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Heineman: NU, fair board to discuss sharing fairgrounds

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BY ART HOVEY / Lincoln Journal Star

Thursday, Nov 15, 2007 - 12:12:17 am CST

Gov. Dave Heineman announced Wednesday that he has asked Lincoln Mayor Chris Beutler to coordinate talks between the University of Nebraska and the Nebraska State Fair Board about possible joint use of the state fairgrounds.

Heineman began a speech Wednesday to the Chamber of Commerce at the Country Club of Lincoln with the news that the two groups “have agreed to meet and discuss opportunities for both parties to achieve their goals at State Fair Park.”

Before moving on to his thoughts on the 2008 legislative session and other subjects, the governor said he had already spoken to Beutler about being the middle man on a possible resolution to competing plans for 251 acres north of the downtown area.

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Mayor Chris Beutler

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Heineman speaks about State Fair Park

Gov. Dave Heineman encourages the fair board and the university to work together to achieve their goals for State Fair Park....

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Beutler confirmed that contact later Wednesday and called it “a great turn of events.”

“It’s up to us now to make the most of it,” he said.

Responding to questions later,  Heineman said it made sense for the city to preside over attempts to craft some sort of partnership, because it has a significant economic stake.

He warned that the city may not be able to count on an outcome recommended last year by Lincoln civic and business leaders. That recommendation calls for the state fair to move several miles east to 84th Street, near the Lancaster Event Center, to free up space for a university research center on what is now State Fair Park.

The governor said the feedback he’s getting on that subject suggests “if the state fair moves, it won’t move to 84th Street. It will move outside Lincoln. And I think that’s a concern to Lincoln people. It should be a concern to Lincoln people.”

Heineman’s announcement is the latest development in an issue that started to take shape last year.

That’s when some Lincoln leaders recommended the fair move to the Event Center area so the university could occupy the space and concentrate high-tech research in a showcase setting between UNL’s City and East campuses.

Ten of the 13 state fair board members subsequently voted to keep the fair where it is.

More recently, matters moved onto the Legislature’s agenda. A consultant team told the Agriculture Committee in October that creating the ideal site for the fair could cost as much as $175 million.

The consultants and committee members have a second public meeting scheduled for 1:30 p.m. today.

That’s when the second and final part of the report will delve into how State Fair Park might be upgraded to host a better fair.

Although that session is open to the public, the opportunity for public comment won’t come until a public hearing set for Dec. 14.

University of Nebraska President J.B. Milliken was in the audience during Heineman’s speech on Wednesday.

He said later that the governor had approached him recently to ask if he’d be willing to meet with fair leaders to discuss shared use of State Fair Park.

“I told him, of course we will do it. We’ll be happy to do it,” Milliken said. “I think that’s a fine idea to have people get together and talk about that.

“Whenever the governor asks us to participate in a conversation, we’re pretty highly motivated to do so.”

Milliken didn’t name any specific ways NU and the fair could share the land, but said he’s open to ideas. Still, he isn’t wavering in his belief that the best use of State Fair Park is to convert it to a research and development campus for NU.

“We are very happy to sit down and talk. Of course, we come with our own set of beliefs, that we think the best use of the State Fair property is for an R&D park related to the university,” he said. “The bottom line is we’re very happy to be a part of these discussions.”

Milliken said he hadn’t heard from Beutler on when the first meeting between NU and fair leaders might be, but said he hopes it will be soon.

In the meantime, the university is moving forward in developing its own plans for how it might use the 251-acre State Fair Park. Those plans should be unveiled in the next few weeks, Milliken said.

State Fair board member Tam Allan of Lincoln said Heineman sought him out last week “just to let me know this was what he was thinking about saying.”

In a telephone interview, Allan — among the most outspoken advocates of keeping the fair where it is — called the governor’s idea an “exciting opportunity.”

“We’ve never been asked to consider utilizing, looking at the opportunity to do things together at State Fair Park,” he said.

Barney Cosner, the fair’s executive director, offered a similar perspective.

“The state fair, all along, has talked about having some opportunity for input and allowing the discussion to center on this property versus looking for a huge amount of funding to relocate,” Cosner said.

While indicating the fair board would be open to talking about shared tenancy, he said he’s yet to hear anything similar from the university.

“I think maybe there are some issues on the other side of the fence that we’re not fully aware of, and now they’ve stepped up and said they’ve got to have the whole park.”

Ever since the recommendation to move the fair was raised, Heineman has said he would not be agreeable to contributing state tax money for that purpose.

In responding to questions at the Country Club, he suggested he might take a different view of spending at State Fair Park.

“Primarily, the funding has got to come from local resources, I don’t ever want to close the door, but the door is not very open. I’d say that.”

Beutler declined to speculate on the fair leaving town.

“My objective is to keep the state fair in Lincoln and to help them reach some sort of amiable solution with the university. And I think that can be done.”

He was also reluctant to talk about tapping the city budget to achieve some sort of solution at State Fair Park. However, he said, “I’m really pleased the governor has opened the door a little bit to state participation.”

Beutler said he didn’t know how practical it might be to construct buildings to be used by both the university and the fair, labeling it “kind of a late-breaking idea.”

But he welcomed the governor’s involvement.

“What he and I are both trying to do is bring the two groups together to build a better vision for the city and the state of Nebraska.”

Sen. Phil Erdman of Bayard, chairman of the Legislature’s Agriculture Committee, said Heineman “can do whatever he wants. He’s the governor of Nebraska.”

“His involvement is not going to change what we’re doing. It will not be changing our process.”

If Lincoln officials come up with a new option, they can put it on the table at the Dec. 14 hearing, Erdman said.

In a related development, Roger Jasnoch of the Kearney Chamber of Commerce released a statement late Wednesday afternoon, citing a recent meeting of a task force there.

“Kearney’s intentions are focused on what is in the best interest of the State Fair,” the statement said. “If a new home is deemed a good option, Kearney would surely want to be considered.”

Reach Art Hovey at (402) 523-4949 or ahovey@journalstar.com. Journal Star reporter Melissa Lee contributed to this story.


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Hjalmer wrote on November 15, 2007 6:01 am:
" With 250+ acres, there should be room for both NU and the Fair to share both locationa and facilities. This much valuable real estate inside a metro area unused for most of the year is a terrible waste of resources. "
Terry wrote on November 15, 2007 6:32 am:
" I hope the fair board has the guts to tell the University to "go pound sand!" They already own enough land around campus to build their "Fantasy Island" without commandeering State Fair Park and soaking the tax payers even more. "
Sorry Lincoln wrote on November 15, 2007 8:08 am:
" If you and your O street gang buddies (including Harvey and the rest of the UNL fraternity) want the state fair land, fine. But, as a penalty, you don't get to keep the fair. "
Oh, my! wrote on November 15, 2007 8:28 am:
" We have had governors that were decision makers and governors that were nothing but status quo carriers and governors that shed all controversy decisions to others to remaim electable. Our current governor fits the last catagory. What he has done here is taken HIMSELF out of the picture even though the STATE not the city owns the fair grounds. Even though the University and Fair Grounds both fall under the state budget and control. An example of this type action would be like you asking a neighbor to work together with your wife and son on making a decision on if your wife or son gets to park their car in your driveway. Later his comment can be "it was not my recommendation or decision." What a politican we have in our top leadership office. Oh, for those that don't understand-politics is when people choose their words and actions based on how they want others to react rather than how they really think. What a leader we have elected! "
WHAT? wrote on November 15, 2007 9:11 am:
" I'm sorry but using that space for both the U of N and State Fair. That is the most idiotic thing I have heard yet. State Fair Park is a dump, it would cost way too much to fix it properly. Do they realize when the state fair is held. Oh yeah, after school starts. I usually don't go to the State Fair because you have to walk so far to get to anything and there is not much to see once you get there. The parking situation is horrible at that location. The State Fair is losing so much money, we are subsidizing it. We have to stop and think if it is really worth it. My two cents are to put it somewhere that the buildings could be used year round. That way you have a steady source of income. I love the town of Kearney, but there is no way I would drive all that way for the fair. "
Dan wrote on November 15, 2007 9:28 am:
" The fair needs to go the way of the Do-Do. The fact that we have to use gaming money to prop it up should tell even the most ignorant of you that the Fair can not make it on it's own and it should cease its operations. Cities like K.C., Denver, Chicago and Omaha do just fine without a state fair. Let the fair go to Kearney or Grand Island. "
Mike White wrote on November 15, 2007 9:36 am:
" Doesn't anyone get it? The State fair does not want to negotiate anything with the University. U.N.L. has forced and bullied as many people out of land as the city has. Looks like the good ole boys are putting pressure on the Govenor now because they can't get their way with the Fair board, the Govenor doesn't want to deal with it so he dumped it in the mayors lap. Doesn't this remind you of little kids saying, I want that toy your playing with? Well, the State fair has and had the toy first and when they are done with it, you can have it. If the University was an integral and careing member of our city and state they would use all their arcitectural students and departments to restore this wonderful property to it's original grandeur as part of their ciriculum instead of ripping it apart and tearing it down for their own selfish expansion that no-one except they want. To me, the university is nothing more than big business trying to overtake the little guy, like Walmart putting all the little mom and pop stores out of business, when is enough, enough? "
Matt Poulsen wrote on November 15, 2007 10:15 am:
" This will only end in a mess. This is Heineman trying to ride the political fence. The best thing for the city and the state is to allow the land to be used by someone who will produce jobs and actually use the land year round. The state fair is up for a few weeks a year!! It can be moved without losing any of its substance. This has really just deteriorated to the point of being asinine. "
Good Idea wrote on November 15, 2007 11:48 am:
" Use the buildings during the fair time to house pigs, then the rest of the year the University can have them. That's what UNL deserves. Oh, but this way, they won't get their golf course, restaurants and condo's (unless you want to put the pigs in the condo's during the fair). "
Great Idea! wrote on November 15, 2007 11:50 am:
" I think having the Fair and University share the land is a great compromise. The Fair only takes place for two weeks out of the year. The rest of the year, the University could use the land for its needs. Taxpayers can't afford two separate sites. When the fair is in session, the University could market its agricultural programs and opportunities to fair attendees. It would provide the University a chance to introduce itself to the many kids and families who attend the fair so kids start thinking about attending UNL when they graduate. "
Mike wrote on November 15, 2007 12:16 pm:
" Do we really need a state fair? "
Roger wrote on November 15, 2007 12:24 pm:
" The posters complaining about UNL expansion show the true ignorance of many Lincolnites and why a group of fore-thinking business people are going to circumvent them to do the right thing. Without UNL, Lincoln doesn't exist. The Fair is not going to be restored to it's former "grandeur", it's a dump that needs to be moved out. Sorry, 1940 has come and gone. "
Fair Supporter wrote on November 15, 2007 12:47 pm:
" I suggest that the powers that be study other State Fairs. Other large cities have large state fair grounds. I have attend the State Fair in Des Moines, IA; in Springfield, IL; in Columbus, OH; and in St. Paul MN. These are all large State Fairs in their respestive capital cities. How do these states use their Fairgrounds? How many acres do these state fairgrounds consist of? This land in Lincoln is the State Fairgrounds. The State Fair has control over it. The big boys in Lincoln do not. The city of Lincoln or the University of Nebraska does not control this land. The primary purpose of this land is for the State Fair. The State Fair should come first in the priority for this land. I agree that the University already has enough land to expand on. What's wrong with the East Campus? Don't they own the old Security Mutual building? Why don't some of you reporters out there investigate how much land the University already has for their proposed development. It just doesn't seem right to me that the University should even get any consideration on using the State Fairgrounds. The State Fair is important and it should remain where it is at State Fair Park in Lincoln. The heritage of the Fair means alot to Nebraskans. The historic buildings that are left should be preserved. The the state fair grounds in other states have many historic buildings. Nebraskan's have this same pride. Let's preserve the Fair and the Historic Buildings. "
BB wrote on November 15, 2007 1:41 pm:
" Dan I fail to see your logic. Do you think these states do not have state fairs or what? K.C. "Missouri" state fair is in Sedalia and I'm sure it would have an impact on that city if it was not held there! K.C. "Kansas" state fair is in Hutchenson and has been since 1873! Denver "Colorado" state fair has been in Pueblo since 1876! Chicago "Illinois" state fair is held in the State capital of Springfield! Omaha "Nebraska" state fair also held in the state capital of Lincoln, why would we need it in two cities?! "
Goodby wrote on November 15, 2007 2:09 pm:
" The best thing that needs to be done is, move the State Fair to Kearney, and the State Capitol to Omaha. Frankly, Lincoln's greedy don't deserve anything! Let Lincoln continue its spiral down the drain while draining the property taxpayers. Enjoy your selfish, greedy lifestyle, I'm movin' out of this desolate state!!!! I'm going back to my former state that laughs their heads off at Nebraska and their high taxes and cost of living!! "
Gene Gene The Dancing Machine wrote on November 15, 2007 2:41 pm:
" 250 acres isn't enough land to put on a quality state fair as is. The poor quality of the facilities only adds to the problem. Now the governor wants to shrink that space? You might as well just shut down the fair. The consultants the state hired showed that the lack of attractions at the fair keeps attendance statewide below 20 percent. In Iowa, as a comparison, the attendance is 33 percent. They have almost 350 acres in their fairgrounds and it's a first-class, up-to-date site. The lack of attractions is caused by dilapidated facilities and a lack of space for better attractions. Cutting the fair space down would only hurt the fair. I generally support Gov. Heineman because he usually has good ideas and policies, but this time he's wrong. The best thing to do here is make a deal with UNL to take their land at 84th Street in exchange for the current fair land, then create property that can be used for the fair AND on a regular basis by organizations looking for meeting space. Yes, it's a large expense, but in the long run the expense put forward now will pay dividends over and above what is spent now. "
Oh, my! wrote on November 15, 2007 3:35 pm:
" The University of Nebraska has several hundred acres of land in or joining Lincoln. The east campus area between 33rd and 48th has acres of open space to fully expand into the "Pearlman Hall of Expansion for Reaserch". You obviously do not care for fairs or the state fair but others do and they are just as for-thinking as those you mention. For-thinking money power does not influence those of us with real people, tradition and personal values. "
Matt wrote on November 15, 2007 4:16 pm:
" Well said Roger. I never have been able to understand why some people are so anti-UNL. For God's sake...UNL is the the city. Without the University Lincoln would be nothing. Any real progress or expansion in the downtown region must involve the University. "
whatever wrote on November 15, 2007 4:33 pm:
" This is good, but it doesn't resolve the big question. You need to have a venue for concerts for the fair and a venue for games for UNL that is up to snuff. How do you reconcile this with a planned events center for Lincoln. "
J wrote on November 15, 2007 5:42 pm:
" Do we really need UNL? It's a fifth rate institution at best. "
Fair Supporter wrote on November 15, 2007 5:51 pm:
" The State Fairgrounds belongs to the State not the city of Lincoln or the University. The purpose of the State Fairgrounds is to provide the land for the State Fair. The powers that be in Lincoln have no power over the Fairgrounds. The city of Lincoln and the University have no power over the Fairgrounds. I have been to the State Fairs in Des Moines, IA; St. Paul, MN; Springfield, IL; and Columbus, OH. These state fairgrounds are all in their respective capital cities and the grounds are quite large. Why don't they look and see what these state fairgrounds are used for. I know the Illinois State Fairgrounds has part of it used for other purposes. The reporters and people who are studying this issue should investigate what these States have done with their State Fairs and their Fairgrounds. The University of Nebraska already has plenty of land to expand on. They have the whole East Campus. They have the old Security Mutual Building. I believe they have another large tract of land in Northwest Lincoln. They do not need the Fairgrounds. These other State Fairs have many historic buildings. Some are over 100 years old. The Nebraska State Fair has 2 historic buildings. The Industrial Arts Building (built in 1913) and the 4-H Building (built in 1930-1931). These buildings need to be preserved. Nebraskans care about historic buildings too. The State Fair needs to continue at its present location. I do not want to see it destroyed. Many generations of many families have walked these grounds attending the Fair. Nebraska is an Agricultural State. The State Fair promotes Agriculture and the State Fair should be at the present State Fairgrounds in Lincoln. "
Matt Poulsen wrote on November 16, 2007 6:06 pm:
" Yes, the state owns the state fairgrounds. Can I ask you who owns the University?? Ummm...the answer is the State. Both entities are subject the will of the citizens of Nebraska. So, yes, technically the city can't just up and move the State Fair, but to contend that the City won't have a say in it is pretty naive. "

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