Comment on Editorial: Who is paying for the downtown “City-Nugget Project?” by dhataway
The Nugget project has many attributes that could be beneficial for the city including a new library facility. However, there are certain critical matters that need to be considered in the decision making process. First, when $40M plus is on the table the City should get a second financial opinion. If the second opinion supports the conclusions of existing studies the cost would be incidental to the total project. However, if the study raises questions the time to address any outstanding issues is before the fact. Further, although I admire the work of the DA’s office, the City should retain outside legal services with expertise in redevelopment projects to assist in drafting the ultimate and potentially very complicated legal documents that will place this project in motion. Further, I question the committment of all available financial resources including all of the 1/8th cent sales tax to this one project. There are too many potential needs including ongoing services that may need resources. Finally, all property owners within the project boundaries including the State property adjacent to Musser should be on board any city resources are committed.