Thursday, October 16, 2008

Estimates? What Estimates?

"(T)he city manager low-balled construction of baseball parking by at least $56 million and said it would break even thereafter although he had a study saying it would lose $8.3 million a year.

"And despite two studies, one putting stadium parking construction at $150 million and the other at $156 million, and despite telling consultants June 27 to plan for the $156 million version, City Manager Pete Hernandez says he's sticking to a $94 million estimate." (MiamiToday)

"Sure the economic crisis will affect the price of the proposed $515 million stadium, but it wasn't unexpected the cost would go up, given the ongoing delays. (Some have always believed the price was much higher anyway).

"Sorenson expressed concern about there being enough hotel bed taxes to cover the construction debt, but county officials have repeatedly said those dollars have already been identified and accounted for. And in fact, history shows governments sometimes like to embark on large public projects in difficult economic times because they stimulate the economy and create jobs. (Think the New Deal).

"I'm told county, city of Miami and Marlins officials continue to negotiate definitive documents spelling out the details of construction management, non-relocation and other agreements. It's always been known receiving the nine county commission votes needed for each of those agreements will be an uphill battle, regardless of the economy." (blogs.trb.com)

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