Stadium/shelter would be win-win

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Stadium/shelter would be win-win

Eric M. Hersh

mayor weston

Posted September 25 2005

I have read recent articles regarding the lack of ability to provide financing for a new stadium for the Florida Marlins. Despite all of the positives associated with a professional sports franchise, government and the public are generally not inclined to financially support the construction of stadiums in today's environment of tight budgets and not wanting to raise taxes to meet the responsibilities of government.

There is a solution, however, that is timely and could bring Florida on board in providing needed and justifiable financial assistance.

With the severity of Hurricane Katrina and the events at New Orleans' Superdome, it is clear that South Florida does not have a facility that can be used as a regional shelter or staging area that can withstand a Category 5 storm event. If the Marlins would consider locating a new domed stadium near Dolphins Stadium so it could serve all of South Florida, the state, Miami-Dade County and Broward County could then justify the expenditure of public tax dollars to have a regional facility that would be available for use in times of natural and man-made disaster.

The facility could be built primarily to accommodate professional baseball, with the Marlins responsible for that portion of the expense. The additional costs for constructing the facility to withstand a Category 5 storm, expanded restrooms, showers and food service facilities and payment for lost revenues to the Marlins when the facility is used during disasters would be borne by government. Government's share of costs could come in the form of direct appropriation, tax credits, tax rebates or other means.

This is an opportunity to learn from recent events, to think regionally, to demonstrate innovative leadership from both government and the private sector, and to garner public support for the Marlins and the region's disaster preparedness.