Think Big says property values within walking distance of the arena will go up if the project is approved and developers will serve two purposes by buying the properties. New development would bring an economic boost to the city and the money paid by developers would help pay for construction of the arena. Think Big Executive Director, Chris Lehane says the model has worked in other cities.
Lehane: "I mean you're bringing economics out to neighborhoods and communities that are a fairly significant distance from where the actual arena in Kansas City is located. The exact same thing happened in a very short time period in Washington. The exact same thing happened in a short time period in Denver."
Think Big Sacramento says the V street, Capitol Mall, and 10th street lots could be sold for between 12 and 23 million dollars. Think Big Sacramento is scheduled to issue a complete report on funding options to the city council next Thursday.