Nugget project: Setting the baseline for examination
Submitted by Kirk Caraway on Mon, 02/22/2010 - 12:45pm
A few weeks ago, I wrote that we would be taking an in-depth look at the Carson Nugget downtown redevelopment project.
That investigation has been slow going, thanks to another soon-to-be-announced big project we are working on here at Carson Now that has sucked away all of my time.
But now that we are wrapping up this surprise (to be revealed tomorrow — tease, tease), we are going to refocus on the issue that has tongues wagging all over town.
Just to set the baseline here, I want to first start out with where I stand on this project. I feel this is important, since there has been a tendency by the supporters of the Nugget project to attack people and groups who dare to ask questions and brand them as opponents.
So let's get this on the record. I like the concept of the city taking positive steps to help our economy. I have a 7-year-old daughter, and unfortunately when I look at the present economy of Carson City, I don't see a place for her. She will likely have to move away to seek out better opportunities.
A business incubator and digital media lab may be just the things that give our children the economic opportunities that keep them here in Carson City.
I also think we could use a library that meets the needs of the 21st century.
In concept, the Nugget project seems just what Carson City needs, a stimulus of new construction to get people working now, and a new economic direction toward a high-tech future.
But as my good friend (and project supporter) Guy Rocha said, the devil is in the details.
Those details are many, a good number of which have yet to be worked out. It may be that there are better ways to achieve a better result than what is being presented by the Nugget.
What I fear is that if those details don't work out, that the concept will fall victim to the already polarizing fight that has developed over this issue.
I think it is important to keep our eyes on the prize, which is to do something good for Carson City, and not necessarily tie it to one plan or project. If the people of Carson City agree on the direction, then we should find the best way to accomplish it.
But I see no sign that there is a widespread agreement by residents on this approach. Which is why I think it's important to put the issue up for a vote. This is a very different concept than anything that has been tried before, and it only makes sense to get the citizens buy-in to make it successful.
Whether there is a vote or not, the public will need to be better informed about the details of this project as it moves forward. And we hope to be part of that process, so stay tuned.
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