I think I'll just stay away this summer.
"Panel backs $2b convention center expansion; Plan still needs city, state action" June 22, 2011|By Casey Ross, Globe Staff
A state panel yesterday recommended a $2 billion expansion of the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center that would nearly double the size of the Seaport District complex but require tax increases and public subsidies to finance it.
So Boston's elite can have a place to party.
The panel’s sign-off is the first step toward official approval of the expansion, which still needs backing from the City of Boston and the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority and approval of the Legislature.
The endorsed project includes an addition that would house a second exhibit hall, new meeting rooms and multipurpose space, and an adjacent hotel with up to 1,200 rooms.
Supporters say the expansion is needed to compete for the nation’s largest meetings and events that are already bypassing Boston, while other cities are expanding their facilities.
And good luck getting around.
The existing $800 million convention center, opened in 2004, was funded by hotel taxes and an array of fees on taxis, rental cars, and tour buses. While the center makes enough money to pay off its loans, the expansion would probably require increases in those taxes and fees, or other measures to raise revenue.
Oh, as soon as they are emerging from debt or are in good shape the state has to plunge them back in again? Who are they working for, fellow citizen?
Separately, the so-called headquarters hotel would require up to $200 million in public subsidies, officials have said....
The partnership’s backing comes despite critics’ concerns that a larger facility would not produce the promised economic benefits, at a time when the nation’s convention business is struggling and 21 other cities are expanding their facilities....
That never $tops the agenda.
Managers of the Convention Center Authority are predicting a strong recovery in coming years that they say will justify the expansion costs.
I'm already not liking it.
The authority released a report last week that said a larger center could pump $222 million a year into the local economy, attract up to 26 new events annually, and create or support 7,300 construction jobs.
Aren't you $ick of $elf-$erving promi$e$, readers?
--more--"
Related: Crying About the Convention Center
Stop your damn whining!
Maybe that $200 MILLION could be put to BETTER USE?
"State drafts an approach to keep families in homes" June 20, 2011|By David Abel, Globe Staff
The Patrick administration, facing a record rise in family homelessness, plans to introduce a system next month that would fundamentally change how the state addresses the crisis.
Gee, that corresponds with a record rise in fraudulent foreclosures!
To deal with the unprecedented cost, the state will shift money now used to provide emergency shelter to cash subsidies to prevent eviction or, when that fails, to provide money to help families rent a new apartment. The assistance could be used to pay rent, utilities, or other expenses.
“We’re absolutely convinced that this is the way to go, and this is a much more dignified way to help families who find themselves in this situation,’’ said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray, chairman of the Interagency Council on Homelessness and Housing, in a telephone interview. State officials also say the new approach will sharply reduce costs....
That is what they care about, not helping you homeless people!!
Otherwise, there WOULD NOT BE ANY OF YOU!
--more--"
More reasons to stay away:
"The drug sweep, dubbed by police “Operation Tanglewood’’
--more--"
2 with gun rob Lowell women of $13
Lowell police officer facing rape charges
