I hadn’t even considered possible ramifications of such a public statement by Mayor Tom Henry. I wonder if he thought this through before talking with INC? I really hope this project isn’t coming apart, but one has to wonder after the controversy last Friday over actual units sold.

It does make one wonder if some have been shying away from committing due to perceived dangers from the economy or what exactly has been said by all those potential depositors of $1,000 a condo who are now not so forth coming. It will be interesting to see how this plays out.

Stephen

I agree with Martin’s comments. We recently wrote about SC on our blog as well. It’s a great asset for the community and I’m looking forward to many more visits with my children.

Also, I wasn’t aware of the free admittance to the museums in Chicago so thanks for that tip!

Kevin

Editor’s note: Here’s the link to Kevin’s blog post.

Martin

Geoff Paddock had proposed bringing back the pyramids for Headwaters Park. These were aspects of the original plan that were shelved due to budget concerns, the proposed cost of which was $500,000 each. He proposed integrating cell technology and having the cellular companies pitch in to offset the cost.

My suggestion incorporates the same approach, but substitutes tram support towers for the pyramids on opposite ends of the park. Cell phone companies contribute to the tower construction costs while private funds are raised to construct the terminals connecting the separate lines. Visitors access the system via these terminals which I’ve proposed would be near the Old Fort, Wells Street corridor, and atop the new parking garage of Harrison Square.

Alternatively, a private company could create the entire system. Costs are offset by cellular companies leasing space on the towers while tram riders pay a user fee. A user fee further pays the ongoing costs of operation as well as the terminal construction costs.

I understand that construction costs for Headwaters Park were principally financed with private fundraising efforts. The same approach could be incorporated here with corporate sponsorships financing the majority of terminal construction costs.

I am against using public tax dollars, even though some might encourage their use is appropriate. Tax funding should always be the last resort, not the first. Other funding options should be exhausted before using tax dollars is considered.

Perhaps you’ve touched on this before but could you explain how the aerial tram is paid for?

Jeff Pruitt