I'm pretty sure it will get a yes vote, and that's all right with me.
The upside is that this is a very strong brand and will bring new people in. The downside is that people who are against gambling don't want another casino.
Gambling is already here. If you don't like that, then start a move to get it outlawed.
Dealing with reality, since it is here let the marketplace work.
Okay, so I'm ignorant on this. Really haven't followed the discussion.
ReplyDeleteThe specs say a single level gaming floor. Is this not gonna be a boat? Is it a land based operation only?
Barge
ReplyDeleteYou forgot another downside: How many millions of tax dollars will be spent, and will this be another boondoggle like the Bankrupt Boardwalk and Cyber Command?
ReplyDeleteMatt, the only tax dollars that I would see being spent would be for road improvements (which is already happening on Traffic St) and access roads. This has happened for the other casinos as well. The amount of tax money they bring in much more than offsets that.
ReplyDeleteI just see boomtown or la down being put out of business. You say the only expense would be for road improvements. There are no roads that lead into that property where the casino will be. I just have slot more questions about how much tax payer money will be spent. I'm sure I won't get a truthful answer though
ReplyDeleteMy opinion is that if any casino goes, it would be Diamond Jack's or Boomtown. Margaritaville would be stronger, and probably an overall plus for the market.
ReplyDeleteThat is an uneducated guess and just based on what I have observed, however.
Barge, huh? Okay, that answers my question.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Thanks for barging in Andy!
ReplyDeleteI think we need to start a bad pun contest. We already have our first stellar entry.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete"the only tax dollars that I would see being spent would be for road improvements"
ReplyDeleteThat wasn't the case for the Boardwalk or the Cyber Command, yet Bossier citizens were promised an economic utopia and got $50Million in debt instead. How do we know the BCC isn't going to pay for some additional amenity for the new casino?
Also, M-Ville only creates new revenue if it's successful and does not cannibalize the market. If it causes another casino to go under, then you've only moved the same amount of money from casino A to casino B with no increase. If another casino shuts down, then we have an empty casino and no extra revenue.
Matt, you're comparing apples and oranges. The proper comparison is with the other casinos.
ReplyDeleteIf Margaritaville puts one of the others out of business, then so be it. Isn't that the way the free market operates?
Even if that happened, I think Margaritaville is a strong brand and will bring a lot of new blood. Even if another casino closes, the market will show an overall increase.
Andy, I don't know, you're the punmeister, you might outdo me.
ReplyDeleteJim, I really don't think I can outdo that one in the badness category.
ReplyDeleteThat's what I love about puns, the bad ones are the best ones.
ReplyDeleteHow am I comparing apples and oranges? We don't know the terms of the deal, and empirical data suggests this City Council likes to pay for large incentives to attract new businesses. $50Million worth of those incentives have failed miserably.
ReplyDeleteAlso, the free market works by private corporations doing business on their own without government interfering. Did Bossier City court the casino owner to entice him to build in Bossier City, or did the casino owner propose the move? One is free market, the other is government meddling.
The city provides infrastructure to many businesses. I don't see any difference here, unless you have facts that I don't.
ReplyDeleteI believe the city was approached by the investment group to inquire about the city owned land north of Bass Pro. I'm sure they did try to encourage it. Wouldn't you call that economic development?
I'm not talking about the roads and sewerage lines going into the property, I'm talking about things like building parking garages and entire buildings. That's the amenities I'm talking about.
ReplyDeleteAs for "economic development", it's only good for the economy if it brings additional revenues to the local economy. If it doesn't, then it's just cannibalism of the market. I don't know the numbers and I don't know the details of the plan. That's why I asked the question about how much tax dollars will be spent and will it be good for the economy. Simply building a new casino does not guarantee increase in revenue, especially if the market has already reached its peak.
The city won't be building anything, the developers already have their plans ready to go.
ReplyDeleteAssuming it does force another casino to close (and I'm not convinced), if it is a Shreveport Casino would that be a good move for Bossier?
A Shreveport casino closing would be good for Bossier. That whole Clyde Fant Revel area under the bridge casino area is a dump. The flower beds are empty, so are most of the storefronts. Bossier seems to do a little better. At least our bankrupt outdoor touristy area is clean and safe.
ReplyDeleteIf the city isn't building anything other than the normal infrastructure, then that's one issue resolved.
Now, have they finished the environmental quality study to see what lurks under the clay cap of the landfill on the proposed site?
I like the layout of margaritaville. I just don't like the mayor or the city council having their hands in it. I'm sorry but I no longer trust them to do what's right with taxpayer money. I'm sure it will pass but I just want to know what the city's involvement will be. I still think boomtown will be the one to go of they don't improve their facility. Horse racing is done too unless they can attract new customers as well
ReplyDeleteI'm conflicted on this one. I see both sides of the story here. It could bring in more revenue but it also will probably put diamond jacks out of business.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I haven't heard anybody mention how many JOBS margaritaville will bring to Bossier City. More Jobs is a good thing, what with current unemployment rate hovering at 9%.
Any help?
They are estimating 1200 jobs.
ReplyDeleteAs for the city council having their hands in it, they are involved because the city owns the land. The city divesting itself of old dump land for a new development seems to me to be a good idea.
It's a little early to know just what the city will have to do, but I hope to have some early estimates in the next few days. I will publish them when I do.
Sounds as if some people need to attend a couple of Council Meeting; you could even ask questions. This will keep you informed and you could report your finding to us instead of asking others to do the research. Just saying!
ReplyDeleteIf they could hold the meetings in the evenings after work and after mom picks up the kid from school, then attending the meetings would be possible.
ReplyDeleteAlso, if they moved out of the stone age and posted ordinances, proposals, details of plans online like City of Shreveport does, then we'd know a little more without having to trek to the Municipal building for even the most basic information.
"They are estimating 1200 jobs.
ReplyDeleteAs for the city council having their hands in it, they are involved because the city owns the land. The city divesting itself of old dump land for a new development seems to me to be a good idea.
It's a little early to know just what the city will have to do, but I hope to have some early estimates in the next few days. I will publish them when I do."
1200 extra jobs would be good for Bossier area, don't you think?
3:02,
ReplyDeleteI'm not disagreeing it's a good idea. I've just seen how this mayor and city council operates. They invest too much taxpayer dollars into private business. Hoping for overturn on their investment. I don't mind building streets and things of that nature. But after CIC, Im just suspicious how they spend money trying to lure businesses here.
I thought a new casino would be coming to town when I heard Greg Tarver was running for the Senate again. Iam sure he wants to help with the license getting done as soon as posible as a public servant, and his wife will be glad to pick up some contracts with anything they need.
ReplyDeletewhy doesn't this sciba guy either run for a public office (instead of just complain) or move somewhere where he agrees with the local governmental authorities
ReplyDelete"I'm not disagreeing it's a good idea. I've just seen how this mayor and city council operates. They invest too much taxpayer dollars into private business. Hoping for overturn on their investment. I don't mind building streets and things of that nature. But after CIC, Im just suspicious how they spend money trying to lure businesses here."
ReplyDeleteI don't care how they do it. If they keep bringing in jobs like this..Boardwalk, Innovation Center, etc...then I am pleased. The most important national issue right now is jobs.
1. They're not interested in jobs. If they are, why are they spending over $1Million in outside legal fees to block the Walker Place development?
ReplyDelete2. Boardwalk is bankrupt and was bought at Sheriff's Sale. Many of the storefronts are empty and it doesn't bring in enough revenue to pay the bills.
3. Instead of the 10,000 jobs promised with the "unofficially official" Cyber Command, we have a $50Million building with a non-profit org, and some Global Strike people which account for a fraction of Cyber Command.
It's not good business to spend far more on each job than the private sector could create on its own. Have you learned nothing from Obama's failed stimulus?
3:07,
ReplyDeleteKeep drinking that kool-aid. CIC was suppose to bring in 10,000 jobs. Instead we have 3 companies renting space with a total of 17 jobs. They weren't created jobs either. Those companies brought those people here. Those companies rent a very small space in the building. When the 8th air force leaves, the entire top 3 floors will be empty. Then you factor in all the maintenance and up keep on the building and you tell me how it's helping the local economy.
The CIC helped a certain few and in Bossier City that's all that matters.
ReplyDeleteYep. Whoever built it and whoever got the kickbacks.
ReplyDelete"CIC was suppose to bring in 10,000 jobs. Instead we have 3 companies renting space with a total of 17 jobs."
ReplyDeleteI live near CIC actually. I see a lot more than 17 cars in that parking lot.
10:41,
ReplyDeleteI guess you didn't read the rest of my comment. The 8th Air force is renting (I guess they are paying rent) the top 3 floors while their headquarters is being renovated. They are only there for a year or two. That's why you see all the cars. When they leave it will virtually be an empty building.
"I guess you didn't read the rest of my comment. The 8th Air force is renting (I guess they are paying rent) the top 3 floors while their headquarters is being renovated. They are only there for a year or two. That's why you see all the cars. When they leave it will virtually be an empty building."
ReplyDeleteI didn't. How do you know this?
If I am not mistaken, the Air Force is leasing the three floors for either a period two or three years at a price of around two - three million dollars. Check it out and see if I am right or not. I believe the Shreveport Times had reported on this not to long ago...
ReplyDeleteI don't have the figures or time frame at hand. But, I'm pretty sure it was widely reported that when the Cyber Command project went to Lackland, the USAF was going to lease some of the CIC for a short period of time while it was consolidated in San Antonio.
ReplyDeleteOnce again, I'm just going from memory, but that is my recollection.
1:03,
ReplyDeleteI know this because I spoke with the builder of CIC. They are the same ones renovating the 8th air force headquarters.
The Air Force is leasing the top 3 floors for several years and lets not forget where the AF gets their money...from US. So WE spent 50 million on building the CIC only to basically rent it from ourselves. Brilliant!
ReplyDeleteWhen the Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) came to Barksdale they took the 8th Air Force Headquarters Building for their headquarters. The old CBPO Building (where the personnel offices were) is currently being renovated for 8th AF. While the renovation is being done 8th AF is being housed at CIC, and the was only for the renovation.
ReplyDeleteThe personnel offices are in temporary buildings until their new building is built.
It doesn't take a genius, unless you're a kool-aid drinker, to realize that once the 8th AF goes back to Barksdale the CIC will be virtually empty, again.
Maybe the CIC building can be donated to BIPSI when the Air Force leaves. At least we would be getting something for our wasted tax dollars!
ReplyDeleteKeep griping and picking losing candidates. Seems you constantly are in the minority that shouts at the wind. See you at the casino.
ReplyDeleteJim and I finally agree on something: Margaritaville.
ReplyDelete9:02,
ReplyDeleteWhat's funny is they are griping but vote for the people they are griping about. I actually know several people who did just that. They griped about the good ole boy system then voted for the good ole boy backed candidate. craziest thing I ever seen around here.
Democrats.org - glad we agree on something.
ReplyDeleteY'all should come visit Louisiana sometime, we miss you.
It's a rare thing, but I agree with Sciba on this one. Not that I am opposed to the new casino,but that we need more information. We have a beautiful city-owned parking garage on a bankrupt property on the riverfront and a 50 million dollar rent-house on Hwy 80 for our troubles. The least we could do as a community is find out what these clowns on the city council have promised or will promise this casino. If they are providing nothing but sewerage and streets, that's no problem, but if we are providing city funds for private purposes that's a big issue. Especially since our city council likes use "creative" budget math to suit their purposes (ie lost money, found money, lost again money, empty promises of hitting the economic lottery,etc).
ReplyDeleteIve seen the little signs around town telling people to vote "yes" for the casino. Does anyone know who is putting those signs out?
ReplyDeleteThe casino developers are having the signs done.
ReplyDeletejim,
ReplyDeleteI have the info you requested. Call me.
I also have to agree with this Sciba fella about this casino deal. First, I dont trust any of the city council and second, if the casino is built, it will bankrupt another. Then we have a vacant building with lost jobs. This makes no sense. I will be voting "NO" on the 19th!
ReplyDeleteBill R, as always I respect your opinion and appreciate you coming in here to discuss it.
ReplyDeleteAs to bankrupting another casino, that is possible. However, if Whole Foods announced they were going to open a huge superstore in North Bossier, would we oppose it because it might hurt Kroger or Albertson's?
Probably not. I think we should let the market work.
I would like to know who the financial backers are? With these numbers (see below) who would want to come in this market? Create 1,200 jobs or just shift 1,200 jobs? All about free trade but when the city, chamber, council, etc. starts supporting where is their independence? The taxpayers should be provided with the true facts instead of some promises that won't be maintained. In the end the taxpayers are left paying for the mistakes of the city/council.
ReplyDeleteIn millions,
OCT 2011 2010 Yr/Yr
BT 6.6 7.3 (9.0%)
DJ 5.9 6.3 (6.0%)
ED 12.8 12.6 0.9%
HS 13.4 20.5 (34.8%)
LA 5.8 6.2 (7.0%)
ST 8.9 9.9 (9.5%)
$53.4 $62.8 (15.0%)
So I guess if we lose the track and one or two casinos approving this project, Bossier's leadership counts this as economic development. Promise them anything, when it doesn't pan out, the city leaders will run and hide. This will be another corporate buyout in the end.
ReplyDeleteBTW, Whole Foods wouldn't be foolish enough to step into this state.
ReplyDeleteUmm... Whole Foods already has a store in Baton Rouge and was supposed to open one in Lafayette, not sure if they have yet or not. They also were at one time looking at land on Kings Hwy at I-49 to be close to the wealth along Fairfield Avenue, but I can only assume that has since fallen through.
ReplyDelete