From left: Mayor Thelda Williams speaks at Thursday’s TSRA meeting, accompanied by Councilwomen Mendoza and Stark and Councilman Nowakowski./Rose Law Group photo
Disclosure: Rose Law Group represents the Phoenix Suns
By Rose Law Group staff
The final community outreach hearing related to the Talking Stick Resort Arena (TSRA) renovations proposal took place Thursday night at 65th Avenue and Thomas, where out of about 75 people, nine spoke in favor of renovations and just one in opposition.
“If you are a Phoenix resident and don’t rent a car or stay in a Phoenix hotel room, you aren’t paying a dime for these renovations,” the city’s economic development director, Christine Mackay said.
The funds used for renovations would come from a dedicated tourist tax that has been in place since 1989. The tourist tax account has a balance.
“This is the city’s building, and we very much have to look at it like an asset, that we need to invest in,” Steve Betts testified from the audience.
“Hoping this passes” said Franklin Oliveriare.
Chris Anderson: “My company just bought a $20 million property downtown, and we would not have done that if we thought the arena or the Suns would not be there. We are very much in support of this as owners in downtown Phoenix.”
Cindy Goone said, “I support using rental car and hotel taxes — benefits all of Phoenix.”
Suns President and CEO, Jason Rowley talked about Suns Charities and its benefits to the community, such as the 18,000 kids who take part in Junior Suns through the Boys and Girls Club and the YMCA.
Mayor Thelda Williams, Councilwoman Debra Stark, Councilman Michael Nowakowski, and Councilwoman Felicita Mendoza all thanked the crowd for coming out.
Thursday’s TSRA meeting was the 5th of five public hearings hosted by the city and the Suns./ Rose Law Group photo
