In Minneapolis, Olson & Duchschere report two Ramsey County commissioners “sent a letter Thursday to key legislators saying a 3 percent countywide food and beverage tax is the ‘only viable financing plan’ for a new” Vikings stadium. The letter proposes “a cocktail of ‘special local taxes on food and beverages, liquor, lodging, entertaining and admissions’ to generate about $24 million a year to support $350 million in bonds.” The commissioners attached a legal analysis which noted “the taxes would require only legislative authorization and a County Board vote -- not a referendum of county voters.” State Rep. Morrie Lanning said, "I'm open to this option of raising revenue, and it's consistent with what we've allowed other communities to do, including the city of Minneapolis and others” (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 12/16).
UNDER REVIEW: In Boston, Frank Quaratiello notes Las Vegas developer Steve Wynn last week “leaked the name The Lodge at Foxboro” for a proposed casino project in the Boston, but a “3-year-old, 250-unit luxury apartment complex across town already goes by that name.” Wynn Resorts “quickly sent out a revised statement removing any reference to the name.” The company in the statement “expressed its commitment to move forward with the project” (BOSTON HERALD, 12/16).
SPRINGING UP IN SPEEDWAY: In Indianapolis, Bruce Smith reports IndyCar team co-Owners Sarah Fisher and Willis Hartman Thursday announced plans “to build a $2.5 million headquarters and race shop to house Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing” in Speedway, Ind. The new facility will rest “on 2 acres purchased this week from the Speedway Redevelopment Commission.” Construction is expected “to begin in the spring, with the two-story facility set to open in November” (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 12/16)
GIFT OF LIGHTS: In Atlanta, Rick Minter notes Atlanta Motor Speedway this month “has been converted into an elaborate display” known as the “Gift of Lights.” Two other SMI tracks -- Texas Motor Speedway and New Hampshire Motor Speedway -- have “joined in offering light shows.” Bristol Motor Speedway “has displayed Christmas lights for 15 years.” Most NASCAR tracks “use light displays to keep revenue flowing annually during the 50 or 51 weeks when there are no Sprint Cup cars on the track” (ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, 12/16).
