Letter to the editor
Nov. 2, 2009
On Nov. 14, the citizens of East Baton Rouge Parish will vote on a capital improvements plan that will address parishwide infrastructure needs, public safety concerns, drainage, economic development and job creation.
Some of the most stimulating projects in the proposal will have a resounding impact on downtown Baton Rouge with positive effects felt throughout our capital region.
The Alive project is an opportunity that will add value to our community. It is a new level of attraction that will help catapult Baton Rouge up the ranks, making it a nationally recognized premier destination. The Alive project is the economic engine of the proposal that will reduce the payback period of the bonds by nearly 12 years. Alive will attract thousands of visitors and create thousands of jobs, resulting in millions of dollars that will be injected into our local economy.
This is an iconic attraction that, when approved, will be a defining moment for the capital city. It will mark another chapter in Baton Rouge’s quest to become America’s next great city.
As downtown continues to grow, so does its need for infrastructure. The bond proposal includes two parking garages that will solve our increasingly problematic need for parking. This investment will be immediately leveraged by the expansion of the River Center. These investments will quickly improve Baton Rouge’s status as a host city for major events and conventions bringing in new economic development dollars.
Last, the consolidation of city-parish government offices into a true City Hall will improve efficiency and provide a “one-stop shop” for the public to access government offices. Consolidating surrounding governmental offices into one will enable the option of either selling the old buildings or leasing them, providing it with another stream of revenue.
Historically, during the past 20 years, for every public dollar that has been invested in downtown, the private sector has invested $1.38. An unprecedented $2.21 billion has been invested in downtown through projects that have been completed, are under construction or are in the planning stage.
The Downtown Development District is committed to building a dynamic downtown that serves as the cultural and civic epicenter of activity, as well as a social hub for our community.
I strongly support the capital improvements plan and urge you to do the same. I believe the investments represented by the bond proposal will yield extraordinary results, making East Baton Rouge Parish an extraordinary place to live, work and play.
Davis Rhorer, executive director
Downtown Development District
Baton Rouge
