That’s the story on your $38 million U.S. National Log Flume ride. Due to a shortage of actual whitewater use, the publicly-backed center has lost $2.1 million so far this year. The city of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County will have to cover that loss.
And that should surprise absolutely no one.
The business model — such as there is one — assumes there exists a substantial market for $100, six-person log flume rides. As it turns out, 25-cent chicken wings on the center’s restaurant are a big draw.
Why is local government in the chicken wing business? When did that become a government job?
I demand to see that on my next property tax bill: Chicken wing support. Idiots.
Bonus observation: The county does not seem to care what happens with the center as officials seem to think they got the thing “for free” on county land. That’ll come in handy when the banks come looking for debt service, which will be soon enough given the lack of revenue.
Update: Here’s the group’s Form 990 from the IRS, filed back in February. Lotta money going out, and a $15 million note to B of A.
