We can't fund our schools,we can't rehab our downtown,and we can't fix Second St.,but we can build a golf course? Where are the priorities of the elected officials of Sheffield?
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It will possibly be the beginning of great things for Sheffield. Many of us would love to be golfing daily and what better place than right here at home? (To be fair, I do understand your point I just don't agree with it.) 
I would love to see Sheffield prosper, but I look at it this way- I would love to have a beautiful gazebo, but I'm not going to use my money on one, if my roof is in need of repair. It is all in the priorities.
The last time that I looked, Sheffield was “land locked” with no areas for expansion, so where are they going to build the “mini-golf” course at?
Here's one way it could be done....if it's deemed to be 'for the public good':
Main Entry: eminent domain
Function: noun
: a right of a government to take private property for public use by virtue of the superior dominion of the sovereign power over all lands within its jurisdiction
Main Entry: eminent domain
Function: noun
: a right of a government to take private property for public use by virtue of the superior dominion of the sovereign power over all lands within its jurisdiction
Yes by all means build one! Look what a booming economic surge Blackberry brought us in Florence!,....I think I'll go buy another Rolex! 
I thought the schools needed money enough to raise our taxes!!
All you people who bought into the scam to raise our taxes "for the kids" now see that they had money all along. Just a matter of priorities.
All you people who bought into the scam to raise our taxes "for the kids" now see that they had money all along. Just a matter of priorities.
What was the 'cut' to the SCS's budget....$360K? And the monies spent on the golf course is, what...$355,500?
From what I took from the article is the city of Sheffield sold the property to private investors and the investors will build golf course and other attractions on the river.
quote:Sheffield - Council members Monday approved the transfer of $355,500 in economic development funds to the city's redevelopment authority to buy 45 acres of property for a proposed development near the Tennessee River.
The city is transferring the money to the Sheffield Redevelopment Authority, which in turn will sell the property for the same price to River City Development.
River City Development has agreed to buy the property from the city within 120 days, according to a letter from the organization to the city.
Sounds like the city bought it....and HOPES to sell it within 120 days to River City Development.
quote:Originally posted by Stinky Inc.:
The last time that I looked, Sheffield was “land locked” with no areas for expansion, so where are they going to build the “mini-golf” course at?
Land they are purchasing adjacent to Park West.There is an article in todays paper about this.We really need another golf course.Yeah,right!What we really need is something to keep our children off the streets and entertained.
Educate me, please. It would 'appear' that the city just 'brokered a deal' on behalf of a 3rd party???
Where is this property located? I'm not familiar with Park West and can't visualize where there is this much waterfront property in Sheffield?
Near the village entrance,across where Blackwel Rd begins. Just not sure about this councils plan for Sheffield.
quote:Reply
Thanks 10thavefreezeout-- I know just where you mean now. Not being from Sheffield, I have always wondered why the city was planned as it is. There is beautiful waterfront property all along the bluff which is used for a recycling plant, and shooting range, and the city is encircled by trains which often run both ways. The ride back that way is horrendous and such an eye sore. I feel badly for the people in Rivermont with the bridge repair. I know it is necessary and will provide safety in the future, but what a mess to maneuver around the back way!
quote:Originally posted by dogsoldier0513:
Educate me, please. It would 'appear' that the city just 'brokered a deal' on behalf of a 3rd party???
Me too. If the city didn't own the land, and they're not re-selling it for a profit, why would they need to be involved ? Is there something about this private development that requires involvement by the city? Just curious.
I have found if you ask the right questions to the right people you will then obtain the facts.However, I do not know all the details but this project is being done by private investors with very little cost to the City. The worst case senario is the investors don't come up with the money to buy the 45 acres from the city, then the city owns it. This ajoins the 70 +/- acres of the old landfill and the approx. 50 acres in Park West. Then the city has approx 165 acre to market to someone else with some really nice riverfront. I understand this is something the city has been trying to put together for years, nothing new. The loan from the city is from an old bond issue that can only be used for economic developement, nothing else. This could be huge for the city and I for one wish all involved much success. I do know that some folks are against everything. My hat is off to these developers for trying something. I saw a bumper sticker that read " Avoid Criticism - Do Nothing" If we all hope this project fails, then perhaps it will.
I wish them well, I just think they are not using the money for improvements. What they have planned is a gamble and like sure things.I do want them to succeed in what ever they do, because I live here. I love Sheffield,but not the people that run it.
You hit the nail on the head, rrjuna! Thank you so much for that informative post!
quote:Originally posted by sonny:
You hit the nail on the head, rrjuna! Thank you so much for that informative post!
Every time some of The Shoal's citizens draw attention to 'questionable decisions' made by TPTB, these forums tend to see an almost immediate increase in 'New Kids' 'thanking another 'New Kid' for 'an informative post'.
I have noticed that,Dogsoldier. Sheffield's so called leaders patting each other on the back,perhaps?
Let me give more on that one. I got lost three times this morning. The TD announced the closing but not alternate routes nor were there any detour signs. AAARRRGGHHHH!!!! I got help from a sherriff. He said to go up to the first street and it would take me to rivermont. It brought me back out where i started. I need a heads up on directions here. mapster is murdering me. I am currently leaving my house in Sheffield and taking a friend's kids to school who live in rivermont. any takers on directions.
Sheffield doesn't need a golf course, it needs some innovative thinking on how to change. Do I have any ideas, not yet. Working on it.
Remember the vote for city council in a year in a half. They better make this good.
Sheffield doesn't need a golf course, it needs some innovative thinking on how to change. Do I have any ideas, not yet. Working on it.
Remember the vote for city council in a year in a half. They better make this good.
If you know where the Sheffield WISE Alloy plant is, you're going the right way....
I think Sheffield needs some type of family entertainment. Somebody said it will be a mini golf course? I'll take my kids to play there.
If Sheffield is to make any decent revenue it will be to create entertainment that will attract people from other areas.I don't know what that wold be,but Sheffield needs something that other areas in the Shoals don't have,Muscle Shoals already has a mini golf course.
If Sheffield is to make any decent revenue it will be to create entertainment that will attract people from other areas.I don't know what that wold be,but Sheffield needs something that other areas in the Shoals don't have,Muscle Shoals already has a mini golf course.
It really doesn't matter what they put here, unless they make the needed repairs to Second St. and Jackson Hwy.. No one is going to drive down those streets unless they absolutely have to. And if you come into Sheffield from Montgomery Ave. you have to deal with the coal trains.
And what you read about a mini-golf course was sarcasm.They want to build a regular golf course. That is for old wealthy people. They do need to look into some kind of entertainment for the whole family.
And what you read about a mini-golf course was sarcasm.They want to build a regular golf course. That is for old wealthy people. They do need to look into some kind of entertainment for the whole family.
They certainly do need more for families, but then again so does the whole Shoals area.
In the suburbs of Chicago they had a shopping mall that surrounded an indoor amusement park,huge roller coasters and the whole works.It was all inside,so the weather didn't interfere with it. This would be a big hit for families and would bring people from all over Al.,Ms. & Tn.
I was a teenager then, I worked all week and kept my grades up just so that I would get to go. My parents would take me and shop in the mall.
I was a teenager then, I worked all week and kept my grades up just so that I would get to go. My parents would take me and shop in the mall.
quote:Originally posted by SaltyDog:
yankeewitch states>>>>
They do need to look into some kind of entertainment for the whole family.
I agree. What do you think , specifically, would fit well here in Sheffield for families?
I've always thought a huge indoor entertainment complex. Foosball, air hockey, ice skating, movies, disco ( I LOVE DISCO- how wonderfully campy- people could dig out their old leisure suits and platform shoes!), to name a few. I used to live in Dallas. During the 70's, after DFW airport was up and running and old Love Field was languishing, some smart entrepreneur bought one wing of the airport and turned it into one of these. We had such fun and he made a fortune. I don't know of any one person with that kind of capital, but maybe the city could make an attractive offer to some investors for something like that. I really think people would come here from other areas of the Shoals as well as surrounding counties, especially if it were built somewhere in the city limits unimpeded by trains. Is there such a place?
Dallas MSA 6,000,000+
Shoals MSA 150,000
CF, I think my idea of an amusement park/mall would bring people in from all areas of Al.,Ms. & Tn.,so the number of people in the shoals area would not matter.
But even that isn't going to make people drive into Sheffield by way of Second St. or Jackson Hwy. Fix our streets first, then try to attract people here. You know put our best foot forward.
But even that isn't going to make people drive into Sheffield by way of Second St. or Jackson Hwy. Fix our streets first, then try to attract people here. You know put our best foot forward.
quote:Originally posted by yankeewitch:
CF, I think my idea of an amusement park/mall would bring people in from all areas of Al.,Ms. & Tn.,so the number of people in the shoals area would not matter.
But even that isn't going to make people drive into Sheffield by way of Second St. or Jackson Hwy. Fix our streets first, then try to attract people here. You know put our best foot forward.
Lets say you win the lottery/inherit enough money to build this amusement park. Do you locate it in the Shoals or in a bigger market?
CharlieFoxtrot states>>>
Lets say you win the lottery/inherit enough money to build this amusement park. Do you locate it in the Shoals or in a bigger market?
If I was sitting on top of millions, I'd build my indoor entertainment center in the Shoals, specifically SHEFFIELD. I live here and I would do it for the kids. Our kids need somewhere to go, something fun to do, and we have no movies, no bowling alleys, no skating rinks, nothing for the kids to do. At worst, only the good people of Sheffield would come and that's enough. At best, others would come and it would surely broaden out tax base and help put us on the map. I realize financially it would not be the best option for me, but the whole problem with Sheffield is that most people have to spend their money elsewhere. You've got to start somewhere and if something doesn't happen soon, Sheffield will all but disappear.
Lets say you win the lottery/inherit enough money to build this amusement park. Do you locate it in the Shoals or in a bigger market?
If I was sitting on top of millions, I'd build my indoor entertainment center in the Shoals, specifically SHEFFIELD. I live here and I would do it for the kids. Our kids need somewhere to go, something fun to do, and we have no movies, no bowling alleys, no skating rinks, nothing for the kids to do. At worst, only the good people of Sheffield would come and that's enough. At best, others would come and it would surely broaden out tax base and help put us on the map. I realize financially it would not be the best option for me, but the whole problem with Sheffield is that most people have to spend their money elsewhere. You've got to start somewhere and if something doesn't happen soon, Sheffield will all but disappear.
The golf coarse is a Privatly Held Venture the City will have no risk only more taxes from this venture. Being next to the closed park will give the golf coarse access to additional lands which may be leased by the City. The proposal is to bring private development two the Park that will create a Lodge and an a Major Indoor Outdoor Water Park. This will be an fun venue that local children and tourist can utilize, unlike anything that is currently available in out state. It may take an incentive to bring the development to Sheffield but if we got a 4 Star Marriott and a two Robert Trent Jones coarses with a duel County 1/2 cent gas tax then maybe with our support we can bring some incentive dollars to Sheffield. Please you guys find another horse to ride this is a good thing. Hats off to the City for trying to do something with this contaminated dirt and under funded closed down park. As for the Entertainment center the City is currently trying to work with developers that owns bowling and attraction facilities to try and bring a new project to the corner of Second and Woodward Avenues. This is all confidential of coarse so now you all know the inside scoop and should try to encourage our City Leadership to do more. If these venues are successful they will generate bed taxes, lease payments, advalorum taxes, food and beverage taxes.... all of which would be a start in the right direction or do you want more chemical factories and nuclear plants in your face! This information is not rumor or speculation just the truth!
quote:Originally posted by SaltyDog:
CharlieFoxtrot states>>>
Lets say you win the lottery/inherit enough money to build this amusement park. Do you locate it in the Shoals or in a bigger market?
If I was sitting on top of millions, I'd build my indoor entertainment center in the Shoals, specifically SHEFFIELD. I live here and I would do it for the kids. Our kids need somewhere to go, something fun to do, and we have no movies, no bowling alleys, no skating rinks, nothing for the kids to do. At worst, only the good people of Sheffield would come and that's enough. At best, others would come and it would surely broaden out tax base and help put us on the map. I realize financially it would not be the best option for me, but the whole problem with Sheffield is that most people have to spend their money elsewhere. You've got to start somewhere and if something doesn't happen soon, Sheffield will all but disappear.
That is a good and fair answer.
The lack of these type places in the Shoals is symptom of the problem not the problem itself. People move or stay in the area because of jobs. If you have jobs the other problems take care of themselves. When I say jobs I do not mean entry level retail/restaurant.
Charliefoxtrot, I agree. No single business, especially a big waterpark, golf course, or indoor amusement complex is going to be the fix. I'd still love to see a place where our local kids could hang out and have a great time, without having to spend a fortune to get in. I'd just love to see something the regular folks could enjoy. I know we have the parks, and that's great, but our teens don't need to be hanging out in the parks after dark. (Think Riverfront) Yankeewitch said she wanted something you don't have to be rich to enjoy. Me, too.
quote:Originally posted by azzkid:
The golf coarse is a Privatly Held Venture the City will have no risk only more taxes from this venture. Being next to the closed park will give the golf coarse access to additional lands which may be leased by the City. The proposal is to bring private development two the Park that will create a Lodge and an a Major Indoor Outdoor Water Park. This will be an fun venue that local children and tourist can utilize, unlike anything that is currently available in out state. It may take an incentive to bring the development to Sheffield but if we got a 4 Star Marriott and a two Robert Trent Jones coarses with a duel County 1/2 cent gas tax then maybe with our support we can bring some incentive dollars to Sheffield. Please you guys find another horse to ride this is a good thing. Hats off to the City for trying to do something with this contaminated dirt and under funded closed down park. As for the Entertainment center the City is currently trying to work with developers that owns bowling and attraction facilities to try and bring a new project to the corner of Second and Woodward Avenues. This is all confidential of coarse so now you all know the inside scoop and should try to encourage our City Leadership to do more. If these venues are successful they will generate bed taxes, lease payments, advalorum taxes, food and beverage taxes.... all of which would be a start in the right direction or do you want more chemical factories and nuclear plants in your face! This information is not rumor or speculation just the truth!
I hope these "private investors" do well and the city makes tons of new tax money. I just wondered why, if it's a group of "private investors" buying this land, and a "private individual" selling this land, is there a reason they need the city to broker the deal ? Is there some advantage for the city having owned this property before these "private investors" ?
A couple of us have been wondering the same thing.
quote:Originally posted by midknightrider:quote:Originally posted by azzkid:
The golf coarse is a Privatly Held Venture the City will have no risk only more taxes from this venture. Being next to the closed park will give the golf coarse access to additional lands which may be leased by the City. The proposal is to bring private development two the Park that will create a Lodge and an a Major Indoor Outdoor Water Park. This will be an fun venue that local children and tourist can utilize, unlike anything that is currently available in out state. It may take an incentive to bring the development to Sheffield but if we got a 4 Star Marriott and a two Robert Trent Jones coarses with a duel County 1/2 cent gas tax then maybe with our support we can bring some incentive dollars to Sheffield. Please you guys find another horse to ride this is a good thing. Hats off to the City for trying to do something with this contaminated dirt and under funded closed down park. As for the Entertainment center the City is currently trying to work with developers that owns bowling and attraction facilities to try and bring a new project to the corner of Second and Woodward Avenues. This is all confidential of coarse so now you all know the inside scoop and should try to encourage our City Leadership to do more. If these venues are successful they will generate bed taxes, lease payments, advalorum taxes, food and beverage taxes.... all of which would be a start in the right direction or do you want more chemical factories and nuclear plants in your face! This information is not rumor or speculation just the truth!
I hope these "private investors" do well and the city makes tons of new tax money. I just wondered why, if it's a group of "private investors" buying this land, and a "private individual" selling this land, is there a reason they need the city to broker the deal ? Is there some advantage for the city having owned this property before these "private investors" ?
I am understanding that the land could (or would) only be sold to a municipality. Sheffield is at minuscule risk on this deal.
BTW.... This project doesn't have anything to do with school funding or any tax payer's money. Geesh, some of you really need to think before you complain.
<rednevednavthinking>
wonder if this "private developer" will still be willing to move forward if Sheffield's Sunday sales referendum is voted down?
</rednevednavthinking>
DISCLAIMER: I personally stand to gain financially from this project (as do several of my neighbors). Naturally, I am going to be all for it.
I really don't know how the town of Sheffield raises money, so if one of the experts would tell me how money is raised for Sheffield without using tax payers money, I would really like to know. I'm not being sarcastic, I would really like to know.
One way they "raise" money is through sales taxes. The money used to purchase the land, most likely, could not be used for anything other than capital type purchases.
And by the way, this thing is going to be huge for Sheffield. Sit back and watch how this plays out. Mayor Anderson will be put on the $5 bill in Sheffield after this.