Willging Ltr & MVM Ltr StadiumMt. St. Francis
3390 Windsor Ave.
Nov. 25, 2003
Dear Mr. Van Milligan, Council members, and civic Leaders:
This writer believes there is considerable "sports' interest"
in Dubuque~ TV viewers of major league games are in abundance! and
a proper balance of available sports events is important. If the
Referendum favors a YES vote, the following might be taken into
consideration:
1)
Need the stadi'um be as monumental as that proposed?
Is adequate parking space being planned so that
parking would not infringe on that of Convention/
Hotel/Casino attendees and River-front promenaders?
2)
Would the site, the size, the circular "tanklike" shape
(-recall those recently removed~) of the stadium de-
tract from the present visually-attractive, state-of-
the-arts Grand River development buildings?
3) Wo'uld the Yankee minor league be a real drawing card
for Dubuq'uers and Tri-Staters who are avid TV viewers
of Cub and White Sox teams, many of who are able to
-- attend major league games in Chicago and minor league
o games in Des Moines. The opinion of a contributor to
6~ ~_~ recent issue of the TH (11-25003) is of the opinion
-~ ~ ~that building this stadium would be a drawing card to
~ -~3 ~ntice~ persons to remain or come to Dubuque for resl-
c~ ~i ~ence._ The stadium would be a factor, a minor one,
~ ~ut job availability would be a stronger reason.
~ Summarily and more importantly pondered: would the
assets assuredly outbalance the debits? Would the
proposed tax place an unfair financial burden on the
"have-nots"? Should our appetite for VISION IOWA
funds be curbed? Perhaps funds could be drawn from
other private sources (-from the "haves").
Two more "ponderables" to be given some thought:
i)
Consider a Betty Jane ice cream shop, a Bagel shop,
Cookie-and-Coffee shop, a Soft-drink shop on MAIN St.
A combination might be located in the Former Hartig
drug store bordering the Town Clock plaza~
2)
Consider KIOSKS - on Main St. and tourist areas to
attractively advertise ALL current entertainment and
events especially occuring downtown, on college
campuses, etc.
Thanking you in advance for giving thought to these considera-
tions, I remain, happily -
A long-standing Dubuque native,
City Manager's Office
City Hali
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque, Iowa 52001-4864
(563) 589-4110 office
(563) 5894~49 fax
(563) 690-6678 TDD
ctymgr~cityo f du buque.org
December 5, 2003
Sister Margaret Ann Willging
Mt. St. Francis
3390 Windsor Ave.
Dubuque, Iowa 52001
Dear Sister Margaret:
Thank you for your letter conceming the proposed baseball stadium, n response to
your questions and comments, the following information may be beneficial to you.
Stadium size and parking: The stadium size must meet the minim um
requirements of Minor League Baseball, including at least 4000 fixed seats and
other amenities. The City is very sensitive to the impact this facility will have on
parking at the Grand River Center, Grand Harbor Hotel, the Diamond Jo Casino,
and the Mississippi River Aquarium and Museum. The City plans to build
approximately 200 spaces into the design of the stadium. We also have
identified approximately 2000 city controlled parking spaces west of the railroad
tracks within a short walk of the stadium, and will be providing transit service to
and from the parking areas. In addition, the businesses controlling parking
spaces in the Port of Dubuque like the Diamond Jo and Grand Harbor Resort
could generate hundreds of thousands of dollars in income by charging for
parking when baseball games are held at non-peak business times for their
facility.
Design of the stadium: The architect will be required to design a stadium that
compliments the design of the recently completed Grand River Center. In fact,
one of the firms who have submitted a proposal is the same company who
designed the Convention Center.
We would love to have the Cubs or White Sox franchise in Dubuque, but that is
not possible at this time. Every two years the affiliation can change and our hope
would be that it would end up being the Chicago Cubs. In fact, the team owner
now owns the AAA Chicago Cubs affiliate in Des Moines. The team coming to
Dubuque in 2005 will have a New York Yankee affiliation. Jobs are a component
of this project. 170 to 200 new jobs will be created, and although most will be
part time, many will be high skilled, good paying positions.
Service People Integrity Responsibility lrmovation Teamwork
Sister Margaret Ann Willging
December 5, 2003
Page 2
The financing of the stadium includes private and public funding. The team
owners will be providing lease payments to suppor~ the retirement of debt for the
stadium. We are seeking private sector funds for "naming rights". The only new
City revenue source proposed is the tax levy of 33+ cents per thousand of
valuation. The average Dubuque homeowner will pay approximately $16 per
year more in taxes to support the stadium. Vision Iowa funds are being proposed
to assist in the financing of the stadium. The funds are available, and the Vision
Iowa Board has helped finance other baseball stadiums.
Other "pondera bles:"
The City has been encouraging the private sector to locate shops on Main Street
that you mention in your letter. The City has a good history of assisting in the
financing of historic renovations to encourage retail development downtown.
2. KIOSKS attractively advertising current events and entertainment are under
consideration in the Downtown area, particularly in the Port of Dubuque.
I appreciate your taking the time to write to me. If you have any other questions or
concerns, please feel free to contact me again. My phone number is 589-4110.
Sincerely,
Michael C. Van Milligen
City Manager
MCVM:wb