I am under no illusions that Charlotte City Council will stand up to city staff on hiking the budget for the NASCAR Hall of Fame/Convention Center expansion by $32 million. But let’s pretend we are having an actual public policy debate in this town:
- Is the added exhibit spending an explicit quid pro quo with NASCAR regarding the $5m. royalty deferment NASCAR agreed to? Be honest, don’t make me come asking for everyone’s emails on the topic.
- What is the additional annual Hall attendance the exhibit upgrade will produce? Over how many years?
- Why is NASCAR spending on an office building part of this discussion? NASCAR would spend that money somewhere, regardless. The relevant issue is the extent to which NASCAR helps pay for its HOF.
- Are there any members of city staff involved in the planning for the HOF who were also involved in the planning for the U.S. National Log Flume Ride? If so, why do we think the outcome will be any different?
- Why did corporate sponsors refuse to underwrite the added exhibit cost, as was the original plan? What did they say about ROI in the project that might be relevant to Charlotte taxpayers?
Like I said, I’m setting the bar pretty low. I fully expected some of the “extra” money from the 277 land sale to get roped into this operation sooner or later. World class all the way, baby.
Update: The vote was 9-2 with only Democrats Patsy Kinsey and Michael Barnes opposed to spending more. Surprise.
