The Miami Dolphins are accepting $3.8 million a year in public money — $114 million total over 30 years — towards upgrades at Sun Life stadium. This comes after local officials said “no” to the Dolphins’ original demand of $379 million over 30 years. As Barry Petchesky observes for Deadpsin:
It’s inexplicable why local politicians keep giving weight to phantom economic benefit studies, and gift franchises everything they’re looking for without at least negotiating. And yes, saying “no” is negotiating, and will tend to lead to a deal that’s at least a little more palatable.
True enough. One would hope that Charlotte City Council members, senior city staff, and other usual Uptown suspects would learn from what just happened in Miami, but I wouldn’t hold my breath in anticipation.
H/t:JAT
