Or was it $800,000.00? I forget.

I'm not sure if the stage is large enough for a decent amount of people at the amphitheater, but I believe that idea is much better than the appalling "Brunch on the Veranda".

Twinkle,
I'm sure it's not large enough for people. It's not large enough for the bands that entertain at the two largest events in Richmond Hill (4th of July & Seafood Festival). I was wondering if it would be large enough to hold the tables for the food to be placed in a buffet line, not the people.

Charlie Johnson

You mean that's a stage? Oh man... I thought they demolished or moved a hous and left the porch behind.

cjohnson,

Oopsie, read through one more time and saw where you said the stage would hold the tables and the food. I think it would be wonderful to dine on the grass, as long as we can wait till we get passed this heat!

Let's not lose sight of the fact that all of this is compliments of the lame duck city council and the legacy of Richard Davis. I agree with CJ. The city should not be in competition with local restaurants or bars. This type of misuse of SPLOST money is the very reason that people are beginning to sit up; take notice and reject SPLOST. They are waking up to the realization that voting for SPLOST is a vote to tax yourself.

Chamber of Commerce where are you and why aren't you advocating for your members?

I am still chewing on all the facts here, but we need to remember one thing. That stuff is already done and it still has to be paid for one way or another. It will happen through the revenue it is able to generate or through taxpayer dollars.

If taxes continue to increase, we will have less folks moving here, less folks visiting here and less money in the pockets of the people who live here. As a business owner myself, I know that is not good for the local businesses.

Secondly, I am certain the city center would prefer to book out of town events with large budgets adn out of town money. That is good for everybody, However, they are a new business, and like all new businesses they are going to have to invite people in to experience their facility so that others can see the types of offerings they have.

Finally, tear it down or build it up - it still has to be paid for. So write a check or help it make its own revenue...

Should be no need to write a check. The city center is a SPLOST project under the intergovernmental agreement entered into by the county and city governments prior to the referendum on the last SPLOST. The original intent has been lost. No city or county government should compete with local businesses.