Tacoma Dome Bond Fades Again ( 8. February 2006, 07:02 by Derek Young) ~

The $45 million Tacoma Dome bond measure appears to have failed again. The main critical argument against the Dome measures seems to be one of cost in that the bond is more than the cost of the original dome. That means nothing to me. My house was built for less money than a kitchen remodel today. Value of money over time changes. But the supporters still haven’t provided me with any reason why it should be funded. The comment that “The wooden structure along I-5 is an icon that symbolizes the beginning of Tacoma’s rebirth.” doesn’t mean I want taxes to be increased to support an icon. I want the Dome to be something that provides continued value for the rebirth. I still haven’t seen the economics of the Dome – the studies that show how much money it brings into the city and how it comes into the city. Generally speaking, I’m skeptical. I would love to see some numbers if somebody will send them to me.

The dome must be considered within the broader picture of that area of the city. Most folks that pass through Tacoma on I-5 see the Tacoma Dome and the mall. The dome is a bit white nipple surrounded by parking lots. How about a little landscaping? Improve the look of this corridor through our city and the image of our city in the region will improve. Maybe the overall benefit of investing in the Dome area is greater than investing in other parts of downtown. We know we have a good city. If the dome and the mall are all that some people see of our city, why would they get off the freeway? Okay, I’m a little off-topic. It’s been a tough week.

To bring this back to the original topic. The dome measure was to pay for new seats, a new scoreboard, and other improvements to the facility. I’m thinking that this particular ‘icon’ of the city would be better served by exterior improvements and more neighborhood development. Once we have a reason to go down there for something other than a Kenny Chesney concert or monster trucks, maybe our support for bathroom improvements will follow.

A car museum, by the way, in my opinion, is not a reason to visit a neighborhood regularly.

Previously here and here.

Link to The News Tribune