"For starters, how much would the arts center cost? The working figure is $50 million, but there’s no way to be certain. Major factors such as the design and location remain undetermined.
A downtown site makes the most sense, with its obvious potential for economic ripple effects. But exactly where downtown isn’t clear and could push the total costs up or down.
And once the cost is determined, how would the community pay for it? One option that’s off the table now is city hotel-motel taxes, most of which the City Council earmarked last week for Greensboro Coliseum maintenance.
How will the project make up for that money? How much private support is expected? Would the share of the costs paid for by general obligation bonds, which voters would have to approve, increase from the original total of $30 million?
Then there’s the dilemma of when. Some argue that the sooner the facility is built, the sooner the city could reap the benefits. But can Greensboro afford to assume that much new debt in a soft economy?"
The N&R editorial neglected to mention that JIm Melvin said the Bryan Foundation won't be pitching in to cover the bills. But there is a way PAC boosters can get voter support for a Greensboro Performing Arts Center. Problem is: It will really piss-off the powers that be.
Continue reading article #103. Zack Matheny Not So Keen On Downtown PAC.
