2009 Message from the Mayor
to Community Leaders
April 14, 2009
Dear Community Leader:
You will recall that the Tourist Development Tax (TDT) revenues that are
such an important part of our Community Venues financing plan are down
substantially, with projections showing continued decline throughout
this year.
This decrease in our funding options
couldn’t come at a worse time. Just as we are experiencing with the
construction of the Events Center, the construction of the performing
arts center and renovation of the Citrus Bowl will provide a needed
economic boost for our local economy. In fact, construction of the
performing arts center alone will generate 4,000 jobs and provide $244
million for our community.
We’re continuing to work on
solutions. At Monday’s City Council meeting, the Orlando City Council
acquired two parcels of land from the Dr. P. Phillips Orlando Performing
Arts Center (DPAC), as a part of our original venues development and
construction plan. This acquisition is a part of the project’s original
budget, will be paid for by non-general fund revenues, and allows the
City to consolidate ownership of the performing arts center site. This
acquisition allows DPAC to move forward with its design and complete
construction drawings. Once the plans are complete, we will be able to
evaluate the TDT, along with other public and private financing
available to support the total project costs at the point of
groundbreaking.
Our City is facing the same financial
challenges as is the rest of the country, so it’s important to
re-emphasize that the funding for the acquisition of this land was
included in the original project budget for the Community Venues,
doesn’t increase the project’s cost, and doesn’t come from our general
fund.
We are still evaluating funding
alternatives for the Citrus Bowl renovations. We continue to work with
the Citrus Bowl design team and Florida Citrus Sports to identify
moderate structural upgrades that will allow the Citrus Bowl to remain
competitive in attracting world-class events and Bowl Games.
I appreciate your continued support
as we work to build three world-class Community Venues for our region.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
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