By: Jackie Hardy, NDG Contributing Writer
Residents of Irving and North Texas witnessed the implosion of Texas Stadium on April 11, 2010. Irving citizens and leaders felt more than just a little bit of history was demolished. But a little of Irving’s strong economic presence was also demolished on that historical day.
Many consider the proposed Irving Entertainment Center an opportunity for the city to maintain the economic value Texas Stadium brought to the city during the 30 plus years of the stadium’s operation.
“We really do not have anything to offer right now and I think it would be a good start to be able to have a world-class performance arts center where they can spend their leisure time or bring their families back to. I think the companies expect that of the businesses they locate here, said Tom Trotter, Chairman of the Board for Irving Healthcare Foundation and Vice-Chairmen of Governance for the Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce.”
“In 2010, Irving ranked number 13 of Texas’ Top 50 city retail markets, accounting for more than $2.2 billion in sales. The Entertainment Center would further improve Irving’s retail sales market, increasing Irving businesses revenue streams, and would encourage visitors to play, shop, dine, and do business in Irving,” a written statement by Ryan Pafford, Director of Communications and Technology for Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce.
The completed structure for the Entertainment Center will be a state-of-the art facility consisting of a concert hall with a maximum seat capacity of 7,500; public spaces to include a plaza and promenade equipped with stages for live entertainment and kiosks for food and art; and restaurants and concessions with diverse styles, flavors, and pricing.
This project would create jobs in construction along with establishing permanent jobs in the service, entertainment, and retail industries. According to the Las Colinas Group (LCG), Project Developer and Partner, the project will create 2,000 new jobs and bring more than 3.5 million visitors. This is the equivalent of increasing sales tax revenue base for the city.
The Irving Entertainment Center’s overall design will foster an atmosphere of cultural diversity in the areas of arts, food, and entertainment. Eleven original restaurant concepts will celebrate the international flavors and décor with superior first-class service. The intent is to provide a diverse selection of culinary choices for the customers ranging from steakhouse, Mexican, Italian, seafood, sushi and more.
Entertainment will serve as the main attraction for the diverse audiences this project is designed to target. Attracting a diverse audience will not be a problem for Irving as it is home to residents representing 17 different races and cultures according to the Irving International Women’s Consortium (information based from 2000 Census Bureau). The Irving Entertainment Center has an opportunity to become an international hub with respect to the world of arts and entertainment; where cultures of all race and ethnicity can come to celebrate the rich and diverse heritages that not only make up the city, but the surrounding DFW-Metroplex.
This project has not been met without opposition. In the recent Mayoral election, newly elected Mayor Beth Van Duyne ran her campaign against former Mayor Herbert Gears by pointing out issues related to the project financing, delays, and questions over LCG’s alleged improper spending of public funds. LCG has been vigilant in working to dispel what they called false claims and untruths in recent media reports. They dispute the claims that a total of $4.2 million paid to LCG for operating costs were unallowable expenses.
According to the Dallas Morning News, James Smith, CPA from Smith, Jackson, Boyer and Bovard Accounting Firm, conducted an investigation and provided a report to the Irving City Council. Smith’s report indicated more than the $269,000 paid by the city to LCG were not reimburseable expenses. Ultimately, LCG credited $136,000 back to the city. The report also denoted a total of $132,900 is what the developer is to refund or credit the city of Irving.
According to LCG, the audit showed only $133,000 comprising less than one percent disputed reimbursements; therefore, verifying all other expenses were eligible for reimbursement in accordance with paragraph 2.4 of the Development Agreement.
The controversies associated with the Entertainment Center continue to be the dark cloud looming over this project. Those in opposition of proceeding with the project have expressed their strong belief that an independent audit of LCG must be conducted before moving forward with the Irving Entertainment Center.
Irving citizen Joyce Howard has been one of the voices speaking out in favor of the city approving an independent audit on LCG. Howard is in favor of the independent audit. She believes more transparency is needed to regain the trust of the taxpayer and eliminate concerns that this project could become an enormous financial burden to the taxpayers.
The Irving City Council voted on August 4 against seeking proposals from independent accounting firms to conduct an independent audit. The council considered an audit to determine how the $22 million was spent by LCG on the development of this project.
“The folks over at the Center have a very strong desire to be a good corporate citizen. They want the leverage and core resources of that center to help the community as well as the youth of Irving,” added Trotter.
Trotter shared how the Entertainment Center can offer Irving educational, as well as, economic advantages. The schools will be able to utilize the facility for events; also, they can offer internships for students studying in the arts, entertainment and culinary fields.
Petitions by both supporters and opponents of the management and/or continued development of the Entertainment Center were launched. The initiators of both petitions want to send a message to City Council, as well as, ensure their issues are heard as the council goes forward with this project.
“I think the Entertainment Center is necessary if we are going to have a successful Convention Center. City Council seems to think there is no reason to have an audit because it will cost more money and not find anything wrong and I am not going to disagree with the Council,” said Jim Widener, retired attorney and local supporter of the project.
