When the plans for New Busch Stadium first became public, one of the great selling points, as is the case with all new stadiums, was the economic impact that the stadium will have on the city. It was supposedly going to bring St. Louis new jobs, new out of region money, and a better downtown in general. Busch Stadium is now halfway through its third season and Ballpark Village is still a mere mirage. It is still in the stages of being a vision. However, it looks like that vision may soon become more of a reality. According to the St. Louis Cardinals website, an agreement between the team, city, and the Cordish Company has been reached. Construction on the new center for shopping and entertainment will begin as soon as the city approves the project, which Mayor Francis Slay has backed.
The project, which has hit various snags and delays over the last few years, has become somewhat of a joke to various Cardinals fans, who have coined the term “Lake Dewitt” for the vacant area in reference to Cardinals Owner and President Bill Dewitt III.
The project is said to be able to provide 3,000 construction jobs and 2,000 new, permanent jobs to the area. The numbers sound pretty optimistic to me. However, if all goes to plan and the development covers its eight acres with retail space, the numbers could be feasible. The only question remains is---when? With the All-Star Game slated for St. Louis in less than a year, one would think that Mayor Slay and company would do everything they can to get this project off the ground, for both aesthetic and economic purposes. Although a general game at Busch Stadium probably provides relatively little economic impact, a major event like an All-Star Game could provide a substantially amount. One would think that the City of St. Louis and the Cardinals would do everything they can to get the development finished by next July so more out of region money can be used within the city limits.
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