From this point on, let’s move forward with the
”
new
”
RDA that focuses on economic development and creating a vital,
vibrant downtown
A split vote from the City Council on the important question of whether or not to spend $10 million in redevelopment agency funds on soccer complex improvements is a good thing for Morgan Hill residents.
A split vote means that important questions are being asked about how the city’s RDA funds are being spent.
However, we think the most important question about the soccer complex improvements is not whether it’s wise to create a regional facility. We don’t think the most important question is about whether economic development is more important than soccer complex improvements.
Instead, we want to know what kind of return the $10 million the RDA is putting into this project will bring on this investment – and when.
Of course, a ROI study on the soccer complex shouldn’t just focus on fees soccer complex users pay to cover operating expenses, although that’s a key factor. It should also look at how the city’s economy is boosted through increased business at restaurants, hotels and gas stations, and thus, through increased sales tax and transit occupancy tax revenue.
While we agree that a paved parking lot and indoor restrooms are nicer than gravel and portable toilets, it’s fair to ask: At what price?
An ROI study might reveal that this project actually is economic development. Or it might reveal that we’re paying a lot of money for fancy finishes that won’t help the city’s economy and won’t help the complex cover its operating costs.
Despite our unanswered questions, the project was approved with a 3-2 vote. We encourage city council members, in their roles as RDA directors, to view this as the last project in the “old” RDA that built facilities that drain the city’s general fund.
From this point on, let’s move forward with the “new” RDA that focuses on economic development and creating a vital, vibrant downtown.
