Cover of AM-NY today says "TOUCHDOWN! - Jets likely to score stadium approval today from MTA" Wow. What a surprise. Our conservative politicians and ex-politicians here in New York are pushing through on their pet plan to build a new stadium on the west side of Manhattan. I have a problem with this. Are you surprised?
Here's my problem: The westside stadium will cost taxpayers a shitload of money. The other proposals put before the MTA have been from companies like Madison Square Garden, whose plans would be paid for privately, not by taxpayers, and would affectively create a thriving community far friendlier than that which I and others imagine would spawn from the construction and existence of a football stadium.
Watching Rudy Giuliani push this plan in TV ads is like watching an insurance salesman try to sell a policy that will ultimately cost way more in the long run than any payout will ever amount to. Bloomberg has been touting this thing for months while union workers support it wholeheartedly for the jobs that the building of the stadium will provide. Sure, that is a great thing, but do I want to pay for it? Not so much.
Not while Bloomberg goes on about how all us NYers just have to suck it up that there's a huge budget gap. We have to pay super high parking fines ($110!) and crazy transportation tolls to supplement the city and the MTA's budget; our schools apparently never have enough money, our trains and roads are underserviced while we pay more to utilize them, and then we have to pay out the other end for a football stadium so that we can be fabulous and have the Olympics here rather than opting for a plan that would save taxpayers money, generate revenue for the MTA, and enrich the community rather than turn it into another sports arena? What will be, will be, and obviously I can't stop it, nor can anyone else who has tried diligently to keep our tax dollars from being spent on this extravagant demonstration of sportsmanship. Madison Square Garden has made an offer that makes sense more to the community, but less to olympic dreams and football fancies. But we already have two stadiums in New York City. Do we really need another one? More than anything?
Last quote on NY1 from Mike Bloomberg was something directed at the other bidders and those who oppose the stadium, not to be poor sports about losing out to the sweetheart football stadium bid. The deal will cost the taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars, but will satisfy this need that these men have to build an arena for their macho games. It's really symbolic if you think about it. Mike says "don't cry about it and take your ball and go home." Thanks Bloomie. I'm sure that came right from the heart.
Posted by Maria at March 31, 2005 12:57 PMThe stadium will likely never get done - too many politics and levels of red tape to wade through. Plus, Bloomberg's opponent in the next election will undoubtedly be a stadium opponent and, if he wins, will nix the plan after swearing in. I, a football fan, would rather see it in Queens myself. 1/3 of the price, closer to me and still affordable for the little guy.
But definitely do not support the MSG proposal. If you know anything about the Dolans, especially Jim, they are horrible, greedy rats. They are monopolists only looking to protect their own pockets and have no experience in the development of affordable living space. The same people that would be kicked out by the Jets surely couldn't afford MSG's new housing. The Jets plan also would generate more tax dollars for the city and state in the long run. Plus, they would be spending 1.1 billion - billion! - of their own money.
And supposing the Jets plan isn't accepted, do you really think the $600 million would really go to any useful project? I wish it would shelter the homeless and teach the children (a lot of $ is thrown their way but poverty, broken homes, and environments that do not attract strong teachers are huge hills to climb), but it just won't. And the MTA - complete mismanged mess. How can you have millions of riders and jack up prices astronomically and still be in the crapper? And a homeless lights a fire and they have the gall to say it'll take 5 years to fix?! GAH!
anyway, i have no answers, just don't side with the Dolans.
Posted by: passin through at April 2, 2005 04:17 AMHey passin through. You make good points here, though I tend to disagree that the stadium will not ultimately be built. I don't think anything could stop it. I have a feeling that by the time mayoral election-time comes around, people will have largely resigned themselves to the stadium. Maybe I am wrong, it surely wouldn't be the first time, but I just get that feeling. I question how hot of an issue it will really be, come the race.
And supposing the Jets plan isn't accepted, do you really think the $600 million would really go to any useful project?
I suppose not, but isn't that wrong? Are you ready to accept that our politicians see sports and conventions as more of a priority than education, transportation, healthcare, etc...? Are you ready to accept that the MTA is as crooked as you and I know it is? These things bother me. I can't just say "oh well, they wouldn't use the money for anything useful anyway, so they might as well build a stadium..."
That logic doesn't work for me. I think people have to express their dissatisfaction with how our tax dollars and all the money we pour into the MTA are being spent. Whether it be through outright protest or through the election process. To me, if the majority of NYers express their opposition to this project, using that $600 million in taxpayer funds basically equates to theft.
Another thing that doesn't sit well is that during the course of this whole debate I have heard more sports analogies and metaphors from everyone involved than I can even stomach. Where sportsmen rule, there will be football stadiums. I cannot happily accept that this is where the priorities of our elected officials and the MTA lie.
I could stand to read up more on the Dolans. Thanks for the words of caution. And I agree, Queens would be better.
Posted by: Maria at April 2, 2005 05:13 PM