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Today's Poll: Which five DRI projects do you most favor?

By Howard B. Owens
Which five DRI projects do you most favor?

This poll merely asks you to pick the five projects you favor the most regardless of cost. The DRI local committee is being asked to select projects with funding requests of $15 million, and then state officials will pick from those projects with a request totaling $10 million. So, cost aside, which five projects do you most favor?

Refer to this story for more information on the projects.

Howard B. Owens

That's not an option.

Further, that's just a big spit in the face of the rest of the community, most of whom are people who want to see Batavia move forward, who aren't afraid of change and believe in a brighter future.

Jan 11, 2018, 2:21pm Permalink
James Burns

I am surprised so many are voting for Batavia Showtime. The schedule for 3D movies being produced is expected to be down 40 percent for this year and the attendance is down 10% per 3D movie produced in 2017. 3D has peaked and interest is fading.

Movie box office receipts peaked in 2002 and have been steadily declining ever since.

I think we should all think carefully about putting money into a private business in a declining industry. I love movies but movie theaters do not seem like a solid investment in the community.

Jan 11, 2018, 9:37pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

Batavia Showtime has done very well since Kenny took it over and it's an important part of the mix that helps keep people downtown in our bars and restaurants.

The cost is a drop in the bucket compared to the return and the primary benefit here is the lounge seating. 3D seems like a nice have, but the lounge seating is critical.

People have been predicting the death of movie theaters for forty years. They're still here. Movies aren't what they used to be but it's unlikely movie theaters will completely disappear. Batavia Showtime is uniquely positioned as our only local theater. We should want to protect that.

As long as we're getting this money, most of this money should go to private, for-profit businesses because it's private, for-profit businesses that generate economic growth and pay the taxes that support the community.

Jan 12, 2018, 10:32am Permalink
James Burns

I get everyone wants good movie theater in town, so do I!

I think the tax payers money, and thats where the $10M comes form, should be used for projects that can show more growth or be multi use for the community. Building improvements, city infrastructure and even the farmers market can be used for other activities and businesses. Yes if people see a movie in town the will likely eat or drink in town. Conversely if they eat or drink in town they might see a movie in town. Or ride a bike to that movie ;) Buying Kenny some new seats and projectors that will devaluate, ware out and become obsolete in short order does not seem like a good community investment to me.

Again just my opinion, I was surprised at the support it received.

Jan 12, 2018, 12:47pm Permalink

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