Optimistic after seeing new ballpark
After reading Janie Varnell’s concerns of delays, cost overruns and a burden on the taxpayers, I believe many Chattanoogans had similar concerns. So, I took the time to look at the (Erlanger Park) project, look at the timeline, the cost of the project, similar projects and the economic value to the community.
The project and, thus, the generating tax revenue might be slightly behind schedule, but the developer informed me that they could not proceed with the construction of the residential and office buildings until the stadium was completed. They stated that permitting and construction will begin this spring.
The cost of the project at $115 million, compared to Nashville’s First Horizon Park ($91 million in 2015) and Lindsey Nelson Stadium at UTK’s renovation ($105 million), seems reasonable, if not a bargain. Each of these projects exceeded Erlanger Park’s cost overruns.
I believe that the economic impact on Chattanooga and Hamilton County will exceed the projections. Erlanger Park is more than a baseball stadium. It will become a total event center and neighborhood, one that welcomes travelers to Chattanooga. A benchmark for midsize cities. It will become the front porch for Hamilton County.
Bill Emendorfer
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River Gorge project shows vision
If you haven’t made your way over to Marion County to see Thunder Thornton’s latest masterpiece, River Gorge Ranch, and dine above the Tennessee River at Riverdance, you are missing a real treat.
It is a breathtaking work of art unrivaled east of the Mississippi, serving great food with a friendly staff.
Thunder and his crew are real developers who invest private capital for public good (not the other way around).
Major props to Thunder for Riverdance and River Gorge.
It reminds me of how Jack Lupton insisted on QUALITY so that “Whatever you do, you do it so well it’s world class” … like the Tennessee Aquarium and the Honors Course. Add Riverdance to the list.
Zach Wamp
