258 replies to this topic

[kayman]

BJCC expansion supporters renew effort to sway public

When are these folks going to ever learn?  I am going to write their dumb asses a long e-mail right now telling them to just expand the existing facilities without a stupid dome stadium aspect.  What is wrong with these folks.

[Dystopos]

Leonard23, on Oct 19 2006, 12:42 PM, said:

BJCC expansion supporters renew effort to sway public

When are these folks going to ever learn?  I am going to write their dumb asses a long e-mail right now telling them to just expand the existing facilities without a stupid dome stadium aspect.  What is wrong with these folks.

It may be that their own market research shows that a multi-purpose facility is a key component of the business they need to attract and that, from their perspective, the opposition to "a dome" is ignorant and over-simplified. If that were the case they would hope that by updating and refining their presentation, that people capable of seeing past the "four letter word" might be capable of weighing the benefits of the proposal.

The unfortunate reality is that "dome" is a four letter word and its so much easier to leverage ignorance than to re-frame the issue.

The worst thing that could happen is that they finally get what they need to move ahead, but what they build is so compromised (by increased construction costs, cut budgets, and misunderstanding about the purposes for which it was constructed) that it's obsolete before it opens and becomes an even bigger sore spot. The renderings I've seen make me think this scenario isn't completely unlikely.

At this point, I think all they can do is scrap whatever plans they have and come up with a plan that (1) accommodates the boldest, biggest most optimistic vision for the next 30-50 years (2) constructs everything that is politically feasible toward the implementation of that plan and (3) insures that what can get built positions the BJCC to continue competing for at least half of the convention market, and (4) prepares itself for the possibility of adding in the "missing pieces" without having to completely reconfigure.

I think the plan should include a major overhaul of the coliseum to make it useful for large-scale meetings, NCAA regional finals, big concerts and whatever else is out there. This overhaul needs to brighten the whole experience of going to the BJCC and make the whole center more inviting. It could also include a major architectural statement a la the Memphis Pyramid or LA's Disney Concert Hall.

[kayman]

Dystopos, on Oct 19 2006, 02:47 PM, said:

It may be that their own market research shows that a multi-purpose facility is a key component of the business they need to attract and that, from their perspective, the opposition to "a dome" is ignorant and over-simplified. If that were the case they would hope that by updating and refining their presentation, that people capable of seeing past the "four letter word" might be capable of weighing the benefits of the proposal.

The unfortunate reality is that "dome" is a four letter word and its so much easier to leverage ignorance than to re-frame the issue.

The worst thing that could happen is that they finally get what they need to move ahead, but what they build is so compromised (by increased construction costs, cut budgets, and misunderstanding about the purposes for which it was constructed) that it's obsolete before it opens and becomes an even bigger sore spot. The renderings I've seen make me think this scenario isn't completely unlikely.

At this point, I think all they can do is scrap whatever plans they have and come up with a plan that (1) accommodates the boldest, biggest most optimistic vision for the next 30-50 years (2) constructs everything that is politically feasible toward the implementation of that plan and (3) insures that what can get built positions the BJCC to continue competing for at least half of the convention market, and (4) prepares itself for the possibility of adding in the "missing pieces" without having to completely reconfigure.

I think the plan should include a major overhaul of the coliseum to make it useful for large-scale meetings, NCAA regional finals, big concerts and whatever else is out there. This overhaul needs to brighten the whole experience of going to the BJCC and make the whole center more inviting. It could also include a major architectural statement a la the Memphis Pyramid or LA's Disney Concert Hall.

Well put.    I don't know why their ambitious are to continue the pursuit of constructing something that obvious everybody is against.  Those certain boardmembers need to get with the program or be removed from the BJCC Board all together.  There are numerous reasons as to why the structure shouldn't be built, but all they see is the grand vision of something that really obsolete at this point.

[AlabamaGuy2007]

Leonard23, on Oct 19 2006, 12:42 PM, said:

BJCC expansion supporters renew effort to sway public

When are these folks going to ever learn?  I am going to write their dumb asses a long e-mail right now telling them to just expand the existing facilities without a stupid dome stadium aspect.  What is wrong with these folks.

Seriously.  I mean, is it TOTALLY against the laws of Earth to build the dome later?  Cause, why not just go ahead and expand the stuff that money is ALREADY appropriated for, and if there's enough support and money for a dome in the future, BUILD IT!

I just don't think they think about the future much.

[kayman]

BJCC plans go beyond dome, Frustrated officials seek to avoid losing business

It seems that they are wanting to go on with one part of the plan but is (for the time being) avoiding the dome convention-exhibition complex.  The BJCC board members are in talks with Bayers Properties (The Summit owner) and 2 other developers on the construction of the entertainment complex adjacent to the BJCC and the 300-room luxury hotel.  This push was due to the pulling out of a recently booked convention for next year due to lack of hotel rooms available in the immediate area.  There is a need for at least 2,500 room in the area, but currently there is only 900.  

However, the dome's biggest proponent, corrupt politician, John Rogers, is still gawking and pushing for the dome.  He claims to have a secret weapon that he will use next year.  However, let's no forget that he is the main reason why the license registration bill to fund mass transit died in legislature 2 years ago because the Jefferson County delegate wouldn't support his dome bill.  

Edited by Leonard23, 21 October 2006 - 07:01 PM.

[Blazer85]

Come on Birmingham... let's just get a new hotel built and expand the BJCC.  Anything but stagnation.  A dome may or may not be pursued later.  Let's go for this now... the Birmingham economy needs it.

[HSVTiger]

whatever happened to the large 600 room or something hotel planned? Man this is the most screwed up process.
What is with the threats? He tried it with the state and it didn't work. Birminghams biggest obstacle...
"Rep. John Rogers, D-Birmingham, a long-time proponent of the dome, said even if the "d-word" wasn't used at Friday's meeting, he is still committed to building a multipurpose facility and will not push for an alternative.

"We're still on Plan A," he said. "They can call it a Quonset hut, a dome, an expansion or whatever they want to call it."

Rogers said he has a "bomb" he hasn't used yet in the dome debate. Asked to explain, he said there are things the county needs from its legislative delegation that could be hard to get without cooperation.

[kayman]

HSVTiger, on Oct 24 2006, 01:01 PM, said:

whatever happened to the large 600 room or something hotel planned? Man this is the most screwed up process.
What is with the threats? He tried it with the state and it didn't work. Birminghams biggest obstacle...
"Rep. John Rogers, D-Birmingham, a long-time proponent of the dome, said even if the "d-word" wasn't used at Friday's meeting, he is still committed to building a multipurpose facility and will not push for an alternative.

"We're still on Plan A," he said. "They can call it a Quonset hut, a dome, an expansion or whatever they want to call it."

Rogers said he has a "bomb" he hasn't used yet in the dome debate. Asked to explain, he said there are things the county needs from its legislative delegation that could be hard to get without cooperation.

Dude is a corrupt idiot that has been derailing every legislative bill in the county including one to fund mass transit because nobody wants to build that dome.

[davidzLA]

Blazer85, on Oct 24 2006, 09:44 AM, said:

Come on Birmingham... let's just get a new hotel built and expand the BJCC.

One question.  Are there private developers interested in building a new large hotel, to either displace hotel rooms expected to disappear (Redmont conversions, for example), satisfy future demand or because downtown hotels are running at high occupancy?

If not, it's because they expect such a venture to fail.  Why would I trust the business acumen of Birmingham and Jefferson County representatives over someone betting with their own money?

[kayman]

There is a 2 private developers who have mentioned their desires to build 2 large hotels in the immediate area.

[Blazer85]

davidzLA, on Oct 24 2006, 05:10 PM, said:

One question.  Are there private developers interested in building a new large hotel, to either displace hotel rooms expected to disappear (Redmont conversions, for example), satisfy future demand or because downtown hotels are running at high occupancy?

If not, it's because they expect such a venture to fail.  Why would I trust the business acumen of Birmingham and Jefferson County representatives over someone betting with their own money?

I echo what Leonard just said.  Birmingham also has one of the highest occupancy rates in all of the southeast.

[davidzLA]

Quote

There is a 2 private developers who have mentioned their desires to build 2 large hotels in the immediate area.

Blazer85, on Oct 26 2006, 07:01 PM, said:

I echo what Leonard just said.  Birmingham also has one of the highest occupancy rates in all of the southeast.

What are they waiting on?

[someguyfrombham]

For the BJCC to come up with a plan that everybody's happy with, I guess.

[kayman]

davidzLA, on Oct 26 2006, 09:58 PM, said:

What are they waiting on?

Basically.  Both developer have confirmed that regardless of what is the outcome of the BJCC expand if it includes a dome or not they will build their hotels.  In other words, they are waiting on the BJCC Board to make their move.

[kayman]

Public input to be sought on plans for expansion

All of the  BJCC board yesterday for the first-time in awhile with new member Jefferson County Commissioner Bettye Fine Collins.     There was going to be a vote for these focus group meeting that would be unbiases and involved the average citizen of Jefferson County.  However, Collins as usual was the odd man out, saying "I need more informatin before voting on these focus groups."  That woman serves absolute no purpose on the County Commission.  

[Owsley9]

Leonard23, on Nov 16 2006, 12:17 PM, said:

Public input to be sought on plans for expansion

All of the  BJCC board yesterday for the first-time in awhile with new member Jefferson County Commissioner Bettye Fine Collins.     There was going to be a vote for these focus group meeting that would be unbiases and involved the average citizen of Jefferson County.  However, Collins as usual was the odd man out, saying "I need more informatin before voting on these focus groups."  That woman serves absolute no purpose on the County Commission.  

Great.  That woman is an idiot.  Thanks for the update!

[kayman]

Owsley9, on Nov 16 2006, 02:52 PM, said:

Great.  That woman is an idiot.  Thanks for the update!

She epitomes the term "useless junk".  All she does is complain, and does absolutely nothing but complain even more when crunch time comes.

[Blazer85]

Is there any update on anything pertaining to the expansion? Hotels, entertainment district, expanded meeting space, etc?  Why not simply split the proposals into at least 2-3 separate ones.  There seems to be widespread support for expanding and upgrading the BJCC at the very least.  The rest can and will come if there is evidence that it will be supported.  The most important steps in my opinion are: 1) upgrading and expanding convention space, 2) building at least 1 other large hotel nearby, and 3) starting the beginnings at least of a new entertainment district with bars, restaurants, and other shopping.   I hope we can get something going on this project... it's been years now.

[Blazer85]

There's an article in today's Birmingham News detailing basically exactly what I've been pushing for.  They want to move forward with at least a hotel and an entertainment district.  I think it's a very good idea and I'm optimistic they carry through with it this time.

http://www.al.com/bu.../....xml&coll=2

[kayman]

I'm glad they are going about with the hotel(s) and entertainment district.  Downtown is in a dire need of more entertainment activities after 7PM.