[darwink]

we needed to do this to stem the bleeding and try and recoup that tax loss

That is a hand wavy thing that was never demonstrated in modelling.

A thing needed to be done. This was a thing. So it was done.

 

[darwink]

How long until we recover that investment? If the answer is never, how is that a good thing?

The answer is never

 

[Golfing guy]

We could have used the same money for other revitalization purposes.

What other projects need to be done downtown? Glenbow Museum, Arts common, Olympic Plaza and Eau Clair plaza are all currently or will be currently major projects. Think the city does a good job in spreading the dollars around

 

[darwink]

What other projects need to be done downtown? Glenn’s Museum, Arts common, Olympic Plaza and Eau Clair plaza are all currently or will be currently major projects. Think the city does a good job in spreading the dollars around

I think projects which brought lots of people downtown which accrued secondary public benefits and where that $ per person added to downtown is as low as possible.

Apartments in that people added are less valuable than student residence and hotels.

Students spend lots of money at businesses and are out and about. Hotels very similar.

So what crosses over to secondary public benefits and the people downtown factor.

 

[CalgaryTiger]

I think projects which brought lots of people downtown which accrued secondary public benefits and where that $ per person added to downtown is as low as possible.

Apartments in that people added are less valuable than student residence and hotels.

Students spend lots of money at businesses and are out and about. Hotels very similar.

So what crosses over to secondary public benefits and the people downtown factor.

One of the conversions is to a hotel but I do see the point you're trying to make. Money could've been allocated elsewhere. Much like suburban sprawl gets subsidized so should this. The city can also do the basics and big projects, it can. People make jokes about the city and city workers but I think it is pretty well run. Although not perfect... Councillors can go off on some weird crusades (the takeaway plastics thing) but I'll take the problems we have versus other places.

 

[darwink]

It’s not the hugest problem. But when they’re talking about ultimately spending $500 million bucks+, I think they’re are better ways to do it that accomplish similar goals. Also cognizant that the east village infrastructure investment could be seen as a similar large subsidy and to let the project without sin cast the first stone.

 

[Surrealplaces]

Forgot to post these the other day. Utilities work on the area where the Student family housing was.

 

[cameronhowe]

Captured a quick shot of all the mission bridge (and area) construction yesterday. I could find the plan for it on the city site but couldn't see any renders of what they're doing. Are they going to be similar improvements to the east side that they made a few years ago?

 

[Urb]

I was wondering this too. Really glad to see that old rusty railing disappear!

 

[Mountain Man]

Just looks like repair work so far.

 

[badc0ffee]

I don't know much about concrete, but the spiderweb of cracks on that bridge always freaked me out (you can see them just to the right of the middle of the photo). Glad this repair is happening

 

[Mountain Man]

Superficial cracks aren't a big deal, but over time water gets into those cracks and rots the concrete. This bridge is likely pretty old, so definitely in need of a refresh.

 

[cameronhowe]

I was wondering this too. Really glad to see that old rusty railing disappear!

Same here! That railing was definitely rough looking so I'm excited to see it updated.

 

[1875]

its going to be completely closed for several months in the future. not sure but maybe starting in the new year.

 

[cameronhowe]

Which is nuts cause from what I could see, there's not much for a pathway detour. I saw people jumping onto elbow drive to run and rollerblade around the barricades.