Health & Fitness
Saving Brainerd, Part 3--What if We Don't?
Many who oppose using taxpayer dollars to save Brainerd say that at $8 million it's simply too expensive. However, they are not considering the cost of NOT saving the building.
Consider this: If the referendum fails, the building will be torn down--at huge taxpayer expense. According to the agreement between School District 128 and the Village, the Village is liable for any tear-down expenses over $500,000. Estimated costs for bilding removal top $1,300,000, meaning more than $700,000 will come from taxpayer pockets.
However, that's not all a tear-down would cost you. After the building is removed, the property will need to be developed. The plan is to create another student parking lot and a tennis complex, which will push the taxpayer cost to well over $3,000,000. (And you KNOW these costs always are higher in the reality.)
Look, you're going to be paying for whatever happens to Brainerd, so the decision is what you want for your money--a versatile, convenient building that will offer activities and arts possibilities for all ages, or a slab of concrete used by a few? Vote "yes" on the Brainerd referendum on March 18 and let's get going on making the building into an arts center we can all use and be proud of.
Visit us at www.savebrainerd.org for more information.