “I see development happening downtown, but up here at Lee-Miles, where’s the development?” Glenville, Fairfax, Central, Kinsman… have they completely forgotten about us?”
That rhetoric has been adopted with fervor by Cleveland City Councilman and mayoral candidate Jeff Johnson. He is on a platform of neighborhood investment. He is expected to vociferously oppose the deal during any City Council hearing on the matter, though none have been scheduled.
Next Tuesday, Cuyahoga County Council will discuss the deal at a 5 p.m. meeting at their administrative headquarters downtown (2079 E. 9th St.). The public is encouraged to attend.
This article appears in Feb 8-14, 2017.
When Dan Gilbert finally delivers on his promise for the Phase 2 casino…….then – and only then – should discussions begin on public financing for arena upgrades.
Line up and stand up, make all the statements and noise that you want. The politicos have already decided that the Q transformation will be done. This is another lesson in civics, keep voting for the same old fools and you will receive the same old foolishness. Take a good look at the clowns that are the elected servants in Cleveland and the County. What do you see? Nothing. The same old tired faces that don’t think or appreciate those standing in line to make noise.
Just what kind of development could the city do in the Lee-Miles area? Fill pot -holes etc. At least investing in the Q will get a return on our money- create jobs-bring in out of town money, generate taxes etc. Tell us just what the city could do in a residential neighborhood that would return money back to the city like the Q could.
I like how people say we are giving handouts to billionaires. Our billionaire is putting 70 million dollars of his money into OUR arena, ( which he doesn’t even own) It is like him giving 70 million dollars to the city. Then we come up with the other half. How is that handing HIM money ? It is OUR facility.
If it were our facility, we could keep all the profits. We don’t. It’s only our facility when repairs come due, it seems.
Also, repeat ad nauseam:
ARENAS DON’T CREATE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ARENAS DON’T CREATE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ARENAS DON’T CREATE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ARENAS DON’T CREATE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ARENAS DON’T CREATE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ARENAS DON’T CREATE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ARENAS DON’T CREATE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ARENAS DON’T CREATE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ARENAS DON’T CREATE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT