Committee explores pros, cons of tax-funded projects

What benefits does an indoor sports complex offer compared to an agricultural expo center? What are some of the operational issues for an indoor aquatics complex or a convention center with a hotel component?

These were some of the questions members of the City of Cape Girardeau/Midamerica Hotels Corporation Feasibility Study joint committee asked Monday afternoon when they gathered for their second meeting. The group first met April 7 to begin weighing how restaurant and hotel/motel taxes might fund one of four possible projects.

"We won't be able to answer all the questions today, but we're getting down the road," said Julia Thompson, who serves as project facilitator.

Although each potential facility has unique benefits and issues, many of the concerns posed by the group applied to each potential project. The question of location, for example, is something that would affect all four facilities.

Members agreed that regardless of what facility they approve, it should be located in a way that will help the city grow. This could be done by placing it slightly out of town, encouraging more businesses to build around it and expand the city, or placing it in the heart of the city to give visitors an opportunity to explore Cape Girardeau.

Another big question: Would the facility bring in new business or just pull it away from other facilities? Committee member Kathy Bertrand said she believed it was important to consider which facilities could realistically compete with larger cities such as nearby St. Louis and Memphis, Tenn.

Scott Williams, a recreation division manager for the city, said an indoor sports complex has that ability.

"It wouldn't be 'compete' so much as rotate," he said, explaining that parents tire of driving their children to the same places for sports tournaments and other events.

A sports complex also would benefit people already living in or near Cape Girardeau as well as bring in outside visitors, many committee members pointed out.

There were many questions about how frequently an agriculture expo or a convention center would be used.

Penny Williams, also a recreation division manager for the city, said the city could attract a number of farming shows that typically wouldn't consider coming to Cape Girardeau because it doesn't have an adequate facility.

Board member Randy Kluge said a flexible convention center could be used not only for meetings, but for weddings and large dinners if a ballroom area were built in.

Members will review these talking points and more at a May 9 meeting, when consultants plan to discuss the benefits and issues of the four facilities.

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

Cape Girardeau, Mo.