Gwinnett stadium will cost 50 percent more

By George

Sep 1, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this

OK, THIS IS HOT OFF THE PRESS. RUMOR HAS IT THE ATLANTA BRAVES ARE MOVING TO GWINNETT, AS SOON AS THEIR LEASE EXPIRES AT TURNER FIELD. THEY ARE TIRED OF PAYING FULTON COUNTY, AND OUR COMMISSIONERS HAVE A HIDDEN DEAL FOR THE LAST PLACE BRAVES. LOOK AT ARLINGTON TEXAS,(GEORGE BUSH'S FORMER TEAM) AND YOU WILL SEE, THE SAME SCENERO, WHO IS MAKING THE MONEY ON THIS DEAL, THE BRAVES AND OUR LOCAL POLITICIANS. WE NEED COMMISIONERS WHO WORK FOR US THE TAXPAYERS AND NOT THEMSELVES. WHAT A CORRUPT COUNTY WE LIVE IN.

By Peachtree Corners Guy

Aug 31, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this

I like Bert. He's an honest man doing right by the community. He represents me and my family and neighbors. That being said I have a few questions and concerns with regard to the commissioners and those involved in this

I know the parks department always creates great first class parks. But, using $12 million from the recreation fund cannot fit their mandate. If the parks authority was in charge of the design and building of the stadium it would be one thing, but they arenýt. That money should never have been used for this purpose without their oversite

With regard to management fees. How did that increase? Where is the public accountability on that aspect of the contract. There is a contract isnýt there? Quite frankly who is getting that management fee? And who owned the land before it was bought (and before that?) Canýt the AJC connect the dots?
I like when government can move fast and fix problems. The problem here is that its moving too fast and there is no transparency in this project.

Even with all that said. I canýt wait for the first ball to be thrown. Heck its only money - right?

By Erin

Aug 30, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this

Reserve funds are still taxes - they were just collected in previous years.

So after the shaking $19 million out of the piggy bank, how much is left?

Is this all just a set up for a millage increase? That's whay I want to know.

By Chuck the TUNA

Aug 30, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this

Hey Bert,
You say spending 19 million more "will generate much more revenue". I say BS prove it! What is the ROI spending this money for addition to the concourse to make it completely circle the stadium, a canopy over parts of the stadium and upgraded finishes. It's all fluff.

By townie

Aug 30, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this

Today's printed article says that they cannot go back to the original plans. "Abosultely not".

Also, $2.2 million of the additional money is for "management" and "other" fees. WTF??!!?? Over 10% of the additional money???

Tucker - you are an arrogant *******.

These commissioners disgust me.

By Dave Holland

Aug 30, 2008 8:02 AM | Link to this

This is exactly why I moved out of Gwinnett County -- foolishness such as this. I was sick of being taxed to death to pay for something I did not want. Also, when there are nothing but hispanics in Gwinnett, no one will be attending the baseball games. Oh, well, I guess they can have bull fighting there.

By Dave Holland

Aug 30, 2008 8:01 AM | Link to this

This is exactly why I moved out of Gwinnett County -- foolishness such as this. I was sick of being taxed to death to pay for something I did not want. Also, when there are nothing but hispanics in Gwinnett, no one will be attending the baseball games. Oh, well, I guess they can have bull fighting there.

By old monk

Aug 30, 2008 7:36 AM | Link to this

Obviously Gwinnett is controlled by an old boys club and this is just one strategy to pocket tax payers money. We need changes and an inquiry into how UPGRADES are needed even before the project is halfway complete. It is time to get some fiscal responsibility and put the money to better use - better schools, teachers salaries, animal shelters, maintenance etc.

By Williamx

Aug 30, 2008 2:38 AM | Link to this

Its time to put a stop to this madness NOW. Otherwise, in 6 months they will tell us TAXPAYERS its going to cost $25,000,000.00 more and guess what, we need to build some 4 lane roads to handle the traffic the Gwinnett Brd of Thieves didn't want to tell us about. How about another $50,000,000.00. Congrats my fellow Gwinnettians, we have be hoodwinked and blindsided and F'ed without even a dinner and a kiss. And then we get to pay the check! Show up Tuesday at the Gwinnett Commission Meeting and voice your opinion!

By Tom

Aug 30, 2008 12:35 AM | Link to this

How dare you ever bring the Gladiators name into this. They never received county tax money...