Sunday, March 25, 2007
Baseball Stadium To Be Built Without Voter Approval, But Nothing in Writing
Details of the minor league baseball stadium, discussed in secret by McHenry County Board last Monday night, are beginning to be leaked.
While junior college officials refuse to release the $70,000 report to McHenry County Blog, Chicago Tribune reporter Tim Kane was told that the ballpark will have 3,000 bleacher seats and could be open as soon as two years from now.
And, get this:
This must be a very oral organization.
Northwest Herald reporter Nick Swedberg got a similar answer from Packard:
Don't worry, taxpayers.
Be happy. (Which smiley face best fits this situation?
It's free.
Never mind those pesky realists who say,
Anyone but me want to make sure of that?
Will the deal repay the taxpayers for the value of the land, now valued at more than $67,000 per acre (more than the land referenced in the article because it fronts on Route 14)?
= = = = =
The two pictures on the right hand side of the story are of McHenry County College President Walt Packard. The smiley faced man is EquityOne Development President Mark Houser.
While junior college officials refuse to release the $70,000 report to McHenry County Blog, Chicago Tribune reporter Tim Kane was told that the ballpark will have 3,000 bleacher seats and could be open as soon as two years from now.
And, get this:Without voter approval!President Walt Packard told reporter Kane that
MCC plans to issue debt certificates and would start to turn a profit on the venture after four or five years.But, according to an answer I got to a Freedom of Information request-VIA CERTIFIED MAIL, no less--
there is no document, paper or electronic, which touches on the subject or mentions the topic of financing additional buildings or purchase of property without having to obtain referendum approval.Wouldn't a baseball stadium be a building?
This must be a very oral organization.
Northwest Herald reporter Nick Swedberg got a similar answer from Packard:Money from leasing the stadium to a baseball club and renting other sports facilities in a proposed health, wellness and athletic center would suffice instead of the college going to taxpayers to ask for building funds.
Don't worry, taxpayers.Be happy. (Which smiley face best fits this situation?
It's free.
Never mind those pesky realists who say,
"There's no such thing as a free lunch."It won't cost you a dime.
Anyone but me want to make sure of that?
Will the deal repay the taxpayers for the value of the land, now valued at more than $67,000 per acre (more than the land referenced in the article because it fronts on Route 14)?
= = = = =
The two pictures on the right hand side of the story are of McHenry County College President Walt Packard. The smiley faced man is EquityOne Development President Mark Houser.
Labels: Baseball Stadium, College, Equity One, Equity One Development Corporation, Mark Houser, Minor League Baseball, Referendum, Rt 14, Smiley Face. Mark Houser, Walt Packard
