JEFF CAPLAN'S MY MINUTE OF NEWS

Jeff’s Minute of News: Is the downtown redevelopment worth a billion dollars?

Jun 13, 2024, 6:57 PM

The Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, which is at the center of the plans to revitalize downtow...

The Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, which is at the center of the plans to revitalize downtown Salt Lake. (KSL NewsRadio file)

(KSL NewsRadio file)

Editor’s note: This is an editorial piece. An editorial, like a news article, is based on fact but also shares opinions. The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author and are not associated with our newsroom.

SALT LAKE CITY — Each of us is now asking ourselves, is it worth it?

This billion taxpayer dollars, to build a new entertainment district, in the heart of downtown. Should we be doing this?

I go back and forth. As far as the hockey goals… it’s impossible to follow that fast-moving puck. Amirite? I watch clips of games, and I have to rewind two or three times to figure out who scored the goal.  If they’re not going to make the puck bigger, I don’t want to buy tickets to a sport I can’t see. Sure, I’ll attend to find out if it’s fun, but I’m not ready to spend a billion dollars on hockey.

But on the other hand, and remember, we’re each asking for ourselves, this redevelopment project will finally get me off my hamburger diet.  See, the KSL Studio is right next door to the Delta Center on one side. But on the other side of our building you have Crown Burger.

It is the only eating establishment within walking distance. There’s nothing else. I work in an oasis of hungry people, just dying for someplace else to eat. Cities are supposed to have restaurants everywhere. But in the past 10 years, I’ve eaten enough Crown Burgers to pay for a billion-dollar entertainment district myself. Here at KSL – this is inside stuff –  a traditional greeting on my team is  “You want fries?” 

So if this redevelopment gets me a decent restaurant, and we’re spending YOUR tax dollars to do it. All aboard. I realize you might see things differently but from my seat a block away from this entertainment district, let the spending begin. And thank you! For your contribution.

Jeff Caplan is the host of Jeff Caplan’s Afternoon News on KSL NewsRadio. Follow him on Facebook and X. 

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Jeff’s Minute of News: Is the downtown redevelopment worth a billion dollars?