Miami Herald questions whether new Marlins stadium will benefit surrounding area
Patricia Mazzei of the Miami Herald checks the economic pulse of a pending stadium for the Florida Marlins. She writes:
“’Everybody’s hoping that the neighborhood will change,” said Robert Fenton, the city of Miami’s stadium project manager. “But there’s no concrete plans as to any future development in the area, [other] than hoping it will take off and start changing.”
That sets Miami apart from other U.S. cities, such as San Diego and St. Louis, where baseball stadiums sparked neighborhood renaissances: They had clear, extensive plans for how the stadium surroundings would change.”
Patricia talks with businesses, professors and others who offer their takes on whether the tax benefits will for the stadium will help the community.
Today’s Tip: Follow tax dollars used for improvements in your area.
As Todd Wallack did with tax breaks to lure companies in Boston, reporters have to follow up on economic promises.
Tax credits have received lots of criticism lately because many companies haven’t held up their ends of the bargain. Here, Patricia notes that ensuring promised benefits to the area hasn’t been a priority.
When big projects are announced in your area, note the key players and the skeptics. Check in periodically for updates to see if promises will come to fruition.
Last year, Mary Ellen Podmolik of the Chicago Tribune broke a story about a stalled development because she stayed in touch.
