00;00;00;04 - 00;00;25;22
Thomas Ouellette
After closing to the public in 2007 due to vandalism, Anderson Mayor Thomas Broderick Junior is hoping to remodel Athletic Park as a hub for community entertainment. Broderick's plan includes a water park with a lazy river and slides, several event spaces, and a large open lawn. He says early estimates have the project costing about $45 million. He asked for $38 million to come from the Anderson Redevelopment Commission through tax increment financing funding.

00;00;25;24 - 00;00;37;20
Thomas Ouellette
That's tax money saved for use in a specific area. Redevelopment Commission member Pete Bitter voiced criticism over investing so much money into such a project, without any market research on whether it's wanted.

00;00;37;23 - 00;00;49;27
Pete Bitar
Here we are with one meeting, one quick presentation, no real data, no real numbers, other than here's what it's going to cost, but nothing else. Nothing in terms of forecast or ROI or anything like.

00;00;49;29 - 00;01;04;18
Thomas Ouellette
BTR was joined by Danny McGee in voting no on the resolution, which passed with three yes votes. Broderick said the current site plan is subject to change and hasn't given any estimated construction or completion dates. Thomas Ouellette IPR news.