Ballpark tab overshot budget
Link (JG)

“Parkview Field cost nearly $3 million more to construct than expected, but reductions in the costs of other parts of Harrison Square mean fewer tax dollars will be spent on the project than projected.

Greg Leatherman, Fort Wayne executive director of redevelopment, briefed the City Council on Tuesday on the public costs for the downtown project – with an estimated total between $120 million and $130 million.

The most visible part so far – Parkview Field – ended up costing the city $27.7 million, above the $24.9 million budget. Hardball Capital, owner of the Fort Wayne TinCaps, spent $900,000 more than originally expected on the project, and that amount is included in the city’s overage.”

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“The city’s extra costs were for a larger-than-expected contract to ensure groundwater didn’t seep into the ballpark and for amenities added after the city knew there was money remaining in the Harrison Square budget.

Leatherman said those items included a children’s playground, shade structures for fans, and an enhanced “batter’s eye” to improve the look of the area just beyond the center-field wall.”

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“Councilman Tom Didier, R-3rd, said that while he supports Harrison Square, more doubters will arise the longer The Harrison lags.

“When you see that hole there, it’s a constant reminder it’s not finished,” he said. “It will start to wear on people.”

Tim Haffner, corporate counsel for the city, said he understands those concerns, and the city has started to address the problem with letters sent to the developer, Barry Real Estate, which is linked to Hardball Capital.

All options are being considered, Haffner said, but the city expects a response from the developer this month.”

Costs of Harrison Square explained to council
Link (NS)

“So far, Harrison Square is coming in below budget, the city’s director of redevelopment told City Council members Tuesday night.

But only because interest rates dropped sharply after the budget was developed, City Councilman Mitch Harper, R-4th, and other council members pointed out.”

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“Councilman Tom Didier, R-3rd, said the gaping holes that exist where the rest of the Harrison Square project detract from the image of downtown.

“I know you’re in a honeymoon stage with them” after the completion of Parkview Field, Didier said.

City Attorney Tim Haffner responded, “We’re back from the honeymoon.” Haffner said the city notified both companies in June 2 letters that they have failed to perform according to their contracts.

Leatherman said an official groundbreaking is scheduled for the hotel June 29.

City Councilman Tim Pape, D-5th, and Council President Tom Smith, R-1st, both pursued the question of what comes next for downtown. How does the city leverage more private investment to build momentum for revitalization?

“We still have some heavy lifting to do,” on Harrison Square, Leatherman said.”