St. Johns closer to landing Bass Pro Shops

[spuwho]

Kind of curious. How much land have these people donated back to the people for these efforts?

Skinners
Peytons through Gate
Flagler
Davis
Haskell

Hospitals, Parks, Schools, libraries, ROW's.

Just interested since much is written on what they "take" in public subsidy.

[thelakelander]

I'm not for sure. But if we're going to apply donations with investing in transportation infrastructure, I think we'd also have to add in other major companies with different operational strategies or else it doesn't really matter. With that said, I think the point I've tried to make is getting lost. I don't have a problem with Davis, Flagler or whoever.....they simply play the game that's been established in this country since WWII.

My core point is unless we decide to tax ourselves more, we're broke. no matter what the project is, we have to change our pattern of investing money we don't have to implement projects that will never break even on the taxpayer's return of investment. Lexus lanes, mobility fees, changing land use, roadway design standards, building less roads by encouraging greater density along existing corridors are examples of strategies that deal with this problem.

[spuwho]

I'm not for sure. But if we're going to apply donations with investing in transportation infrastructure, I think we'd also have to add in other major companies with different operational strategies or else it doesn't really matter. With that said, I think the point I've tried to make is getting lost. I don't have a problem with Davis, Flagler or whoever.....they simply play the game that's been established in this country since WWII.

My core point is unless we decide to tax ourselves more, we're broke. no matter what the project is, we have to change our pattern of investing money we don't have to implement projects that will never break even on the taxpayer's return of investment. Lexus lanes, mobility fees, changing land use, roadway design standards, building less roads by encouraging greater density along existing corridors are examples of strategies that deal with this problem.

I understand what you are saying completely.  I agree that taxpayer made investments should be sustainable.  But not all tax funded endeavors have a return on investment. People don't object to increased taxation as long as they know it is being spent wisely and with purpose. But we live in a tax adverse society currently, so these projects get driven by the side impact of economic development promises. (the "payback"). The conversation needs to change on infrastructure funding, but that is hard to do when you have to cut through expensive lobbyists and wealthy campaign donors looking for a back scratch.

I can easily say that if I was a politico pushing for more rational spending based on metrics, output by astroturf think tanks would increase by 300% advocating the status quo. It's extremely tough to keep people on point when the conversation is constantly under attack.

[thelakelander]

But not all tax funded endeavors have a return on investment.

I agree. Sometimes we just have to stand up and say no. Right now it seems as if we're allowing every Tom, Dick and Harry their opportunity to suck on the public teat.

[tufsu1]

Hospitals, Parks, Schools, libraries, ROW's.

things like this are often what makes a residential community sell...so let's not pretend these are altruistic donations.

[jcjohnpaint]

The cool aid is strong in these parts

[floridaforester]

How have we lived without a Bass pro shop for so long?  I know, jax has never had a tackle shop before.  I guess that means we've finally arrived as a city.  The folks will be so happy they can shop at Nordstroms and Bass pro shop in the same trip!