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Reading resident says stadium is a 'want,' urges council to prioritize community-wide projects
Summary
An emailed comment from resident Michele C. Naish argued a proposed stadium refurbishment and related land swap are 'wants' that should not be financed by a 28-year bond; council members responded with contrasting views on accessibility, health benefits and fiscal trade-offs.
Michele C. Naish, a Reading resident, submitted an email to council arguing that the proposed stadium refurbishment, land swap with the school district and a 28-year bond would place a long-term tax burden on property owners to fund what she called a "want" rather than a community "need." Naish wrote that public funds should be reserved for projects "that serve the entire community’s NEEDS, not WANTS that benefit only a very small portion of it."
Council members replied during the special session. Mayor Bo Bemmes said he considers the stadium repairs a community need and cited public-health considerations and anticipated future use. Council member Shelly Kroeger stressed accessibility issues and rental-income potential, saying generations could benefit from renovations. Council member Katie Eadicicco emphasized broad public use of the track and stated the stadium would be open to the public, not locked to school use.
