The Ballpark - Readers Take Sides

Have I ever criticized Joe Muench of the El Paso Times? Hmmm? Hmmm? Well, maybe a couple of times - but not about the ballpark. I commend his two columns on the subject: Downtown ballpark should help ease tax load and Our wailing denizens in the black pit of misery.


I commend these two editorials with some trepidation. Not all of my readers agree with me about the ballpark. I've gotten a couple of "personal" emails but most have been respectful. All have made some good arguments. I'm particularly touched by concerns for the future of the people in Chihuahita and the Segundo Barrio not to mention the Tiguas. Economic development aside, there are issues of social justice involved. 


There have been concerns about wasting water, energy and raw materials. Conservation efforts cannot be had through one instance alone. However, one of the biggest energy wasters downtown is the City Hall building and remains so today according to sources who work on the problems. A new LEED-certified building will be an energy-saver. A LEED-certified, rainwater adapted ballpark would be a water and an energy saver.


I also reject the notions that the rich and powerful are doing it to us again. That just isn't the case and I have not been bought out (please call me, Woody and Paul), drunk the juice nor have I sold my soul. One of the reasons that convinced me that El Paso is ready for such a venture is the fact that residential opportunities are increasing downtown. Read New Downtown housing almost full. 


However, one of my readers did challenge whether a ballpark would benefit economic development. In part she wrote:

[Here is what the research shows]: 

• Cities were talked into these deals in the 90's, and by 2000 these places were all in terrible trouble. (So, we are way behind the curve here!)

• There is No, I repeat, No economic impact from these efforts.

• There is a minimal quality of life benefit . . . I suppose if you're a baseball fan.

• They produce low paying jobs, which are seasonal.

• It is proven that they NEVER pay for themselves and never break even!!  The taxpayer must subsidize them FOREVER!

• There will be somewhere like 80 "baseball nights."  We need 365 nights plus daytime and solid weekend activity.  (Paul Foster and Woody should put their $20 million into rehabing spaces and programming!) 

• Every successful downtown revitalization MUST HAVE residential components. The noise level at an outdoor stadium does not induce a good night's sleep, if you live close by.

• The stadium will hold 9000 folks.  We have a maximum of 4300 parking spaces.  (No one is talking about the cost of building additional parking.) If the museums, the Plaza Theatre and the Civic Center are having competing events, where does everyone park?

• Relocating 650 employees and ultimately building a new City Hall will cost between $100 and $150 million.  I admit that the present City Hall has to be one of the ugliest buildings on the planet.  However, there have been millions of $ of improvements such as all new elevators, new HVAC, new windows, etc., etc.  The building is indeed ugly, but it is in good shape and is quite serviceable.

• ASARCO would be a perfect location for the baseball deal, but it won't be ready until 2014 or 2015.  Too bad.  If things in Mexico ever became palatable again, perhaps we could have a bridge there and a true International Ball Park.

• Last, but not least, this is simply a Very Baaaad Business deal!!

And, the worst part is that the Mayor and City Council KNOW THIS!!!!

The City has already begun its information campaign and I have already received these links from a couple of the representatives. Go to http://home.elpasotexas.gov/downtown-ballpark.php. Click on and read through each attachment. 


El Paso Inc. has a poll and interaction for discussion.


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