The Weather & Other Observations

Hope everyone had an enjoyable weekend!
What beautiful weather we're having. It's a shame the climate of sentiments in this town can't match the climate outside. Anyone who is paying attention is either confounded at the audacity, or is mad as hell that the ignorant masses won't shut up and go away.
There is a considerable, and almost palpable, amount of bitterness that surrounds the people and the political administration in New Albany. The YMCA/Scribner project has caused cracks of differences to develop into craters of mis-trust and downright hostility.
We have all watched, and listened, as one mis-step, misfortune, or misunderstanding after another has come to light as the mitigating circumstance by which so many projects have gone awry, been left uncompleted, or have become mired in controversy.
With all the problems facing our city, people are having a hard time understanding the massive expenditure, and trusting the decision making processes that have left us living in a city where:
Sewers are self-imploding
Drainage is a myth
Sidewalks are something the next street over gets
Garbage is reproducing
Meth-labs are rampant
and a myriad of other problems that are simply overwhelming...
...and we're just supposed to trust that everything has been carefully thought out and that decisions are being made that are in the best interests of the people who inhabit this small rivertown.
I (we) have a right to ask questions, expect (honest) answers, and to object if so inclined.
The antics that take place between our elected leaders at City-Council meetings is indicative of how much communication and understanding is going on among themselves.
I'm sorry, but coming in with newspapers under one arm to quote what so-and-so said about such-and-such, is a terribly unsettling example to witness for the public who entrusts these bodies of government to make long-term, multi-faceted decisions on our behalf.
The YMCA/Scribner project calls for a 17 year committment from Caesar's. That's a long time.
If I am expected to entrust that nothing would ever happen to that source of funding for 17 more years, well, gambling boats have come and gone in other towns. Then what?
For the Council members who are listening and responding to the voices of their constituents who want progress and growth, but well planned progress and smart growth, thank you.
We are not stupid, ignorant, recessive thinking globs of people. We are people who happen to have a different opinion, or aren't quite convinced that this is a good idea.
Admittedly, the project is going to happen regardless. But, what then?
How it is financed, and the agreement entered upon at the outset will determine it's true costs to the people of New Albany.
Another cause for pause appeared in last Friday's paper announcing the Redevelopment Commission (the true grant recipient, NOT the City) has hired an investment firm for a feasibility study of private development potential around the project. This $36,000 advise should have been sought out in the earlier stages of discussion. Now, we know that any talk of the development it will attract can truly be construed as nothing more than guesswork, as the feasibility study has not yet been done!