29
Jun
2004
From the beginning, I have been a strong supporter of gambling in Iowa. I believe that the financial structure of gaming licenses, which provides for a percentage of revenues to be set aside for community reinvestment, came when Iowa needed it most. The federal government had just implemented major budget cuts, as well it should, that impacted not-for-profits to a large degree. Hence, grants provided by the Riverboat Development Authority (RDA), which holds the gaming license for Davenport's riverboat casino, have continued to make up a substantial portion of the shortfall that resulted. According to its Web site, since 1991 the RDA has awarded $33,931,755 in grants to more than 230 not-for-profit agencies serving the bi-state community.
That said, it is important to note that, in turn, Davenport's citizens provide a tremendous opportunity for stockholders of the Rhythm City Casino to enjoy a lucrative gaming operation along the most coveted section of prime riverfront in the heart of Davenport's downtown. Furthermore, the casino operates at the pleasure of Scott County voters. So, while there is a beneficial financial return from the casino to the community, there is a far greater financial return to the casino stockholders. Voters need to decide if giving up more of our riverfront to the casino, or to any such commercial development, for an inclusive hotel is worth the price of severely limiting the public's access to and enjoyment of our own unique Mississippi riverfront.
From the beginning, casino owners have dazzled Davenport's councils with grandiose plans for facilities and associated amenities, only to deliver the bare minimum in functionality to maximize their profits. Our city councils traditionally have failed to adequately represent the public's interest, neglecting the fiduciary responsibility necessary to hold these enterprises accountable to their promises. Therefore, the public must now weigh in with no holds barred to save Davenport's precious riverfront.
The riverfront area targeted for a new casino hotel is at the foot of Perry Street. In other words, the casino property would shift eastward approximately one block and extend almost to the lock and dam. This constitutes almost half of the entire downtown Davenport riverfront. The River Vision plan currently being supported by city leaders suggests that LeClaire Park will be significantly enlarged, and this is simply not the case. In fact, the net gain for green space in this section is pitifully small.
The real rub is the disingenuous process being conducted by the city and Hargreaves & Associates, the planner hired by both Davenport and Rock Island to devise a development plan for both riverfronts that would have a certain synergy of cohesive and connective purpose. For the most part, this has been accomplished. However, a series of public meetings was held to get public input during the planning process, where the consensus was clearly against a hotel development along downtown riverfront proper, meaning from LeClaire Park eastward to the lock and dam. Consensus enthusiastically favored extending LeClaire Park by "greening" the parking lots to the east.
Because public opinion was strongly against the hotel, this component of the riverfront plan was not discussed openly. Instead, only a few stakeholders are negotiating with city leaders to develop a hotel at the foot of Perry Street. This is evidenced by the River Vision plan's second final draft, which ignores public sentiment, discreetly minimizing the hotel project as a nondescript commercial development so as to not attract too much attention.
Centennial Park has been suggested as a possible alternative site for the casino hotel, but has so far been rejected. By remaining at the Perry Street site, the casino essentially becomes downtown Davenport's focal point precisely because the riverfront itself is such a unique attraction.
The long-term risks to Davenport residences should this hotel project be approved are compelling. Consider the consequences should gambling be voted down in the next referendum, sending the riverboat casino downriver. What impact will a larger casino development have on downtown's riverfront in terms of the other amenities currently underway, such as the River Music Experience, the renovation of the Adler Theatre, and the newly constructed Figge Art Museum, which has as its thematic focus the Mississippi River view? Consider also how adding a hotel and convention facility will impact Davenport's RiverCenter, which already operates at a loss. Finally, by allowing the casino to build a hotel in order to provide rooms, meals, and recreation all-inclusive within the same property, what happens to the much-touted economic multiplier generated from casino guests patronizing other downtown establishments for room and board, drinks and dining, and other area amenities?
The hotel project is moving swiftly and is tied into the city's urgency to get another Vision Iowa and Community Attractions & Tourism (CAT) grant application for $15 million submitted by July. This means the public must get engaged now. Call the mayor and aldermen; and let the state Vision Iowa and CAT board know your thoughts, as well as our state representatives. Davenport's city council has the final say, so watch the agendas closely. Remember: Voters have significant leverage in this matter because gambling is here at their pleasure.
Disclosure: Owners of the Reader newspaper also own property near the location being targeted for a new hotel.
That said, it is important to note that, in turn, Davenport's citizens provide a tremendous opportunity for stockholders of the Rhythm City Casino to enjoy a lucrative gaming operation along the most coveted section of prime riverfront in the heart of Davenport's downtown. Furthermore, the casino operates at the pleasure of Scott County voters. So, while there is a beneficial financial return from the casino to the community, there is a far greater financial return to the casino stockholders. Voters need to decide if giving up more of our riverfront to the casino, or to any such commercial development, for an inclusive hotel is worth the price of severely limiting the public's access to and enjoyment of our own unique Mississippi riverfront.
From the beginning, casino owners have dazzled Davenport's councils with grandiose plans for facilities and associated amenities, only to deliver the bare minimum in functionality to maximize their profits. Our city councils traditionally have failed to adequately represent the public's interest, neglecting the fiduciary responsibility necessary to hold these enterprises accountable to their promises. Therefore, the public must now weigh in with no holds barred to save Davenport's precious riverfront.
The riverfront area targeted for a new casino hotel is at the foot of Perry Street. In other words, the casino property would shift eastward approximately one block and extend almost to the lock and dam. This constitutes almost half of the entire downtown Davenport riverfront. The River Vision plan currently being supported by city leaders suggests that LeClaire Park will be significantly enlarged, and this is simply not the case. In fact, the net gain for green space in this section is pitifully small.
The real rub is the disingenuous process being conducted by the city and Hargreaves & Associates, the planner hired by both Davenport and Rock Island to devise a development plan for both riverfronts that would have a certain synergy of cohesive and connective purpose. For the most part, this has been accomplished. However, a series of public meetings was held to get public input during the planning process, where the consensus was clearly against a hotel development along downtown riverfront proper, meaning from LeClaire Park eastward to the lock and dam. Consensus enthusiastically favored extending LeClaire Park by "greening" the parking lots to the east.
Because public opinion was strongly against the hotel, this component of the riverfront plan was not discussed openly. Instead, only a few stakeholders are negotiating with city leaders to develop a hotel at the foot of Perry Street. This is evidenced by the River Vision plan's second final draft, which ignores public sentiment, discreetly minimizing the hotel project as a nondescript commercial development so as to not attract too much attention.
Centennial Park has been suggested as a possible alternative site for the casino hotel, but has so far been rejected. By remaining at the Perry Street site, the casino essentially becomes downtown Davenport's focal point precisely because the riverfront itself is such a unique attraction.
The long-term risks to Davenport residences should this hotel project be approved are compelling. Consider the consequences should gambling be voted down in the next referendum, sending the riverboat casino downriver. What impact will a larger casino development have on downtown's riverfront in terms of the other amenities currently underway, such as the River Music Experience, the renovation of the Adler Theatre, and the newly constructed Figge Art Museum, which has as its thematic focus the Mississippi River view? Consider also how adding a hotel and convention facility will impact Davenport's RiverCenter, which already operates at a loss. Finally, by allowing the casino to build a hotel in order to provide rooms, meals, and recreation all-inclusive within the same property, what happens to the much-touted economic multiplier generated from casino guests patronizing other downtown establishments for room and board, drinks and dining, and other area amenities?
The hotel project is moving swiftly and is tied into the city's urgency to get another Vision Iowa and Community Attractions & Tourism (CAT) grant application for $15 million submitted by July. This means the public must get engaged now. Call the mayor and aldermen; and let the state Vision Iowa and CAT board know your thoughts, as well as our state representatives. Davenport's city council has the final say, so watch the agendas closely. Remember: Voters have significant leverage in this matter because gambling is here at their pleasure.
Disclosure: Owners of the Reader newspaper also own property near the location being targeted for a new hotel.
