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* SJ-R…
Springfield Mayor Jim Langfelder is lobbying local legislators to let the city annex the State Fairgrounds and use some city sales tax revenue generated there to make repairs to several of the 170 buildings.
The Coliseum, which normally hosts horse shows year-round, has been closed since October 2016 after structural damage to its roof made it unsafe for use. Building 29 and Barn 38 are closed, as well, and it was announced in January that Barn 13 needed emergency repairs.
Langfelder said local lodging establishments have told him that canceling horse shows has meant a 25 percent reduction to their business. He bemoaned the domino effect on local shops and restaurants, as well.
“Once you lose (the horse shows), it’s hard to get them back,” Langfelder said. “It’s absolutely an economic hit for us.”
* It sounds to me like a good idea, particularly since the foundation has been a dud so far…
Gov. Bruce Rauner created the Illinois Fairgrounds Foundation in 2016 to raise private funds for repairs to the Coliseum. Foundation board chairman John Slayton says it has raised about $30,000 so far.
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Feb 2, 18 @ 2:39 pm
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I wouldn’t normally support the idea of Springfield taking over the fairgrounds, but the State of Illinois has neglected the placed for nearly 20 years. Ryan was the last governor who showed interest in it.
And I’m SHOCKED that the Foundation has failed so far (no I’m not). I kept wondering what companies and individuals Rauner was talking about who wanted to donate millions to maintaining the grounds. Imaginary friends perhaps?
Comment by I love the fair Friday, Feb 2, 18 @ 2:49 pm
Guaranteed Rate Fairgrounds. The downward-pointing red arrow will fit in nicely downstate.
Comment by City Zen Friday, Feb 2, 18 @ 2:51 pm
“I kept wondering what companies and individuals Rauner was talking about who wanted to donate millions” They’re probably among the “dozens” of businesses anxious to move to Illinois if we only had term limits.
Comment by Skeptic Friday, Feb 2, 18 @ 2:52 pm
===it has raised about $30,000 so far.===
Meh.
Rauner “increased” his own income by $15 million on the porch of Mansion… guess some properties have better luck(?)
To the Post,
Hurry up and let Springfield take control of some of this, including stewartship if need be.
Enough talk, let’s find real solutions and people in charge to get them implemented.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Feb 2, 18 @ 2:57 pm
This would mean the fairgounds-residing governor would finally live in Springfield
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Friday, Feb 2, 18 @ 3:07 pm
To I love the fair: Mayor Langfelder only wishes to annex the property not “take over the fairgrounds”.
Comment by don the legend Friday, Feb 2, 18 @ 3:09 pm
I”m unclear on what the end goal is, I think it’s just that if the Fairgrounds get annexed they become electric customers for the City instead of Ameren, which I’m sure Ameren would fight and then those two are back in court and arbitration. The City would also pick up some increased sales tax dollars. This could be a net positive for the city (so long as it doesn’t take fortune to update the electric utilities) but I don’t see how this improves the situation at the fairgrounds.
Am I missing something?
Comment by Ahoy! Friday, Feb 2, 18 @ 3:19 pm
I see no reason why the City of Springfield should not help with the fairgrounds. My only concern is that Springfield may put forth the effort, and get nothing in return. If the State of Illinois can’t handle the job, give it to Springfield. Then the State of Illinois needs to walk away and let those who care do the job. I am sure improvements will take place a lot faster.
Comment by Retired Educator Friday, Feb 2, 18 @ 3:21 pm
No. It is the STATE fairgrounds, it is the responsibility of the state government to appropriate adequate money to repair and maintain it. But we know it also is the objective of Gov. Gaslight to leave the state in ruins, figuratively and — in the case of the fairgrounds — literally.
Comment by Nick Name Friday, Feb 2, 18 @ 3:32 pm
Give Springfield the fairgrounds then move the state fair up north to a collar county. We northerners are better served by the Wisconsin State Fair anyway.
Comment by City Zen Friday, Feb 2, 18 @ 3:47 pm
Springfield has a huge projected budget deficit in the upcoming fiscal year, so the Mayor is throwing a lot of stuff at the wall to see what sticks.
This seems poorly thought out if the City picks up the ancient electrical system in exchange for selling some kilowatts and kicking back a piece of sales tax revenue that no one has yet quantified.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Friday, Feb 2, 18 @ 4:13 pm
Does Springfield currently get sales tax from the fair and its events? Wouldn’t
Springfield only be required to keep up sewer system, roads and assess sales taxes?
Comment by Claud Peppers Friday, Feb 2, 18 @ 4:25 pm
Considering the fat returns Intersect is providing it is strange that companies don’t want to give this bidnessman Governor more money to improve our great state.
Comment by Henry Francis Friday, Feb 2, 18 @ 5:09 pm