"The fact that stadiums attract other development projects in many other cities can't be questioned."

Why not?
Because you said so?

The academic studies indicate looking back at actual stadium builds indicate that 90% of them have little to no impact.

Look no further than Gwinette County Georgia. that AAA level ball field and club promised the world and gave the county nothing
In fact the county has had to raise taxes in other areas to help fund the stadium build because the promised development did not take place.

So, at east you agree that the Ripken deal along the river with a privately paid for stadium would be good for Wilmington and offers the best chance of enhanced development for the city. This shows your not a totally lost cause

Vog