Quote:
Originally Posted by kingchef
why would an entertainment draw that is a proven producer of tourist dollars not be a priority for the city? why would whitehaven have 2 malls? it seems that the triangle of city suburbs of whitehaven, southaven, hornlake, and olive branch would have a solid population core of around 115,000 residents. will people from other parts of memphis proper or the county, east have any interest in shopping down there? i just don't understand the rationale, unless it is just to appease harold collins and willie, but, just like getting the liberty bowl shaped in a record amount of time, something which rarely happens w/ any other memphis projects involving the city, a few key people want, push it through for a particular group, and enough said. regardless, it is bad business. what happened to all of these private funds, stimulus funds, designated funds?
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Those two malls are roughly 45 years old, redeveloping them, or just one would reduce blight, create multiple jobs, and create revenue. If not, you wind up with a Raleigh Springs Mall. Making progress in Whitehaven will take time and money in multiple places. Redevelop a mall, Ep Blvd, and a few other streets and the area automatically will attract new, or better businesses.
The Liberty Bowl needed those renovations 10 years ago. If you're talking about the work that's being done now, a portion of it was paid by FedEx. The U of M needed those renovations (new jumbo trons, new lighting, press box upgrades) for the Big East.