Thursday, September 9, 2010

The Latest Boondoggle - The Richmond Coliseum Study Group

Interim Status Update from Coliseum Study Group - Sept. 9, 2010 - Richmond, Virginia from Silver Persinger.

Today at 12 noon at the Performing Arts Center, a presentation was given to Richmond news media outlets by consultant Dan Barrett of Barrett Sports Group, LLC to discuss the preliminary results of their unscientific survey among Coliseum users which was used to illustrate support from the "General Public."

A statement from the report that jumped out to me was, "Approximately 99% of Respondents would potentially attend an event at a renovated Coliseum or New Arena Development."

Read the Interim Status Report for yourself and Mayor Dwight Jones' Press Release that was handed out after the presentation.

Here is an informative article about the formation of the Coliseum Study Group that costs $150,000 and was paid for by four area corporations, Genworth Financial, Dominion Resources Inc., Altria, and MeadWestvaco.

Mayor Jones was not present at the Press Conference, neither was any member of the Council present, nor any representative from Council's Chief of Staff. However, many of Mayor Jones' top administrators were there including Byron Marshall [Chief Administrative Officer], Peter Chapman [Deputy CAO, Dept. of Economic and Community Development], Suzette Denslow [Mayor's Chief of Staff], and four members of the Mayor's public relations office: Tammy Hawley [Press Secretary], Michael Wallace [Public Information Officer], Shelby Crouch [videographer and one of the only carry-overs from Mayor Wilder's administration], and a photographer, Jemila Woodson.

The assembled press were permitted to ask questions after the presentation.

KUDOS to the Office of the Press Secretary to the Mayor for both emailing PDFs of the documents above and for having paper copies at the Presentation for members of the media.

1 comment:

  1. Silver I love you, but this is no way a boondoggle. Richmond desperately needs a new baseball stadium and coliseum. I say say put 'em both on Boulevard. Just the easiest spot. I don't know how it will get done, it just needs to be soon. Even if you are not into sports/entertainment, we as a community must have these arenas in order to progress into the 21st century. By the way, everytime something new is built in this town it works. But, only if it is done wisely. Both arenas on The Boulevard is wise.
    People are so scared of getting taxed more by the City. Um, everybody in America is getting taxed more. It's going to happen regardless if we build these arenas or not. I don't know about you, but its time Richmond grows up. There are a lot of good things happening in Richmond. Crappy council or not. We as a city must continue to progress. Sure there are problems in every corner, but a City is never perfect. Lets get these arenas done right. If the counties wanna jerk around, lets figure out another way. This must get done. It can also create jobs! Also bring in events that bring in money to a city that needs it. I know many in Oregon Hill will disaprove of my stance here, but remember this...I'm for about 90% of what you and the Scott Burgers of the world and Oregon Hill are for...

    ReplyDelete