Sports complex stakeholders consider funding sources, project size

sports complex meeting
Local leaders met for the first time publicly to discuss the feasibility of a proposed multi-sports complex in McLean County. (Photo by Howard Packowitz/WJBC)

 

By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – Elected leaders in the Twin-Cities agree it will be necessary to find private investors to help finance a multi-sports complex here, but one of the leaders said planners will have to talk about higher taxes too.

The consultant preparing a feasibility report conducted a stakeholders’ meeting at One Normal Plaza Wednesday attended by all six Normal Town Council members, Bloomington Alderman Diana Hauman, both city managers, and the county adminstrator.

Normal Councilman Jeff Fritzen envisions a debate about raising hotel-motel taxes and increasing the food and beverage tax.

“Those are typically tied to visitors to your community, and that will be the main focus of this facility to drive people to our community so they come here and stay here and spend money here,” Fritzen said.

Normal Council member Kathleen Lorenz said she doesn’t want the community saddled with an albatross that would be a drain on local funds.

“You size it right. If necessary, you phase it in,” Lorenz said.

“You don’t build the 25 courts right away. Maybe you build five. You scale it to be managable from the get-go and then grow it as needed,” Lorenz added.

An executive for consultant Sports Facilities Advisory said the project is different from indoor arena in Downtown Bloomington, which depends on spectators. This facility would attract sports participants.

Bloomington and Normal governments are each paying $17,625 for the study that due this summer.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

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