Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Creech
But why just stop at Gambling? Throw in a santioned redlight district with licensed brothels, maybe a legalized drug district (nothing too heavy, just marijuana and light grade hash), and throw in some dog and cock fighting for good measure.
Then the ATL would be da bomb!
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I sincerely hope that your statement was made tongue-in-cheek.
And to those certain people who say the gambling attracts "trashy" people, I am not sure if spending too much time abroad has altered my senses, but the last time I checked, money is money is still money. I, as I've stated in the past, am not inclined to gamble, however I still see the benefits of allowing it in the city of Atlanta (and likewise, I see the disadvantages). This city's boosters and leaders are fervently intent in making our fair city a Destination (and I intentionally capitalised the 'D') in the South. We are already fortunate with having the world's busiest airport and being among the nation's top contenders for total hotel rooms and conventioneers per annum. Yes, an allowance of casinos would induce Mr. and Mrs. Joe Redneck from all over the South to visit Atlanta, but if ultimately their money is being spent here and if they enjoy their time whilst visiting, any marketing student could tell you that positive word-of-mouth is a most desirable thing to have.
With that being said, we mustn't forget about the thousands upon thousands of businesspeople, attorneys, conventioneers, and other professionals who visit Atlanta every day. Increasing the range of diversions for these visitors is imperative to voluntary future return and current retention (i.e., instead of leaving Friday evening when the convention ends, Mrs. Ima Conventioneer may decide to hang out with her colleagues in Atlanta until Sunday and then fly home that morning) of tourists. Also I would argue that by increasing the level of attractions available for visitors (thereby increasing the amount of visitors in the City Centre), then the City would increase police patrols and enforcement of city codes (eg. NO PANHANDLING, LOITERING, SOLICITATION, among others) in order to provide for a much more pleasant pedestrian experience for visitor and resident alike. A major problem in this town is that so many people are so stuck in their outdated modes of thinking that the concept of "if we build it, they will come" does not seem plausible. However, again I argue, Atlanta is at a point in it's global reputation that this sort of thinking is needed and will succeed. If the hotel markets still see Atlanta as a good buy, then we need to increase the venues for these hotel patrons to visit, plain and simple.
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