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Just off I-80 near the Giles exit is La Vista’s Southport Center.”All the hotels, and also the family entertainment that’s out there, and there’s new projects,” La Vista Mayor Douglas Kindig said. Kindig said Southport was originally a $7.6 million investment, and since opening, it’s brought in nearly $40 million. It was made possible by the Economic Development Program.”We don’t have a lot of other tools that we can use for economic growth. This is our main one and our most important one,” Kindig said.The plan holds onto money for big projects — like The Astro — so developers don’t have to wait to start construction.”Council, when they incentivize a business, it’s not a giveaway,” Kindig said. “It’s an investment.”The CHI Health Multisport Complex is another product of the EDP. It brings in hundreds of visitors for tournaments every month.”Not only is it dining and lodging, people have entertainment options around us, too, which makes it really easy to sell the facility,” Cris Aleman, general manager of the complex, said.Originally passed in 2003, the EDP has only been used three times: the Embassy Suites hotel and conference center, the CHI Health Multisport Complex and the City Centre with The Astro. The EDP expires soon, leaving its fate in the hands of La Vista residents.”We’re asking the voters to give us that authority again, so that we’re ready for the next big project,” Kindig said.Voters have the chance to continue the plan for another 25 years. It’ll be on the ballot during May’s primary election.”These projects help us fund out day-to-day operations here at the city,” Kindig said. He told KETV the revenue goes towards infrastructure like park renovations and road updates.”Programs like this allow us to have access to these facilities, not only in La Vista, but in the state,” Aleman said.Kindig said he hopes the plan is renewed but currently has no upcoming developments.Make sure you can always see the latest news, weather, sports and more from KETV NewsWatch 7 on Google search.NAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Local News | National | Sports | Newscasts on demand |
Just off I-80 near the Giles exit is La Vista’s Southport Center.
“All the hotels, and also the family entertainment that’s out there, and there’s new projects,” La Vista Mayor Douglas Kindig said.
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Kindig said Southport was originally a $7.6 million investment, and since opening, it’s brought in nearly $40 million. It was made possible by the Economic Development Program.
“We don’t have a lot of other tools that we can use for economic growth. This is our main one and our most important one,” Kindig said.
The plan holds onto money for big projects — like The Astro — so developers don’t have to wait to start construction.
“Council, when they incentivize a business, it’s not a giveaway,” Kindig said. “It’s an investment.”
The CHI Health Multisport Complex is another product of the EDP. It brings in hundreds of visitors for tournaments every month.
“Not only is it dining and lodging, people have entertainment options around us, too, which makes it really easy to sell the facility,” Cris Aleman, general manager of the complex, said.
Originally passed in 2003, the EDP has only been used three times: the Embassy Suites hotel and conference center, the CHI Health Multisport Complex and the City Centre with The Astro. The EDP expires soon, leaving its fate in the hands of La Vista residents.
“We’re asking the voters to give us that authority again, so that we’re ready for the next big project,” Kindig said.
Voters have the chance to continue the plan for another 25 years. It’ll be on the ballot during May’s primary election.
“These projects help us fund out day-to-day operations here at the city,” Kindig said. He told KETV the revenue goes towards infrastructure like park renovations and road updates.
“Programs like this allow us to have access to these facilities, not only in La Vista, but in the state,” Aleman said.
Kindig said he hopes the plan is renewed but currently has no upcoming developments.
Make sure you can always see the latest news, weather, sports and more from KETV NewsWatch 7 on Google search.
NAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Local News | National | Sports | Newscasts on demand |
