If Chattanooga politicians really believe that funding this stadium with tax dollars is what the people want, I'd like to see them put their money where their mouth is and put it up as a referendum.
If Chattanooga political leaders decide to use public money to help finance a new Lookouts stadium, the decision ought to be put to a vote, a free-market think tank proposed on Thursday.
The Beacon Center of Tennessee asked for Chattanooga leaders to call a referendum if such a proposal surfaces in coming weeks to build a stadium to replace AT&T Field.
"We're asking the city council to call for a referendum," said Mark Cunningham, a spokesman for the Nashville-based group that has gone on record warning against using tax dollars for a private sports team.
Cunningham said that if Mayor Andy Berke "really cares to know what Chattanoogans think on this issue, any taxpayer funding for this stadium will be put up to a vote."
Berke couldn't immediately be reached for comment. But he said earlier that the concept of a new stadium is why city officials and others wanted to hear from citizens last week at a pair of public meetings on the future of the South Broad Street district.
"It's certainly a site where you could see entertainment," Berke said about the former 141-acre Wheland/U.S. Pipe foundry site that's a major part of the district.
City Councilman Chip Henderson said Thursday that while he's just hearing about the referendum proposal, he'd look at it.
"I don't know if you ever go wrong putting it into the hands of the people," he said. "It's something I'd like to at least explore and find out more about."
The South Broad district, a 10-square-block area bounded by the foundry property, Interstate 24, The Howard School and Chattanooga Creek, is one of the key gateways to Chattanooga's downtown.
The visioning process results could direct its future for the next decade and a half, officials have said. Planners are expected to deliver the framework of a South Broad blueprint on Sept. 11.
Cunningham said it appears that a council member would have to propose a referendum and at least five members approve it for a vote to be put on a ballot.
"If Chattanooga politicians really believe that funding this stadium with tax dollars is what the people want, I'd like to see them put their money where their mouth is and put it up as a referendum," he said.
Jason Freier, the Lookouts operating partner, said last week that the ownership group is waiting for the outcome of the visioning effort.
"We'll stand by and respect their process," he said.
But, Freier said, AT&T Field is now in his 18th year and it wasn't designed or built to the standards of today's stadiums. That downtown riverfront stadium, costing about $9 million, was built by former Lookouts owner Frank Burke.
Freier said a new Lookouts stadium off South Broad, coupled with other investments, could be a catalyst for growth in the district.
Contact Mike Pare at mpare@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6318.