Comments on: The death spiral of Shockoe Bottom baseball

By: Jeff E.

Jeff E. — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 03:51:09 +0000

You’re right Stuart. Next time instead of hiring a company whose job it is to study issues like this, the City should just go by what one Style reporter and a couple of editorial writers have to say on the subject. Sounds wise to me.

By: Stuart

Stuart — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 22:23:27 +0000

“Only when the report that came out month or so back projected that the City would likely have to back those bonds did we KNOW that wouldn’t be the case.”
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That’s exactly what everyone was saying the whole time, that’s not “pure accident”!!!! I refer you to this piece by Scott Bass at Style, which PREDICTED EXACTLY WHAT THE DAVENPORT STUDY CONCLUDED:

http://styleweekly.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&mid=8F3A7027421841978F18BE895F87F791&tier=4&id=DF0E4AA0BBFA4A368FD266FF10B1FBF3

Hilariously, you can still read “FanGuy”s absurd comments at the end of the story and laugh about how wrong he was the whole time.

By: Jeff E.

Jeff E. — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:02:14 +0000

It was by pure accident that Style and Co. were correct on this matter. The entire time this development was being proposed, privately sold bonds were to be the means of generating construction revenue. Only when the report that came out month or so back projected that the City would likely have to back those bonds did we KNOW that wouldn’t be the case. Pessimism and the the rehashing of dated arguments was all Style and the Angry Blog Crew had to go on. Perhaps in the end I will be thanking all of you. A little tidbit in the TD today suggested the possibility of a Manchester ballpark. While there is nowhere near an official proposal yet, the idea is generating a buzz of positive responses. While it may not have been their intent, if the City ends up with a new Manchester Ballpark instead of a Diamond with new siding, then I’ll gladly shake the hands of all the nay sayers and thank them personally.

By: Stuart

Stuart — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:22:25 +0000

“Goodness knows Richmond needs courageous, creative individuals who are willing to put their money where their mouth is…”

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Do you really not see the irony in what you’re saying here? The Highwoods/RBC gang wanted to put OUR money where THEIR mouth is!

By: Scott Burger

Scott Burger — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 03:20:38 +0000

“Richmond’s renaissance” as in Richmond Rennaissance?

Look, the reason why the Shockoe Stadium proposal failed is simple- the corporate welfare schemes have become to blatant in this down economy. Past promises have not materialized.

If you want Richmond’s citizens to get behind something, then find something that directly benefits them- better schools, bette environment, better transportation come to mind – but no more corporate giveaways and hollow, vague promises with some future payoff.

Its time for Richmond to grow up, get real, and become accountable to its citizens. Leave “the renaissance” for the Rennaissance Faire and other places of fantasy.

By: FTRea

FTRea — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:01:13 +0000

In my view STYLE Weekly has done a very good job of covering the where-to-play-baseball story. Scott Bass will probably win an award.

The strident assertion that journalism isn’t legit unless it presents all sides of an issue in every report is bogus. In the history of popular culture there were times when most periodicals were founded to promote a cause, or point of view.

In truth, you should probably be suspicious when a news report brags about how totally unbiased it is.

Charlie Diradour did a good job of gathering a populist wave of sentiment and focusing it. This time he was dead right.

So it won’t surprise me if Charlie runs for public office sometime not too far down the line. He’s holding a press conference tomorrow in front of the Diamond.

By: ramfan

ramfan — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 22:50:12 +0000

Jeff, I think you’re right on the money. I am sick and tired of some just tearing down others who wish to put forth a plan. Goodness knows Richmond needs courageous, creative individuals who are willing to put their money where their mouth is and at least try to take us to the next level. Bryan Bostic is a good guy. Charlie Dierdour is a good guy. I admire them both for putting their reputations and money on the line for something to be considered. I hope the treatment that they receive won’t discourage others from taking a chance.

By: Jeff E.

Jeff E. — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:15:12 +0000

Could Style and the ever-present nay saying bloggers of Richmond try and direct some of their energy toward CREATING something instead of telling everyone what they can’t or shouldn’t do? If you can’t manage to come up with a brilliant development plan that appeases everyone then I daresay all your criticisms serve only to ensure Richmond’s renaissance is delayed for another couple of years. If the RMA announces that they plan on renovating the Diamond how long will it take before Style and Co. attack the RMA as a wasteful governing body (which they are) and the Diamond as too old to renovate? Certainly some of the know-it-all bloggers and and Style reporters have connections in the business world. Take a stab at building a baseball stadium or other such development on your own instead of crying about every plan that crops up. Be useful for a change.