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11/21/2006
Appleton's "I want it" syndrome
How much is Appleton West’s $3 million Sports Complex project like the kid who’s got to have the newest, flashiest cell phone, IPod, or Xbox?
I hear Terror Backer folks and I’m excited about their excitement. But I’ve just got to say, in an age of plenty, how much is too much?
A public hearing is scheduled for 4 p.m., Dec. 11 at City Hall to discuss the pros and cons of a $3 million Appleton West Sports Complex.
West is the classic center-city school – lots of luscious history, but also land-locked facilities, high-density usage, and classic parking problems.
At the same time, the district has provided great athletic field options for West kids – Goodland Field for baseball and Banta Bowl for football.
Football player Chad Baeten says "The field's always in great condition and the bowl, it's just an awesome atmosphere. You gotta love it. And “I love playing here. It's my favorite place to play. I've played since my sophomore year. It's the best field I've ever played on."
Ok. West’s tennis courts and track are currently unusable, requiring about $500k to restore. Isn’t that a lot less money than $3,000,000?
And the busing costs. $13,000 a year because athletic facilities aren’t nearby. $3M would provide busing for the kids for 231 years! And think of what we’d miss - have you ever been on College Avenue when the West buses pass by, especially after a win at Banta Bowl? That experience alone is worth $3M - every time!
And the controversy about razing the houses - Superintendent Tom Scullen is quoted as indicating there are plenty of comparable homes in Appleton to replace 21 homes eyed for the West athletic project. Hear out Alderperson Smith in that regard: he argues that the Council just allocated hundreds of thousands of dollars to address affordable housing in Appleton – and now we want to tear down 21 modest-priced homes. Doesn’t seem to make good sense. It’s that “I want it” syndrome again.
On a completely different subject…. Neighborhood homeowners are moving ahead to try to stop the Sports Complex project. Is it appropriate for attorney Lorn Dilley to represent these disgruntled West neighbors when he owns pricey land at Wisconsin and Badger he might want to sell to the district for a possible sports complex a few blocks away?
COMMENTS
Jo, why we didn't collaborate years ago on things like this is simply beyond me. With you out there calling the nonsense these people are doing, I can concentrate more on the Red Cross.
EdT
Ed Thomas (Tue Nov 21 07:51:32 2006)
The cost and economy is a concern. The affordable housing issue is a concern. And the character of the neighborhood and Appleton's west side is another concern. What will Mason Street be like if this project goes forward? How will the homes for a block or two east of Mason be affected? As a west side resident, as an AHS-West alum who was active in the athletic program, and as a parent of two AHS-West alums, I just haven't seen benefits justifying the costs and concerns.
Terry Dawson (Tue Nov 21 09:31:46 2006)
Thanks for the comments Jo. How much is too much? I guess if you are spending other peoples money the sky is the limit. Common sense is out the window.
Also, I do not believe that 3 million would cover it.
Dale (Wed Nov 22 16:40:35 2006)
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