Kathleen Ford bases Pier policy on the facts - Tampa Bay Times LTE

[HooptieWagon]

4. Oh geesh. Cut it with the lies.

The Lens is not illegal. It may not be the best solution, but it is not illegal. Second, it doesn't matter if the peir has 78,000 sq ft of retail, or 780,000, or 7800. The pyramid simply does not generate traffic to support the retail shops and resturants there...which means an annual subsidy to the city of over $2m. Shops and resturants on Beach Drive are doing a booming business without subsidies from the city. Its foolish to double down on a project that is economically obsolete. No matter how much is spent refurbishing the existing pier, there will still be on-going maintainence costs, plus paying down the debts, and those costs will always be higher than the meager lease income. A different economic model is necessary for the 21st Century. I don't think either side has made a strong case that their plan is one that will fit the next 50-60 years.