EVENTS: Keep those dollars here

My daughter and I went to Carrie Underwood in February. We had dinner at PF Changs, paid for parking and purchased drinks inside the stadium, all of which was around $70. We saw many people we knew at dinner and within the stadium.

I am personally in support of the arena targeted for location in Riverstone. There are many second-tier level of entertainers that could play in this arena. Acts that perform at Northern Quest or the Coeur d’Alene Casino could also play at the arena. How about kids events? Rodeos, monster trucks, motocross…? I have friends whose kids play arena football and have to go to Spokane for 100 percent of that. They would be able to play here. North Idaho College would be able to host multiple sporting tournaments: Basketball, wrestling, volleyball, etc. We could host state high school basketball, volleyball, wrestling, etc. tournaments vs. always going to southern Idaho. The list of possibilities is long.

A lot of people misunderstand Urban Renewal. But you can’t deny that the financial impact is positive. Those dollars invested provide a significant return on investment — over and over. And it’s not illegal — nor is there a hidden agenda. Urban Renewal is meant to help upgrade urban areas — and look at Riverstone — what was once a 75-acre mill site with a huge pit now has a beautiful park, pond, centennial trail paths and many restaurants/doctors offices/movie theater/shops, etc. that all of us enjoy. The urban renewal investment helped create an area that now boasts an $89 million tax base. Those are serious dollars for our community!

I know based on facts it will be of huge community benefit and help us keep event and residual dollars here. Building and operating it will create jobs. The feasibility study estimates that $7 million will be infused into our economy each year, as a result. That economic infusion should be of enormous consideration to everyone. After doing my research, I do not see a downside.

EDEN IRGENS

Coeur d’Alene