Developers say they will finance a ballpark in Wilmington, but taxpayers will likely foot some of the bill...

There is an overabundance of misinformation out there. When there is any new major publoc devlopment in a tradition-bound city, the first discussion is about prorperty taxes. That conversation is usually perpetuated by the media focus. The positive implications are typically not discussed. The facts will surface, there are very few, if any, communities that look back on this type of development and regret the outcome, including those most opposed. That shouldn't be dismissed at the onset. The property tax question is far from being detailed; therfore the reactionsand opinions are derived from incomplete information. There is a "hole" in the Wilmington market. This "hole" is only being addressed by those outside the city. How much money crosses the bridge every weekend, that could be money flowing back into our economy. The "carpet bagger" objection is ill-informed as well; Mandalay is not dependant upon Wilmington. If the project didn't qualify as a sound investment thwn Wilmington wouldn't be considered. The city MUST own part of the development; for an.outside entity to come in and own the entire development would result in major dollars being directed into private hands with the city not being able to realize the economic impact it would otherwise. There is no doubt that not only will the city benefit, but that we need this on many levelz. It is my hope that the media will be fair and truthful (and well-rounded) in its approach to covering this project. In my opinion these numbers are skewed in deffernece to the objectors...it makes for better news, but is sadly misleading. Negative opinion makes for better coverage than the positive. This is not all about money, it's about the resistance to Change; which invokes fear. An honest.look at the potential propert tax increase would mean (probably) about $30 - $50 per year per household. Where are those facts. It's not hard to research. Take a poll, but provide enough info for an informed opinion and not some of the hogwash that is being said.

Why don't all the people that want this form a Corporation and sell stock to each other and build the Ball Park. I heard people say there will be 900 million dollars invested in the downtown area if the ball park is built. Well, that means someone is make a lot of profit off the citizens of the city. So, these people that have the land to sell to make all this money should put up the funds.

When will the people of Wilmington wake up and vote these spenders out of office.

A downtown baseball stadium? I dont think so since that would be
a high crime area after dark and the city would have to provide
many security officers just to try and provide safety for game goers.
Not to mention the stolen vehicles. It would be a thiefs paradise.
Who would be the first one to be murdered, assaulted, etc. Not me
since i wont be going near that place after dark

Wow, how quickly your comment went from the subject matter, to a rant about how you feel about certain groups who live in Wilmington. Just any chance you get, right? Quit being a hater.

I hope I can make the team.

They the investor will bring in loads of money the jobs will be abound, tax payer will be glad to pay the larger portion of the bill until they find the jobs pay minimum wage. But don't fret Wilimingtonians its happen to other cities the carpetbaggers come and they go. But think about it there will be a big beautiful bowel to gaze upon.

This is a wonderful opportunity for Wilmington as well as the surrounding counties. Our city needs this shot in the arm. I'm tired of hearing all the crying about your taxes going up a little. If you don't like paying a higher tax then move to a smaller town that isn't a beach community. This city has nothing but the beaches to draw people here. Wake up! There is a bypass thats going to be done soon, and its just going to make it easier for people to drive right pass Wilmington and go to Myrtle Beach and spend money. And also news flash!!!! The city is going to keep on growing, so if you are so afraid of annexation, then MOVE.

Proud to be a life long Wilmingtonian.
Born and bred.

They must not crack.

I feel bad for anyone associated with the Wilmington Sharks. This whole thing must really be a kick to the groin. Especially now that any location in Wilmington will do for the new ballpark.

With all this talk of people yearning for the crack of the bat, it really must make the Sharks wonder what game they have been playing.

I'm in support of this project. Those of us who know how projects like this go understand that due to the size of it, the city/taxpayer will handle at least some of the costs.
The bigger picture is the impact that stadiums have. Durham saw close to $900 million dollars of private investment in the area around its ballpark.
If Wilmington is to succeed as a city and move forward it needs to invest in itself.
Convention centers, stadiums, and the like come at a cost BUT are major catalysts for further growth...
There is a new Marriot under construction in downtown Wilmington on the corner of Grace and Second Street. (Jobs!) That is a direct result of the convention center. There is also the Indigo planned and the planned Embassy Suites adjacent to the convention center. (More Jobs) So those opposed to things before weighing all of the facts shouldn't complain when they can't find a job or the unemployment rates rise.

So this is why the city stole Monkey junction...you wanted us to help pay for your baseball stadium.

Whatever the hell Saffo and his tax and spenders want they will get. If you are that naive to believe the city wont be paying for at least part of this stadium your in major denial thats for sure. Because your in the minority as the white retired old farts from the North who were naive enough to believe you could move here in NC and it be different then NY. Guess what newsflash NC has one of the highest tax rates in the SE to include gas and honestly all the yapping you do in your unincorporated parts of NHC dont mean crap to the city and $1000 suit Saffo, who Im sure has figured out how to get the tax payers to pay for his suits as well.. Sorry there are too many of the 49% in the city limits who like their free handouts from NHC DSS who will vote Democrat till they die along with their 15 kids in Creekwood.