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Heineman bullish about State Fair Park transformation

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BY ART HOVEY / Lincoln Journal Star

Friday, Mar 14, 2008 - 12:10:08 am CDT

Gov. Dave Heineman is bustling with enthusiasm about the possibilities for transforming State Fair Park into a research setting for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and potential private-sector partners.

In remarks to the board of directors of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce Thursday, Heineman referred to a new direction for the fair and the 251-acre fairgrounds as “the most significant opportunity of a lifetime” and said those trying to negotiate a deal are “on the verge of making history.”

Heineman was not available for elaboration later, but Lincoln Chamber President Wendy Birdsall liked his energetic tone.

“He is speaking with more enthusiasm,” Birdsall said, “and he’s not the only one that would like a decision to be made and to resolve this.”

But it remained far from clear later Thursday how close any deal might be.

State Fair Park is state property and the Legislature’s Agriculture Committee has yet to forward a recommendation for its future to the floor.

Sought out as he left his office at mid-afternoon Thursday, Agriculture Committee Chairman Phil Erdman said lawmakers had adjourned for the week.

As they did so, Erdman said he is unaware of any “money on the table” that would compensate the Nebraska State Fair Board for leaving the fair’s century-old home.

“From the state’s standpoint, it would be a problem to move the fair and then hope the money is there,” Erdman said.

The area adjacent to the Lancaster Event Center in northeast Lincoln and Fonner Park in Grand Island remain among the most prominently mentioned alternatives.

The current price tag in the Agriculture Committee’s priority bill is $30 million or the appraised value of the property — whichever is higher. The bill names the university as the source of that money, but it could come in a package that involves the University Foundation and other interested parties.

UNL Chancellor Harvey Perlman said he’s also anxious for an outcome. But in an e-mail from Kansas City Thursday, where he was attending the Big 12 men’s basketball tournament, Perlman also said the university is “neither inclined nor in a position to fund this entirely by ourselves.”

Earlier this year, Heineman spoke of $60 million as a fair price for what has been dubbed Nebraska Innovation Park.

Now, as of Thursday morning, Heineman is saying $40 million is a more accurate estimate of moving the fair and $10 million could come from sources other than the university.

If that was all in place, “the deal could be done today,” Heineman spokeswoman Jen  Hein said in an e-mail.

“The governor noted there are only 18 legislative days left in the session,” Hein added, “so time is of the essence.”

Erdman put prospects for lawmakers dealing with the issue on the floor in 2008 at “100 percent.”

Reach Art Hovey at 473-7223 or at ahovey@journalstar.com. Journal Star reporter Melissa Lee contributed to this report.


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omnione wrote on March 14, 2008 12:26 am:
" Well Harvey, if you want the land, then you have to pay at least a big chunk of money for it. I'm leaning toward building the research park there too but let's not get greedy here and try to get something big for nothing. "

 Doc wrote on March 14, 2008 3:51 am:
" Okay Class. Do you think that perhaps they could come up with a better name than Nebraska Innovation Park? Just the thought of having this called N.I.P. brings ideas of what this could do to our wallet. Forecast: Promising. Details: Partly Cloudy. Public Acceptance: Stormy, followed by clearing and calm winds. "

 do you believe this? wrote on March 14, 2008 6:24 am:
" Sounds to me that the fair will be leaving its current location come hell or high water. If the governor is so enthusiastic about this, then we the people will not have a say at all. The decision has been made, it's just a metter of time. "

 Hold it wrote on March 14, 2008 6:33 am:
" This is not good news. This means that the State Fair will move and that a strong possibility it will move out of Lincoln is almost assured. The Legislature and the Governor are being hood winked again. OOhh well its just money and who really cares "

 Galen wrote on March 14, 2008 6:46 am:
" Move the thing to Grand Island like should have been done years ago. "

 Ozzy wrote on March 14, 2008 7:29 am:
" Move it to Grand Island. Once again all Lincoln cares about is the University. I betcha that the U will all this ground for cheap. Then the fair board has to pay the bill to move it. If I was on the fair board. I would say STICK IT! WE are going to GI. Stinkin Lincoln will be without the fair AND state wrestlin'

I will gladly go if its in GI. Should of been there years ago. So the other 500 miles of the state can come to it. Obviously Lincoln doesn't know what they are loosing. Oh well L-Town's loss is GI-town's gain!

MOVE IT TO GRAND ISLAND!!!! "

 Hux wrote on March 14, 2008 7:35 am:
" Historic change has a place in developing states. It is unfortunate both the fair and UNL had fallen behind the curve of innovation for decades. Monsanto, Pfizer, Kawasaki, Novartis, Verizon, Schneider as well as other home grown local businesses have driven innovation. UNL, herself, must undergo dramatic change as a make-over still does not divine t her ability to position herself in a high tech environment that has already built in mechanism to attract, reward and nurture the brightest and best. The regents have a duty to assure the leadership can attract and work well with others in a competitive environment as there will be no. “T.O” to fall back on if additional serious errors of judgement are made. "

 Jim wrote on March 14, 2008 7:47 am:
" This is the beginning of the end of the Nebraska State Fair. It will never recover from a move somewhere else. "

 suggestion wrote on March 14, 2008 8:08 am:
" Beings Lincoln doesn't know how to run a capitol city why not move the capitol to omaha like it use to be "

 Jim wrote on March 14, 2008 8:22 am:
" I wonder what made our great Gov. change his opinion on this. I have a letter received from him saying he was not in favor of moving the fair if ANY tax dollars had to be used. What does he think that money from UNL is, where do they get there money....hmmmmm Taxes. Sounds like UNL lobbist have been busy pounding on our great Gov. door. Can anyone say sellout ! Forget the will of the people again Gov. Dave, this should not be an issue after the state voted to give the Sate Fair money to survive. I can say if I knew it would have to move I would never have voted to give it millons ! "

 Brad wrote on March 14, 2008 8:24 am:
" If the State Fair moves to GI then it is dead. There is not a large enough population base to keep it running. 80% of the attendance for the State Fair has been from Lincoln and Omaha. If you are going to move it from Lincoln/Omaha area then you might as well just close it. It would amount to the same thing and cosst us less in the the short run. "

 Save The Fair wrote on March 14, 2008 8:29 am:
" Well, the powers that be have spoken. They want the Fair out. Why do our elected officals succumb to this? I say the majority of Nebraskans do not want the Fair to be moved. Now the Governor is waivering. What or who changed his mind. Last year he said the people have already voted to support the Fair with 10% of the Lottery money at the current location. Now he is waivering. A week ago he said it would take $60 million now he has lowered that figure. Does anyone remember what the consultants said it would take to move the Fair? They said $175 million. So even $60 million is too low. I say stand up to these powers that be and SAVE THE FAIR AT ITS CURRENT LOCATION!!! "

 Steve wrote on March 14, 2008 8:41 am:
" I'm usually behind the Governor on his opinions, but not this one! The fair has been in place for over a 100 years, what happened to tradition? Didn't we learn our lesson with the football program? The chamber and the 2015 Vision group (land developers) will make their money and favors and leave the rest of the state to fit the bill for years to come. The motels, fast food, stores, gas stations and all other service oriented businesses in this area will be hurt! You need to speak up! You have a lot lose here. It will be a domino effect in lost revenue, you won’t make money with the University Park there. "

 Ghost wrote on March 14, 2008 8:50 am:
" Why can't they use their our property in east campus or offer that land to the fair instead for the worthless land that is in the flood plain at the lancaster event center. Don't these people realize that you can not build in flood plain areas. "

 Brian wrote on March 14, 2008 8:59 am:
" Put a research park in. Keep the State Fair in Lincoln and build the new fair grounds out by the Lancaster Event Center. A modern fair grounds and a modern research park is what Lincoln and this state needs. We need to reverse this brain drain problem and keep Nebraska's most intelligent students in Nebraska. "

 WWTOD wrote on March 14, 2008 9:24 am:
" Behold the inner workings of Harvey Pearlman's arrogant mind.

"I've said what I wanted..." is a direct quote from a news conference regarding State Fair park last year, with Harvey no doubt expecting the "little people" to lower their heads and genuflect in his general direction.

And now Harvey says... "yes, I want the park, but you should know I'm not inclined to pay for it. So somebody come up with some money and make this happen. Because I want it."

Personally, Harvey, I wish you'd have taken this "I want it but don't want to pay for it" approach in negotiating your AD and football coach's contracts last year. Then maybe you'd actually have some a little more money to pay for the fairgrounds yourself.

I, and many others, have been saying for months that this whole debate is a joke; if UNL and Harvey Pearlman want it, they will get it. It appears that indeed is the case and any input from the "little people" is not required.

Well, except for your tax dollars. "

 Sarah wrote on March 14, 2008 9:29 am:
" I love the State Fair. I believe that the state or UNL will force it to move, but if it moves to Grand Island I will not attend. We usually go for more than just the State Fair...shopping, going out to eat, and other things...Lincoln is a great city. Grand Island is just another small town. "

 Progress wrote on March 14, 2008 9:34 am:
" Wow, finally Lincoln is being threatened with some progress. Hope the naysayers can just keep their nose out of this. "

 Geo wrote on March 14, 2008 9:44 am:
" I agree, the Capitol should be in Omaha. This is a dead
city and only getting worse and the fair just as well
be disbanded. All the wrangling has tainted it for me,
just like this city. This city is NOTHING like it was
years ago and ask any retired and they will tell you the
same. The only thing that has progressed in Lincoln
are TAXES!! I've never seen so much unhappiness and
down right hate for a city, anywhere. People are so
down they don't even have the will to fight for what
is right. Many of the older people have told me they
feel hopeless and say, "whats the point", and "its the
good ole boys town." What an attitude this town has
given to its people!!!! "

 More Bull? wrote on March 14, 2008 10:28 am:
" Global demand for engineers and scientists is higher than ever. It will be difficult to attract and retain labor pools who will be attracted to positions around the world who can be competitive. Geeks do not have an affinity for “Big Red” like the old time Nebraskans do. Also Defense (DOD) grants cannot be sustained at the current levels, the debts and errors of Bush aren’t quickly erased Nebraska can’t neglect its agricultural base The governor may have failed if collaboration between the fair and UNL doesn’t find an innovative way to coexist with synergy. "

 Larry the Antenna Guy wrote on March 14, 2008 10:34 am:
" Scale the fair down. Modernize the concept and make it appeal to people. Husker Harvest Days does well for GI. Combine the fair with it. If not, move it to east Lincoln. Money - the fair board is playing politics. "The sky is falling" "Woe is me". They should stand back and accept reasonable financing.
How about this - put the fair next to the new shed (a/k/a arena) that is going to be shoved down Lincoln's throat.
As far as the Lincoln haters, go ahead and move to Omaha. Just be careful - don't get robbed or shot. "

 Chris wrote on March 14, 2008 11:19 am:
" The Fair is moving to the area around the Lancaster Event center, bank it.
It's not going to Grand Island.
The Innovation Park must be in this location, because of its proximity to the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. The University and its researchers is the draw that private R&D firms are interested in. The City of Lincoln, the State of Nebraska, and the University of Nebraska have an obligation to see that this land goes to the highest and best uses possible. The Innovation Park is the highest and best use, a fair grounds that is vacant 50 months a year is not.

The move also allows an opportunity for the fair to reorganize as a mix between an agricultural fair and an urban/technology fair. The vast majority of the citizens of Nebraska are not employed in agricultural pursuits, and the fair has stagnated because they did not recognize this and change with the times. "

 BYOB wrote on March 14, 2008 11:32 am:
" Older citizens of Lincoln and the baby boomers have only State Fair Park left for their memories and nostalgic love of their home town, evrything else has been destroyed in the name of proggress. This is equivelent to watching one of those junk yard auto crushers - crush a 32 ford or a 57 chevy or tossing your family album into the fireplace, it just makes you sick and you know it will never be again, it's gone forever. No one would miss the old national guard property across the street from Devany center, I think this has been poorly thought out and that Lincoln's city and state employees are too weak or inteligent enough to stand up to the University of Nebraska and tell them no. I, myself and the majority of us will have no reason to call Lincoln home anymore.
UNL has always had there way and doesn't know what no means, nothing is sacred even if it meant moving a cemetary for them, we the people and our love and memories mean nothing to this town, these things are an expendable commodity. If I wasn't disabled, I would move from here and never look back. "

 mitchy_v wrote on March 14, 2008 11:42 am:
" Once again people are posting on here without knowing the facts. Much of the land around the event center is in a flood plain. Not going to happen. Anywhere else the fair would have to start from scratch. GI already has some facilities in place. That means that it is a cheaper solution. We just need to amend the law to allow the fair to move out of lincoln. True, western nebraska doesn't have the numbers to match the numbers in lincoln, but people are more likley to travel and stay for several days. Some people actually cringe at the thought of driving in lincoln. The fair may not be as large at the start, but could grow as needed. Lincoln needs the research park more than it needs the fair. As far as it would die in GI, HELLO, it is dying in lincoln. Let someone who care about it try to save it. "

 Cake4Two wrote on March 14, 2008 11:50 am:
" I’d like to have read about a Spring State Fair in GI that is an addition to the current state fair; and equal sized innovation parks incubated at UNK and UNL. The all or none plan might be a less than acceptable direction. What is so bad about looking at a two pronged solution that builds up each area of the state? "

 KK wrote on March 14, 2008 11:50 am:
" I thought the governor was for keeping the state fair
where it is. Now he's buckled under Perlman's whimp
and being lead like a dog on a chain! Normal for Nebraska & Lincoln. Oh well, after his term, he'll be
long gone and he could care less, except to be known as
the big gov that backed the UNL research center!! Just
like Johanns, moved to Omaha!! Among alot of others!!
For me, I'm outta this stupid state!! Stay here and your
only going to go broke!! "

 Joe wrote on March 14, 2008 12:02 pm:
" As usual, some observations:

It is very disappointing to have the Governor make comments such as this when the legislative process has not yet been concluded. What were all of the public hearings meant to accomplish? Please, Senator Erdman, set the record straight. Some of us still believe in democracy and representative government.I did not want to believe it earlier, but it now seems that the Journal-Star was correct when the statement "Done Deal" was published.

The voters should have the opportunity to re-think their decision to provide lottery money to the fair. This money could possibly be put to better use rather than to move a fair to somewhere where it will not prosper, and will likely fail.

Leave it in Lincoln, and it still has a chance. Move it away and rename it "NEBRASKA COUNTY FAIR".

The average "Joe" has spoken, The powers that be have not listened. should we really be surprised! "

 Justin wrote on March 14, 2008 12:09 pm:
" When "tradition" is your best argument for keeping the State Fair in Lincoln, then you have no argument whatsoever... "

 Fair fan wrote on March 14, 2008 12:43 pm:
" Sounds like it's a done deal then. What a shame for Lincoln motels and restaurants. They will notice the lack of revenue the fair brought in. Grand Island doesn't have the motels etc to handle the crowd of people that will need to stay overnight. Kearney's 40 miles away, no one wants to drive miles further just to find a place to stay. Guess the fair is dead, just like Lincoln will be after UNL gets through with it. "

 Why we leave wrote on March 14, 2008 1:25 pm:
" Yet again, this is another example of the people of NE being against progress (despite being led by some great leaders). Have you driven through state fair park lately??? If it were a neighborhood, it would be blighted. You can't tell me that there is no possible better use for that land. Just because something has been a certain way for a certain amount of time doesn't mean it should stay that way...under that logic we should still have slavery (its an American tradition!). Again, this is exactly why we college educated people are leaving NE in droves! Wise up and welcome to the 21st century! "

 JR wrote on March 14, 2008 1:33 pm:
" Steve, so, because of tradition, should we still have brick streets? Horse drawn carriages? Maybe saloons and cat houses? The State Fair has become an embarrassment and needs to go to a new spot where it can start over and maybe once again become an event worth attending. When you only get 20,000 people on some days, I hardly think it is worth keeping as is. "

 John wrote on March 14, 2008 1:36 pm:
" You're kidding yourselves if you believe the State Fair represents some sort of tremendous economic boon for the city of Lincoln. A technology park will ultimately generate MUCH more revenue and new jobs than the State Fair EVER could. "

 Technology Jobs > Manure wrote on March 14, 2008 1:58 pm:
" Let the state fair wither on the vine. What is there to do at the fair besides get fat, take in a concert featuring some dinosaur band and smell the aroma of fresh manure in the air? I prefer investment in the currently non-existent Lincoln technology sector over manure. "

 mitchy_v wrote on March 14, 2008 1:59 pm:
" GI will build more motels/hotels only after they are awarded the fair. People from the west are also more likely to want to camp at the fair. The fair is dead in the east, the west will resurect it. "

 Keep Fair wrote on March 14, 2008 1:59 pm:
" If the Fair is moved, maybe we can get a recall petition for the Governor and The Legislators who vote to move it. Let us True Nebraskans vote on it. Or is Perlman afraid of the result. Maybe the Governor should check with Perlman first, it appears Perlman is trying to run the State. I am sick and tired of the powers that be dictating to the rest of us. I know that the majority of Nebraskans, knowing the true cost of moving the Fair and building this research park would vote to keep the Fair where it is. "

 Who cares about the fair. wrote on March 14, 2008 2:00 pm:
" It's no wonder that graduates from the University are forced to leave Lincoln to find a job. Judging from these comments people would rather have a state fair a couple weeks of year than a research park which would create jobs for recent graduates as well as gain prestige for the University. We cannot continue to keep things around because of tradition, that is the most worthless excuse I have ever heard. The research park would be much more beneficial for Lincoln as a growing community in the 21st century. We cannot continue to pretend that everything can stay as it was in 1920 and expect Lincoln to thrive. It's ridiculous. "

 mark wrote on March 14, 2008 2:17 pm:
" Just wondering . . . if you're against Innovation Park:
1-Do you have a college degree?
2-Have you traveled outside of Nebraska?
3-Do you consider Wimmers' hot dogs haute cuisine?
4-Is "status quo" the only Latin you care to know?
5-Are you jealous of successful people?
6-Do you think Charles Starkweather struck in the 1990s?
7-Do you think Lincoln's best decade was during the Dust Bowl?

"

 Chris wrote on March 14, 2008 2:18 pm:
" Why all the negative comments about the University? They are only the one of the largest employers in the City of Lincoln. The University is going to kill Lincoln, you got to be kidding me. As the University goes, so goes Lincoln. The issue at hand is about adding an innovation park that will expand the University (more highly educated researchers - they don't get paid little salaries) and attract private tech firms that have a demand for highly skilled researchers (they don't get paid little salaries). So essentially, this is a move that is going to add high paid jobs to the Lincoln economy. But according to people here that is a bad thing, and it's going to ruin Lincoln. Ask Austin, TX how their association with the University of Texas has done for them. (Hint, their population doubled from 1990 - 2000)

You people are lucky the City of Lincoln has people like Kent Seacrest and the rest of 2015, Governor Dave Heineman, and the highly qualified Harvey Perlman making these decisions. But the benefits to the community that they provide for you all to take advantage of will go right over your head.

One more thing- the state fair now is in a flood plain. We are talking about salt creek here, not the mississippi. If it's in a flood plain, dig a bigger ditch to hold the water. The fair is going to the Lancaster Event Center. If the fairboard does indeed balk at the offer presented by 2015 and UN-L, then they deserve their fate. "

 mark wrote on March 14, 2008 2:27 pm:
" And what in the world is a "True Nebraskan?" Do you mean honest? Or do you mean that you were conceived, raised,and vacationed in the same zip code all your life? Unbelievable. "

 PROG wrote on March 14, 2008 2:46 pm:
" Everyone must earn a college degree. Our institutions of higher learn drive the economy, create jobs and education opportunities and enhance Nebraska's chances in the future. These are the economic development complexes where investment per dollar yields a greater amount of cost benefit. Plus, don't you think there's a method and economy in linking agriculture, food and scientific communities? May the Governor, Chancellor Perlman, the State Fair, and Senator Erdman work out a good deal. "

 West Point wrote on March 14, 2008 2:50 pm:
"
If the fair is viewed as having more value to the state than a 2015 project for Lincoln, then we could see petitions circulating at the state fair to bring this to a broader vote. There is sufficient time for fair fans to assure their, and not a single city or group determine how to proceed., "

 mitchy_v wrote on March 14, 2008 2:51 pm:
" So by digging a bigger "ditch" we will be able to move the fair from its current location into an area that is more subseptable to flooding. What a great idea! Who needs engineers. "

 Ignored Fair Exhibittor wrote on March 14, 2008 3:26 pm:
" As quoted from the State Fair website history section:

"With a history older than the state itself, the Nebraska State Fair combines tradition with innovation to produce an educational and exciting event for the entire family."

In addition, the fair enhances the networking for 4-Hers, FFA and open class exhibitors that resulted in lifetime friendships and acquaintances. Unfortunately, it appears that the university doesn't realize the importance of the fair and it seems that Governor Heineman has also lost sight of this aspect.

After all, if tradition isn't a big issue for fair supporters, then a winning Cornhusker football season shouldn't be a tradition for fans.

At the last legislative hearing, I believe I heard Senator Erdman ask: if the university didn't get the land, would they still go forth with their innovation park idea. And if I heard correctly, as it was said rather quietly by Perlman, he stated that they would still continue with their idea. So if that is the case, doesn't that indicate that the research (both public and private) could be conducted elsewhere without disrupting State Fair Park? Keep in mind that the University and the State Fair are not separate businesses, but more as siblings, as both fall under one parent, the State of Nebraska.

As far as keeping people in the state is concerned, I am a UNL graduate born and raised in rural Nebraska. I stayed in Nebraska because I have family ties and I wanted to use my degree to give back to the state all that I have learned from all my years of education. I also learned from 10 years of being a 4-Her and participating in countless fairs that we as Nebraskans should want to keep the values and history that made Nebraska what it is today. It wasn't money that built Nebraska, but the values and hard work of the pioneers that came here and saw the land for more than just the "Great American Desert."
"

 Fair Supporter wrote on March 14, 2008 4:20 pm:
" If the University and Perlman want an Innovation Park that is fine. They just do not have to move the State Fair to get it. There is no reason why one State Institution should try to move another State Institution. Many people have commented on this issue and said the University already has plenty of land to build on. I have heard that the University has land that they are not using now. They have no business forcing the Fair out. I suspect there is more behind the taking of the Fairgrounds than an Innovation Park. Many very rich people intend to get richer at the expense of the taxpayer. The Fair Board has said many times they will move if enough money is given to them to pay for the move and new buildings. So far there is not enough money put out there. Perlman wants to get this for free. That is just crazy. If this land is so valuable to Perlman and all, then it should be worth $100 million or better. It's not easy moving the Fair, it will take at least $100 million. Refer to the Consultants that studied it. I really don't think Perlman understands the true feelings of Nebraskans. "

 Rhonda wrote on March 14, 2008 4:22 pm:
" I have read on here about, just because it's tradition is no reason to keep something, get out of the way for progress, everyone that attends is from Lincoln and Omaha, there are better uses for the land etc. etc. etc. Well being from outside Lincoln I think the people of Lincoln make a good argument. I think it is time to let Lincoln have there wish, they don't like our money for the 2 weeks during the summer, then lets move everything. I just attended the state Basketball games 2 weeks in a row in Lincoln, I think it is time to move them. It is only for 2 weeks and who needs that, I know most of the poeple filling the hotels are from outside Lincoln so what do you say about that Lincoln. Then we have football and volleyball, take them to. If Lincoln wants progress and to forsake tradition and history, lets give them what they want. Let UNL and their big research park fill the hotels. If GI wants it fine but I know it will never be the same as do many people. I will go and stay in a hotel out there and spend my money in GI it seems they appreciate what all Nebraskans have to offer. Oh and Governor you just lost my support, spomething you have always had, I am ashamed of you stance on this. "

 Jim wrote on March 14, 2008 5:42 pm:
" I love how if your for the fair staying put your considered uneducated, living in the past, or against progress and UNL. I am none of those yet I am for keeping the fair where it is. I went to UNL and support many of the things they are doing, including a research park. I just feel that booting the fair in the name of progress is a blind leap. There are several alternative locations to build a research park, if the powers that be would remove the blinders. It is arrogant of many posters here to think that if you support the fair that you are uneducated "hicks". It is that type of thinking that is causing the rift between Lincoln/Omaha and the rest of the state. If Lincoln thinks they can survive without the rest of Nebraska can I remind you who it is that fills our hotels during High School events, and then listens to our News stations and reads our papers about how much a pain it is having them here, due to traffic and other issues. Lincoln we can't have it both ways. We need to embrace rural Nebraska and what they offer to our city. It won't be long, with the constant disregaurd for people of the entire state, before Lincoln loses many of the events that are supported by the outstate residents. I like many people aren't against UNL or the research park, just against them spending the money to relocate the fair in the name of progress. "

 What Exactly Is A Tech Park? wrote on March 14, 2008 5:46 pm:
" I would like to know more about this so called Tech Park. If it is anything like the current University Tech Park - we should be very concerned. The current Tech Park looks more like a poorly planned industrial park halfway developed . . . oh yeah and it has taken more than 10 years to even get some tenants. Who is going to maintain the abandoned State Fair while buildings continue to fall into disrepair? You can call anything a name like a tech park or even disneyland but that doesn't make it so . . . Remember the Market Place district on P Street? That's what I thought. It brought about absolutely nothing . . . "

 Gotta go with Mark wrote on March 14, 2008 8:50 pm:
" I tend to agree with most, if not all, of his comments. And several commenters have only proven him correct with their comments.

Let's face it...Lincoln is an attraction to numerous rural "kids" because it is still a safe and, for the most part, a clean "bigger" city. Omaha will always attract those who prefer a little "more." I have no problem with that. Usually the kind, generous rural Nebraskans are (in my book) nicer to live with than the types that prefer Omaha. But, it's time Lincoln grew up a little more. The State Fair has seen its better days, and now would be a fine time to let it go. "

 Happy wrote on March 14, 2008 9:18 pm:
" This is just terrible. Lincoln is great and Grand Island does not deserve a prize like the State Fair. If they do its the beginning of the end. Its all over for us and we should just shut the city down and move the Capital and the UofN to Omaha where it all belongs. This used to be a good place but its an awful place to live and it will only get worse. "

 john s wrote on March 14, 2008 10:38 pm:
" If you want to see how a dilapidated state fair park has turned itsself around, you ought to go across the Missouri to Des Moines park. The community, and this includes the entire state, was behind funding its renovations. This led to more off season revenue from expositions, conferences and shows.

What is the reason for the location of the new research park to be close to the University? Communications can occur with the internet, faxes, and phones. Transportation is adequate between the East Campus and the Main Campus. So the continuous border theory is a bit weak. If UNL really wants the Park, why not build on the land they already own? "

 Matt Poulsen wrote on March 14, 2008 10:44 pm:
" To some of the above posters: Do you guys really truly deep down believe that the interests of Lincoln (and the State of Nebraska) are better served with the State Fair remaining where its at and refusing to allow the research park to be built?? I understand that you are sentimental about the state fair. But for god sakes...if New Yorkers are able to tear down Yankee Stadium I think Lincolnites can move the state fair. As Heinemen said, this is an opportunity of a lifetime!! "

 Dan Reisdorff wrote on March 15, 2008 5:52 am:
" Well, here it is, Saturday morning @ 5:00 AM. What a way to start the day -- reading forty eight (48) postings. Isn't it amazing how many "State Fair Experts" there seem to be out there - especially the brave "no namers" such as "Technology Jobs>Manure. " If "whoever" wants to smell that aroma, other than at a fair, and/or on many agricultural product producing properties, in this great state,--- one only needs to read some of the testimony of the proproponents of evicting the State Fair from State Fair Park - Those "win - win" and "best interest of the state" fairy tellers can really put up a stink, sometimes so much so, that it would make the beef barn at any fair seem like a perfume factory, in comparison.

Some points to ponder.

1) I, too, am very disappointed in the Governors' perceived change of heart on this subject. I stopped in to his office on Friday, to express that concern. His communication person, Jen Hein, was very helpful, and promised to forward my concern to the Governor. Does his new perceived position now favor EVICTING the State Fair from State Fair Park (LB 1044) - AGAINST THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE ie; state constitutuinal amendment No 4 approved by 403,073 voting, taxpaying, citizens - whoops, almost forgot - CONSTITUENTS (can you say 2nd term?) - of this great state? I hope that he clarifies his position SOON!

2) Better pay attention to what Rhonda (3/14, 4:22 PM) has to say, especially about out-state Nebraskans (as well as Lincoln/Lancaster County reesidents) taking their money elsewhere, for a lot more events than just the State Fair.

3)So do you suppose that Chancellor Perlman has a plan, as to how to build an Innovation(?) Park on top of an old landfill, where the remains of the three (3) story 2nd Nebraska State Capitol (limestone, no less) are buried? Or is he leaving that up to those "win - win" futuristic visionaries?

OK, now it is time to do something constructive on this beautiful Saturday morning, in this great state, in this great country --finish building those "high tech, innovative" shelves in the garage. I can guarantee all, that completion of this project WILL be a "win - win" situation for ME, and "in MY best interest" in the household that I live in...if you know what I mean -- especially those of you who are married!

Have a great day! "

 Chris wrote on March 15, 2008 3:15 pm:
" How is one flood plain more susceptible to flooding than another flood plain? How is justification for not moving the fair because the new land is in a flood plain, when the current fair is in a flood plain, at all valid?

The research park needs to locate near the University to take advantage of urbanization economies. At a close location to the university, the research firms can share a labor pool of highly skilled researchers, the firms can benefit from knowledge spillover effects, the firms benefit from having face to face contact with University researchers. Commuting time is money wasted. That is what makes this land so valuable. If you question these reasons, thats fine, but why did Silicon Valley develop? Why do ad firms want to locate on Madison Ave.? Why are there more people with PhD's in the research triangle in NC which is adjacent to Duke, UNC, and NCST?

I have a better question, how does the fair benefit from this location, and why can't it be moved? "

 Chris wrote on March 15, 2008 3:20 pm:
" Who needs engineers? What are you talking about? Engineers are the people that design features such as levees that take, I don't know, say, the entire downtown area out of the flood plain of salt creek. That is what the antelope valley project is doing to east downtown, essentially digging a bigger ditch to capture flood waters from a 100 year flood to allow new buildings to be built. Prior to that building such as the Beadle Center essentially built a hill to build on to get out of the flood plain. How is that any different from what needs to be done around Lancaster Event Center? "

 Steve wrote on March 15, 2008 3:37 pm:
" JR, Its obvious you weren't raised to understand history, loyalty or tradition, but you don't get that from a degree. And didn't your mother teach you not to judge a book by its cover. I would rather have 20,000 quality people than 50,000 no accounts. We have some real shallow people in here "

 Still Waiting . . . wrote on March 15, 2008 6:33 pm:
" Still waiting for the response about what this disneyland research tech park is? This is not silicon valley, madison avenue or north carolina with three prestigeous universities. This is Lincoln and the last UNL Tech Park leaves a great deal to be desire both in terms of how long it has taken to develop, etc. I liked the movie "Field of Dreams" as much as anyone but am still waiting for some actual facts about what and how this tech park will be developed. Phd's don't guarantee success . . . "

 Steve wrote on March 15, 2008 7:10 pm:
" Ignored Fair Exhibittor, Perfectly said !!!! Everyone should read this one! "

 No Brainer wrote on March 15, 2008 9:11 pm:
" You replace a money losing plot of ground that is stale most of the year with one that could take Lincoln into at least last century with a research area that might come up with new biotech products and biofuels or a cure for cancer or the next earth changing tech like computer driven tractors (no humans) or at least something that makes money and progress around this dry economic and cultural atmosphere. "

 Ron wrote on March 16, 2008 9:20 pm:
" Seems like this is a cut and dry deal. The 2015 group represents the Big Money of Lincoln. They want it at 84th and Havelock Avenue. Lets wait and see if Big Money gets their Way, Anyone want to make a bet? What's next Harvey? The capitol? No Problem. Face it citizens of Lincoln, corruption rules here. "

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