Now
Fair
32°
High
42°
Low
15°
Full Forecast

Jobs

Cars

Homes

Rentals

Alerts

Subscribe
Home > News > Local
Bookmark Us   •   Make Us Your Homepage

Deena Winter: Council doubts arena vote

Comments 31 comment(s)  
E-mail Story E-mail Story
Print Story Print Story
Share  Share
Text Size: 
Tools Sponsor

By DEENA WINTER / Lincoln Journal Star

Wednesday, Dec 03, 2008 - 12:49:00 am CST

City Council members expressed doubt Monday about whether the city will be ready to ask voters to approve a new arena in the spring city election.

After an informal arena briefing, Councilman Dan Marvin questioned whether the city would have firm cost estimates for building the arena, moving railroad tracks and building roads, for instance. The council will decide early in 2009 whether to put the issue on the May ballot.

“You will have all of this in the next eight weeks?” Marvin asked the city’s arena coordinator, Kent Morgan. “You’re confident that you can provide that amount of detail?”

Story Photo

Related Link(s):


11.12.08 Osborne, Beutler talk arena issues

Yes, Morgan said.

Councilman Jon Camp questioned who is handling the different pieces of the larger arena complex and pressed Morgan to release financial data to the council soon.

Morgan said he’d have to get permission from the mayor and a public-private arena steering committee.

That didn’t sit well with Camp, who asked whether the council wasn’t part of the “upper level.”

Councilman Ken Svoboda said the city has “a lot to overcome in a couple of months” — noting arena supporters need to combat myths about the Qwest Center Omaha’s performance and fallout from the Journal Star’s recent series about the Antelope Valley Project, whose projected cost ballooned from $175 million to $264 million.

Svoboda suggested city officials consider postponing an arena election until summer or fall, given the enormity of the task ahead.

Morgan said he’s been charged with shooting for the May election.

Later, Camp also pressed Mayor Chris Beutler for financial figures. Beutler said while the council is at the “top of the list of people who need to be persuaded” to support a new arena, he wants the data to be accurate and complete.

“There’s just not much that has been decided,” he said. “In fact, nothing has been actually decided.”

Which probably didn’t do much to assuage the council’s concerns.

Two arena designs in the works

Apparently, the city has two arena designs in the works.

Aside from the designs the architects at DLR Group of Omaha are working on, International Stadia Group is working on its own arena design — on its own dime.

The sports marketing giant is studying whether it can privately finance the design and construction of a new arena for Lincoln. An answer is expected by the end of the month.

DLR won a $1.2 million contract — largely paid for by the private 2015 Vision business group — to work on Lincoln’s initial arena design. DLR is subcontracting with BVH Architects and The Clark Enersen Partners.

But Morgan said if voters approve an arena, it will be up to the mayor to decide whether to continue the contract with DLR.

The complicating factor is ISG’s interest in financing the arena. ISG normally partners with HKS Architects, which designed new stadiums for the Indianapolis Colts and Dallas Cowboys.

Morgan said if ISG decides to finance the arena, “We’ve had discussions about involving DLR. They’ve indicated a willingness to look at ways they could make DLR part of their team.“

DLR designed Omaha’s Qwest Center, Haymarket Park and the Memorial Stadium addition and is now designing the Breslow ice center, which is planned near the proposed arena.

Make that two council candidates

Physical therapist Jayne Snyder announced plans to run for the City Council on Tuesday.

But what about the three people occupying the at-large seats that will be up for grabs in the spring?

Councilman Ken Svoboda says he’ll run again (he’s already begun sending letters to donors) but Councilman Dan Marvin isn’t saying, and Councilwoman Robin Eschliman said she hasn’t made a decision yet.

Should dumpster diving be criminalized?

Councilman Doug Emery is floating the prospect of a city ordinance banning dumpster diving.

He has put the idea out there at the request of the Lincoln Policy Network — an offshoot of NeighborWorks. Councilman Camp cautioned that some dumpster divers fish aluminum cans out of dumpsters for recycling.

He said it

“That’s good to know.”

— Councilman John Spatz, after learning dumpster diving is legal in Lincoln.

Reach Deena Winter at 473-2642 or dwinter@journalstar.com


$1 Sunday Delivery - Subscribe Today!
Local > Back to Top of Story

Post Your Comment

Standards and Rules
All posts to JournalStar.com are subject to our Terms and Standards.
Your posted comment will appear after it has been approved.
Frequently asked questions about story commenting.
(optional)
   
Hide Comments Hide Comments   Newest First Newest First  
Yada wrote on December 3, 2008 5:27 am:
" One thing that I haven't heard about is the contamination. I find it hard to believe that there isn't soil contamination in a spot where railroad tracks have existed for a hundred years! Has there been an EPA study done or is this one of the hidden costs that is going to pop up? "

 Butch wrote on December 3, 2008 7:20 am:
" I just don't remember dumpster diving leading to a life of crime or involving any crime. Some people may find it socially repugnant but I'd rather see someone recycling castoffs from a dumpster than walking down the sidewalk leaving big spit lugies for me to step in. Why waste our time and resources on turning a recycling program into a crime? If people are worried that the dumpster diving is to steal an identity, there's already a law on that. This "law" would just be another chink out of our personal freedoms and individual expressions. I've known college kids that furnished their apartments out of other people's castoffs. There is a webprogram to help on this, freecycle.com, but once again it's easier to just "throw it in the dumpster" rather than go online and give it away. Come on folks, let's save the laws for correcting problems that cause social problems, not punishing people for keeping the landfill from filling up! I'm really starting to regret my vote for Doug Emery. "

 JoBeth wrote on December 3, 2008 8:19 am:
" It's time for some new blood on the city council. As far as the arena, I don't see how the City can afford it at this time. It will end up as another Antelope Valley.....destroying homes, businesses and running up a tab we can't afford. We need to maintain our basic services, and our roads/streets/parks. The choices made by the council have been destroying both. "

 Outside the Box wrote on December 3, 2008 8:25 am:
" From the description Ms. Winter provides, it sounds like Dan Marvin wants to know if the city will be able to put the arena measure to a vote. Jon Camp sounds like a crying baby because somebody didn't bow to the council's almighty power.

Grow up, Jon Camp. "

 Scott wrote on December 3, 2008 8:39 am:
" Butch-It would appear that your beef is with the Lincoln Policy Network and not Councilman Emery. The points you make regarding recycling are well taken but to target your Councilman is not. As the article notes Emery raised the issue at the request of this group. Isn't a Councilman supposed to be a voice for his district? I agree with your comments right up to the point where you decided to kill the messenger. "

 Find something more important wrote on December 3, 2008 9:52 am:
" Lincoln Policy network must be getting short on identifying new regulations. There is so much real work to be done. I wish they'd do something useful instead of sitting around a table complaining about other people. NeighborWorks has taken a bad turn with their new strong arm tactics. Doug should have thought twice on this one. He's going to end up in a cartoon on the editorial page like Robin. At least Robin sponsored something that might have a positive effect. This time the cartoon is going to be deserved. "

 a concerned landlord wrote on December 3, 2008 10:50 am:
" I've caught people going through our apartment dumpsters and I always tell them to get out of there. People dump broken glass, toxic chemicals, sharp objects, etc in garbage dumpsters and it is no place for people to go treasure hunting. I don't want trespassers suing me because they rummage through the tenant trash and hurt themselves. I'm in favor of banning dumpster diving or pass a law saying that if you dumpster dive, you're responsible for you own injuries. "

 Chris wrote on December 3, 2008 10:58 am:
" I think the ban on dumpster diving has more to do with the perception of neighborhoods. People diving around in trash cans creates a negative image, much like broken windows, graffitti, broken bottles/trash. There are also concerns with identity theft. "

 Diane Walkowiak wrote on December 3, 2008 11:01 am:
" A ban on dumpster diving? Bad idea. I've gotten some great things from the trash. It's also a great way to recycle. If there are perceived problems regarding dumpster diving, they can be solved in other ways (shred your papers, put up no trespassing signs) instead of coming up with yet another law to enforce. What's with Neighbor Works lately? They're starting to go overboard on making us all conform and obey a bunch of regulations that are unnecessary and misguided.

I hope Doug comes to his senses, shreds this idea, and throws it in the trash. "

 Alan wrote on December 3, 2008 11:11 am:
" Already they are hedging towards a special election for the arena where it's much easier for the proponents to swing the vote. I wish all special elections would be banned except for run offs. "

 beerorkid wrote on December 3, 2008 11:23 am:
" Seems like another way to punish those who society looks down on. Why you are at it just make being gay, not owning a gun, and not being christian illegal. "

 Pro arena wrote on December 3, 2008 11:45 am:
" I'm all for the arena, but it may be wise to wait a bit to get as much accurate information as possible before a vote.

As an after-thought to those who complain complain complain about taxes go to the city's website and check out how much your property taxes have gone up. The newest (2008) figure is there. Mine went up 9 tenths (.009) of one percent from last year. Since 2002 my taxes have averaged an increase of 3 percent a year, while my valuation has increase an average of 6 percent. So, to those who immediately squak "tax me to death" try to be a little accurate. "

 JoJo wrote on December 3, 2008 12:26 pm:
" The City struggled to finalize a budget...tax collections are bound to be off due to the housing issue...the Antelope Valley project (a project pushed by the past three Democrat Mayors) will cost more than originally thought (no surprise)...and now, an arena? How much more do you want to pay in taxes? If this is a good venture, let a private firm do it. "

 Doug Emery wrote on December 3, 2008 12:33 pm:
" I am very disappointed at the way this was reported in today's paper. The intent of my actions was misconstured. I DID NOT INITIATE THIS POTENTIAL LEGISLATION. I was approached by the Lincoln Policy Network AND the Lincoln Police AND given copies of existing legislation as a place to START discussion. I gave those to LIBA and several other groups as an attempt to facilitate discussion on the pros and cons of this legislation. That is where we are at this time.

I now LPD is very concerned that dumpster diving facilitates identity theft and hoarding and that there is currently no law to prevent or deal with dumpster diving. I know, from my time at the Postal Sevice that, despite people's best intent, there are many things put out in garbage that allow people to steal identities. While there may be a "law againt indentity theft already" it still happens at a very high rate so CURRENT law must not be very effective. Clearly many posters here believe the benefits of recycling are more important than trying to make it more difficult to steal identities. So be it. I know I personally do not want anyone going through my garbage but I am comfortable dealing with it myself.

What is even more disturbing is to read the people on this board who seem to be under the opinion that nothing should be discussed unless it is something THEY agree with. How does one gauge the feelings of their constituents without discussion? Is it impossible to have CIVIL discourse on a subject? There is a huge difference between discussing something and proposing legislation. I certainly will not apologize for ASKING whether people think we need legislation in this area. If that makes people "regret" their vote for me to represent them then so be it. Clearly their vision of what a representative should do and mine differ. "

 No arena wrote on December 3, 2008 12:49 pm:
" How accurate do you want it "Pro arena"? When my house is valued $60,000
MORE than what my neighbor's exact same house could finally sell for after being on the market for a year and a half, you don't think I have
a beef about my assessed value and taxes???? And what about the other
7 houses that also have been on the market for more than a year and reduced their prices and STILL can't sell. So right now that makes my
house over assessed by at least 30%!! Brag (as Nebraskans' do) about your
taxes NOT GOING up, is foolish, when the whole U.S. are laughing about
Nebraska's taxes among many other things. Foolish judgement to even
put the arena on the ballot now, until the economy turns around . Then
of course there are those probably working for the city or state that
think the citizens are their money tree like the unions have done to the
big 3, which deserve to go bankrupt!!!! I would almost bet moving those
railroad tracks will find a skelton this city's great great great
grandkids will be bailing out, while the trains will merrily go chugging
on to more billions!!! "

 Lincoln Taxpayer wrote on December 3, 2008 12:52 pm:
" When we have more that one four lane road (84th) going all the way north and south I might think about an arena, when this money pit known as antelope valley project is finished I might think about an arena, when the state fair has completed it's move to GI I might think about an arena, when most of the company's in this town are NOT laying people off I might think about an arena, until then keep dreaming mr. mayor it is NOT going to pass a vote. "

 Humm wrote on December 3, 2008 3:38 pm:
" Most of the time Mr. Emery, everything is in the works LONG before any
discussion ever gets printed. So why shouldn't citizens get highly upset? "

 Doug Emery wrote on December 3, 2008 4:07 pm:
" Why would a simple discussion get anyone "highly upset?" This was simply a question of whether potential legislation was needed or not needed. Regardless of one's opinion, it does not warrant getting angry. The groups I gave this to were less than 50% of the belief that potential legislation was needed. I have no intention of introducing this and I would guess it will just be another idea that is never developed. Too bad we could not have the discussion without people getting "highly upset." That reaction merely limits the number of ideas that people bring forward and doesn't benefit the community. "

 ALl of this talk..... wrote on December 3, 2008 4:07 pm:
" All of this about the arena. I have to agree with YADA. There HAS been some "discussion" of the soil in the area. And even a few people have walked through the area. But you are correct in believing that this will be a "hidden" cost. There were tanneries, oil storage, fuel tanks, and numeours other things either used or stored down there over the past hundred years.

Being an avid Railfan and taking photos of them on a regular basis I have spen some time in the area that this is planned to be built on. If, for some reason, folks think that they are simply going to move some tracks and start building I think that they are going to be in for a big surprise.

The EPA is going to be jumping all over this as soon as the first "groundbreaking" is held. THEN watch the costs of this project SKYROCKET!!!!!

2015 Vision committee....GET YOUR CHECKBOOKS READY...it's going to be extremely expensive!!!! "

 LPN member wrote on December 3, 2008 4:23 pm:
" LPN hasn't ever discussed this. We've discussed mandatory garbage collection. "

 Lily wrote on December 3, 2008 4:32 pm:
" Wow, "pro arena", I don't know where to begin! It's pretty clear that you have never left the city of Lincoln. That being the case, I would STRONGLY encourage you to spend a little time at the Tax Foundation web site. Google some real estate in other states to see what the property tax burden is outside of Nebraska. Just do a tiny bit of homework, and you will soon see why people complain about our tax burden. Wow, I am nearly speechless. "

 russell wrote on December 3, 2008 4:50 pm:
" Dumpster diving is a honorable profession. The police department already requires the divers to be licensed with a photo id in order for the diver to sell scrap metal to the local scrap yards. "

 ricky wrote on December 3, 2008 5:16 pm:
" Already the public is being kept in the dark on the financing regarding the arena.
Up here we have a private company that runs the Qwest Center and the public has no access to the finances or input on details on our new downtown ballpark.
If it is the peoples arena and they have to pay for it, they should get all the information.

ricky from omaha "

 to pro arena wrote on December 3, 2008 5:17 pm:
" If you ever have the opportunity to travel, you will be amazed that the gas prices fall almost 20 cents a gallon upon leaving NE. It's the taxes. The minute you leave Lancaster County, the amount you pay for property taxes falls dramatically. They are still higher than all of our surrounding states.
"Pro arena" perhaps we wouldn't gripe about our high tax bills if the streets weren't full of pot holes from last winter, our sidewalks were fixed so we could take a walk, and the dandelions in our parks were mowed once in a blue moon. But we sure have no shortage of over-priced mayoral aides and city administrators.
Pershing was grossly neglected all these years. How do you suppose we will take care of a new arena? Oh yea, we'll just watch it crumble like the rest of Lincoln. It's what we do here. "

 JB wrote on December 3, 2008 10:59 pm:
" Governments should and must spend money in economic downturns. When do you think the Empire State Buidling, Hoover Dam, Golden Gate Bridge were built? In the Depression. Any money spend it multiplied through the economy. "

 dewboy wrote on December 3, 2008 11:21 pm:
" To Begin: The so-called Lincoln Policy Network/Neighborhoodworks in no way represent the general public residing in Lincoln. We must watch that they don't skim off of the neighborhoods for grant money. Secondly, Yes the entire depot area has very high contamination and it seems very strange that the City Council has in fact met with the EPA regarding contamination in the area and the results seem to be hidden. Here is one fact, If the city buys the property that the tracks currently sit on the City of Lincoln will be responsible for cleanup of ALL contamination. Don't forget the junk yard, American stores for contamination also and the water table in the area. "

 dumpster wrote on December 4, 2008 9:27 am:
" You know, a cross cutting shredder is not that expensive anymore. I picked one up 6 months ago on sale for 23.99. It can shred up to 16 pieces of paper, credit cards and CDs. I shred everysingle piece of paper that leaves my home. It's not that hard to protect against identity theft.
I think dumpster diving can be fun. When I was 16 I found an old turn table that I still use in someone's garbage. All I had to do was replace the plug ($4) and get new needles and it was good to go. That was 8 years ago. "

 To JB wrote on December 4, 2008 11:19 am:
" The only way we got out of the Depression was the manufacturing during WW II. The "public works" of government in building during the 30s just gave people a job to do and didn't get the economy up and running. This was just an "outlay of money" like todays "bailouts". The difference is that today we are paying the upper class instead of the working class. We need to be producing/manufacturing to get our GDP up in the black instead of in the red. We are importing way more than we are exporting. "

 ej wrote on December 4, 2008 11:52 am:
" Build the arena; the sooner the better. If you're not moving forward, you're going backward. I know that's what the naysayers prefer. I prefer they get out of the way and that they take their negative, woe-is-me attitudes with them. "

 oh ej... wrote on December 4, 2008 3:02 pm:
" Don't lump all of us together that aren't for the arena. I'm for the arena IF:
-The University agrees to pay for their fair shake of the deal (Osborne said they're plan is "You build it, we play in it"). Ummm no thanks
-They pick to the most cost efficient place to build. Moving RR's & cleaning up contaminated grounds add a significant fees into this project
-Private interest groups are fully disclosed. The more transparent the better.
-University & city must have detailed plans/projections for the use of Devaney & Pershing going forward.
-Detailed plans with precise info on how they are going to fill this place up on a consistent basis (not just for the 2-3 year 'honeymoon' period)
-The community votes

Poor decision making-like rushing a major project without detailed financing, public approval, and accurate cost #'s, is far more detrimental to the growth of this city than the simple notion that new arena=progress. "

 Yeah wrote on December 4, 2008 5:28 pm:
" Let's do it the Pershing way, oh ej. Have you read about the history of getting Pershing built years ago? Didn't it take 20 years from the time the original "Lincoln Auditorium" burned down until Pershing was built? I assume there were lots of people with "IFs" attached to their approval for Pershing then too, right? And how could anyone actually give an accurate answer about "filling the arena" 3+ years in the future??? That's like someone trying to predict the recent economic crash...

Oh brother... "

Ads by Yahoo!