Category: River Road Commnuity Forums

This is the personal opinion of one board member.

Dear city government –

I understand you are debating whether to finance a stadium facility for the Ems, although I wasn’t able to see any documentation about this transaction on the COE website. Some argue that supporting sports franchises helps the community and are culturally valuable institutions. However, this franchise would siphon local money out of our community into the pockets of the Elmore Sports Group, Ltd.which has no real stake in our resilience and sustainability.

When I worked on my PhD in Urban Studies, I came across  academic research that shows no benefit to city economic development. For example:

“Across the nation, franchises have argued that building a new stadium will lead to economic development in the form of increased incomes, jobs and tax revenues. However, the preponderance of academic research has disputed these claims. This article looks at the benefits and costs of building a stadium and discusses why the economic development argument has failed to stand up to academic scrutiny. Stadium seeking franchises are now shying away from making economic development claims in light of the strong research findings. Franchises are able to make quality of life arguments and, given the monopoly power of the major sports leagues, cities are responding by competing for a limited number of franchises by offering to fund stadiums.”  (https://gardner.utah.edu/_documents/publications/finance-tax/pp-funding-sports-stadiums.pdf).

Given the current budget woes of the city and county, there is no justification for turning over resources to a private, profit-making corporation.  What is the ROI? Would the city see tax revenues for the owner’s profits? How long would it take to refill the coffers? Can you make an economic argument to your constituents?

I think a comparable investment in a cooperative enterprise incubator would be far more generative economically, socially and culturally.

Sincerely, Clare Strawn, PhD

There was discussion at the last RRCO General Meeting about the proposed new stadium for the EMS. As a newcomer to the City of Eugene (less than 5 years) I was curious and asked a friend who sent me the link below and some highlights that I found helpful. Perhaps others will as well. —— Brenda Wills, RRCO Board Member

saveourems.com

Here are main points:

Why can’t you just keep using PK Park at the UO?

There are both scheduling and facilities issues that make sharing PK Park no longer possible. The new full-season schedule format means that both teams need the stadium at the same time. The Ducks use the PK locker room and facilities until they finish their season, which results in the Emeralds without access to the home facilities until well into their season. 

Even more importantly, PK Park does not provide a visiting locker room, or other facilities to meet the MLB minimum requirements for High A Teams. Currently the Ems rent construction trailers to house players, trainers, coaches and female staff. The Ems did approach the UO about expansion potential, but without an additional practice field and facilities, it’s not possible to share PK Park.

Why don’t the Giants/Major League Baseball pay for the stadium?

The relationship between Major League Baseball and a team’s community is a partnership. The league pays for the talent on the field, signing the players, paying their salary and health insurance, housing, meals, and associated costs. The community is responsible for providing a suitable place for them to play. 

The proposal for a new stadium in Eugene is a collaborative effort between the team and the community. The Ems will be sharing financially in the cost of construction and operation of the new multi-use stadium with the community (see below). The new building will be available year around for much more than baseball. In addition to the support of youth sporting and many charitable events, the new facility will be available as an arts and concert venue, as well as an emergency response site for disasters such as wildfires and other events requiring evacuation and temporary service delivery. The Ems have agreed to be the operator of the new stadium, which contributes significantly to pay ongoing costs.

How will the cost of the new stadium be funded? Will this increase my property taxes?

The plan for financing the new stadium does NOT include any increase in local property taxes. 

We have been working with Lane County for about two years to develop a funding plan and have made all of our information public in meetings with the Lane County Commissioners. The original cost was much lower but over the time of planning for the new stadium construction costs have increased significantly.

The current estimate is about $90M to build the new stadium/multi-use facility, and about $10M to replace the existing livestock barn which will be displaced with a new stadium.

To date, the confirmed funding plan totals $57.5M including:

• $35M in tourism taxes
• $13.5M direct payment from the Ems
• $7.5M allocation from the State of Oregon
• $1.5M allocation from the Federal government

We are working hard to secure a contribution from the City of Eugene, which will help close this gap. Additionally, the funding plan includes a request to the State or Oregon for an additional contribution, and a large private sponsorship as part of naming the stadium. Together, these contributions will close the gap.

Here is a PDF of the information that was brought to our General Meeting by Sonya Carlson, EWEB Board President, Wards 6&7 and Frank Lawson, EWEB CEO and General Manager.

At noon on Tuesday, Aug 15, classes in the pool were cancelled re smoke. Please give a call to the rec center to confirm your class is happening during these extreme smoke conditions. Phone: (541) 461-7777. Website https://www.rrpark.org/ today at 1:40 said:

8/15

Due to the poor air quality, the Park District is taking the following measures.

• The Aquatics facility is closed.
• Community Center and Annex Adult Recreation classes after 12 PM are cancelled.
• Community Center Summer Camps will close @ 4 PM.
• Gymnastics NW is operating as usual.

8/16

• Community Center and Annex Adult Recreation classes are cancelled.
• Gymnastics NW will re-evaluate and notify participants.

8/17

• Live Music Concert cancelled. 

Please check our website or call us for updates and questions. Be safe!!

Sign up for SPOKEN WORD – read your own words, tell a favorite story, read a favorite book aloud. https://forms.gle/DzbubX4aXt5eLk4b9

1055 River Rd. or Online
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87348605633?pwd=NGowZG5OTEZqOWIzNzc0VEpJaitSQT09 
Meeting ID: 873 4860 5633 Passcode: 1055RRCO

At our annual check in with elected officials we are focusing on the City council and EWEB so there is time for deeper discussion.

Lyndsie Leech will fill us in on the pressing issues she is dealing with on City Council including new rules for homeless camping, potential funding of a baseball stadium, new state land use mandates and the issues that you bring to the discussion.

Sonya Carlson, our EWEB Commissioner  and the Chair of the EWEB Board, along with a staff member will share their strategic planning for maintaining sufficient electricity and water in a changing environment of demand and supply.  Hint: there will be significant changes are coming and your utility bill will likely be higher. Also, Mike Gerot, Chair of the River Road Water District, will explain how they ensure that unannexed residents receive Fire/EMS, water, and street light services.We realize that our recent hybrid meetings haven’t been optimal for those who join us via Zoom so we continue to try to fix our audio problems.  Fingers crossed that we will be better heard this month but if you want to ensure you hear from Lyndsie, Sonya, and Mike come join us in person at the RR Park Annex at 1055 River Road..